Paper Machine Utility

Build a Career with Clearwater Paper Clearwater Paper is looking for motivated, reliable individuals to join our Paper Machine team at our Lewiston mill. This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing with a company that values safety, teamwork, continuous learning, and internal advancement. We are seeking individuals who take pride in their work, show up ready to contribute, and want to be part of a team that produces quality paper board products used by customers across North America.

Whether you have prior paper-making experience or a strong manufacturing background, we provide the training needed to help you succeed and grow.

Why Join Clearwater Paper? Competitive Pay

• Starting wage of $30.31 per hour
• Additional wage progression as employees train and qualify on higher-skilled positions
• Overtime opportunities available

Union Benefits

• Represented by a collective bargaining agreement
• Clearly defined wage progression opportunities
• Established seniority system
• Contract-negotiated wages and benefits
• Opportunity to bid on higher-level positions as skills and qualifications increase

Strong Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays and vacation benefits

• Company-sponsored retirement program

• 401(k) plan with:

• 1% automatic company contribution

• 55% company match on the first 6% contributed by employees

• Maximum company contribution of 4.3%

Work-Life Balance Employees Work a Rotating Schedule That Provides

• 2 day shifts
• 2 night shifts
• 4 consecutive days off. Many employees enjoy having four days off in each work cycle, providing extended time for family, recreation, and personal commitments.

Career Advancement Opportunities The Utility position serves as an entry point into the Paper Machine department. Employees are trained on multiple operating positions and have opportunities to advance into higher-skilled and higher-paying roles as they become qualified on additional positions throughout the department.

What You'll Do As a Paper Machine Utility, you will support the operation of Clearwater Paper's #2 Paper Machine and assist with producing high-quality paper board products safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities Include

• Learn and perform multiple jobs throughout the Paper Machine department
• Support paper machine operations and production activities
• Monitor product quality and process performance
• Assist with machine startups, shutdowns, and operational changes
• Perform cleaning and housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe work environment
• Communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and team members
• Follow all safety procedures and operating practices
• Help identify and resolve operational issues
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain attendance and dependability standards required for a 24/7 manufacturing operation

Working Environment This position is located in an active manufacturing facility. Employees should expect:

• Exposure to hot and humid conditions
• Industrial noise requiring hearing protection
• Frequent walking and standing throughout the shift
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Working around large operating equipment
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Is This Job Right for You? Role The individuals who are most successful in this role enjoy hands-on work, staying active throughout the day, and being part of a team that keeps production running safely and efficiently. You may be a great fit for this position if you:

• Are dependable, reliable, and committed to maintaining strong attendance
• Take pride in working safely and contributing to a safety-focused culture
• Enjoy active, hands-on work rather than sitting at a desk
• Are comfortable working 12-hour rotating shifts in a manufacturing environment
• Can work safely and effectively in hot, industrial conditions
• Work well as part of a team while taking ownership of your responsibilities
• Have a strong work ethic and are willing to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• Enjoy physically active work and staying engaged throughout your shift
• Have experience in manufacturing, paper, wood products, agriculture, construction, mining, food processing, or similar industries
• Value long-term stability, competitive benefits, and opportunities for advancement
• Are interested in building a long-term manufacturing career and increasing your earnings through training and progression opportunities

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to perform physically demanding work
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing, production, industrial, or paper-making experience
• Experience operating industrial equipment
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Experience working rotating shifts
• Experience in pulp and paper, wood products, food processing, agriculture, mining, or other industrial operations

Why People Stay Many of our employees build long-term careers at Clearwater Paper because of the competitive pay, strong benefits, opportunities for advancement, and the pride that comes from producing a quality product as part of a skilled manufacturing team.

Starting in an entry-level role can be the first step toward a long-term career. Employees have opportunities to advance through their department’s line of progression, explore roles across the mill, and pursue salaried supervisory and leadership opportunities as they build their skills and experience.

If you're dependable, hardworking, willing to learn, and looking for a stable career opportunity, we'd like to hear from you!