Production Operator Apprentice Packaging 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 machine
- Operate Cranes and HoistCheck rolls for defects
- Insert paper cores
- Inside work
- Shipping and Old Corrugated Cardboard (O.C.C.):Operate clamp truck and bale truck
- Load and unload truck trailers and rail cars of either O.C.C. or finished rolls
- From storage/warehouse, load conveyor with O.C.C. or unload conveyor of finished rolls
- Inside work for shipping
- Outside 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 hose
- Clean catwalks and conveyor belts
- Works at heights of excess of 50 feet
- Outside work in all elements
- Pulp Mill and Powerhouse:
- Ground and outside person
- Monitor equipment and relay information to "A" Operators
- Make adjustments to equipment as needed
- Emergency Response Team:
- Production Operator Apprentice will be required to be a member of the Emergency Response TeamFire, Confined Space, HazMatAttend and participate in quarterly training
- Work at heights and in confined spaces
- Meet requirements to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Basic Qualifications:- At least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent 24 months' full-time work experience with 12 months industrial experience in the last 36 months
- Ability to work 12-hour rotating day/night shifts and overtime
- Good communication skills
- Strong safety, attendance and teamwork background
- Ability 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 StatesMust possess a Valid driver's license without restrictions
Preferred qualifications:
5+ years' experience in an industrial / manufacturing setting or equivalent military experience
The 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 package
- Tests 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 principles
- Basic arithmetic skills
- The ability to visualize three-dimensional figures
- The ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately
- Basic verbal ability
- The interview will be conducted by a four-person board and involves a review of each candidates:
- Work history
- Achievements and accomplishments
- Knowledge and skill acquisition
- Interpersonal skills and helpfulness
- Task related likes and dislikes
- Physical demands experienced on previous jobs
All qualified applicants must apply by October 16, 2026 at careers.packagingcorp.comPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary for position: $26.02 per hour.
Paid Vacation: One week vacation for first year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year after completing 60 work day probation.
Paid Holidays after completing 60-work day probation.
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 Employer Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.
