Operates plant to produce paper pulp from woodchips and to make paper sheets.

• Loads the digester with raw materials and chemicals; regulates and adjusts the temperature and pressure within the digester; tests samples by titration or standard colour test to determine completion of process; drains liquid from digester and monitors the removal of the cooked pulp; takes samples of bleached material for laboratory testing; washes bleached material and blends to obtain uniform quality; may be required to add chemicals during the bleaching process and complete chemical or electrolytic tests; undertakes the addition of size, fillers, dyes, alum and chemicals, and tests for correct consistency; ensures transfer of completed batch to storage tanks where it is kept under agitation to maintain consistency; may mix and cook colouring matter for dyeing product in the machine; controls flow of wet pulp through rotary screens to paper making machines; operates drier and calendar rollers; operates super-calendar to impart gloss and finish to surface of paper; operates machine to glaze or impregnate paper with coating mixture; separates sheets from felts and lays sheets in packs, re-presses packs; separates sheets from pack and dries.

• Works indoors in a paper mill. Works in dirty, noisy and sometimes hot environments with a range of often large, mostly electronically-controlled machines.
• Often works shifts.
• Wears appropriate protective clothing and equipment including gloves, ear and eye protection.

• Medium physical work demand
• Stands frequently on concrete floors and walks about work areas.
• May work at a computerised control panel that is operating the machinery.
• Occasionally stretches up and across and bend. Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required when inspecting machines, production or finished goods. Twisting the body or neck is not required.
• Contact with skin irritants or water may occur during production processes such as the addition of chemical additives to pulp mixes.
• Frequently lifts and carries items of equipment, raw materials and chemicals.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements may be required in the operation of machinery of computer based control systems.
• Driving is not required for most roles.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, technical skills and problem-solving.

An NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.