Operator Apprentice 1

Production Operator ApprenticePackaging Corporation of America, DeRidder, LA paper mill, a leader in safety, is seeking applicants possessing safety leadership skills for the following positions in its production department.Starting pay for Production Operator Apprentice is $26.02 per hour. After successful completion of 60-work day probationary period, candidates will be eligible for a wage increase every six months for two (2) years when Operator "C" classification is achieved.The Production Operator Apprentice is an entry level position that will work in all departments of the mill. During the two (2) year Apprenticeship, the Production Operator Apprentice will perform the duties to become a "C" Operator in their assigned department. This may include driving a lift truck, operating heavy equipment, operating and monitoring equipment.Principle Accountabilities:Depending on where the Production Operating Apprentice is assigned, the following are some of the job tasks:Paper Machine:Process finished paper as it comes off the paper machineOperate Cranes and HoistCheck rolls for defectsInsert paper coresInside workShipping and Old Corrugated Cardboard (O.C.C.)Operate clamp truck and bale truckLoad and unload truck trailers and rail cars of either O.C.C. or finished rollsFrom storage/warehouse, load conveyor with O.C.C. or unload conveyor of finished rollsInside work for shippingOutside work for O.C.C.Woodyard:Operate Heavy Equipment (Dozers, Bobcat, Front End Loaders, 18-wheeler log truck, etc.)Cleanup bark, chips. Use shovel, rake, and water hoseClean catwalks and conveyor beltsWorks at heights of excess of 50 feetOutside work in all elementsPulp Mill and Powerhouse:Ground and outside personMonitor equipment and relay information to "A" OperatorsMake adjustments to equipment as neededEmergency Response Team:Production Operator Apprentice will be required to be a member of the Emergency Response TeamFire, Confined Space, HazMatAttend and participate in quarterly trainingWork at heights and in confined spacesMeet requirements to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)Basic Qualifications:At least 18 years of ageHigh School Diploma or GED equivalent24 months' full-time work experience with 12 months industrial experience in the last 36 monthsAbility to work 12-hour rotating day/night shifts and overtimeGood communication skillsStrong safety, attendance and teamwork backgroundAbility to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions)Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.Must be authorized to work in the United StatesPreferred qualifications: 5+ years' experience in an industrial / manufacturing setting or equivalent military experienceThe successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:Must be willing to work closely on a day-to-day basis with other production personnel.Ability to share ideas with others to solve problems of essential importance.Work with a sense of urgency.Strong computer skills.PCA provides a competitive comprehensive benefits packageTests and Board Interview:Those selected to go through the PCA hiring process will be asked to take a series of five written tests and take part in a structured board interview.The five written tests are all timed and involve:Basic mechanical principlesBasic arithmetic skillsThe ability to visualize three-dimensional figuresThe ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accuratelyBasic verbal abilityThe interview will be conducted by a four-person board and involves a review of each candidates:Work historyAchievements and accomplishmentsKnowledge and skill acquisitionInterpersonal skills and helpfulnessTask related likes and dislikesPhysical demands experienced on previous jobsAll qualified applicants must apply by July 5, 2026 atCareers.packagingcorp.comPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled and other protected categoriesCompensation and BenefitsStarting salary for position: $26.02 per hour.Paid Vacation: Accrued hours after 60 work day probation has been completed. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.Paid Holidays after 60 workday probation has been completed.Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA's good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.PCA is an Equal Opportunity EmployerQualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.