Machine Operator – Paper Mill
Job Description
To set up, operate, monitor and perform first-line care on a designated paper-mill or converting machine while maintaining safety, quality, output and waste standards.
Minimum Requirements / Qualifications
- Grade 12 or equivalent
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Relevant NQF Level 2–4 manufacturing, tissue-converting or pulp-and-paper qualification advantageous
- One to three years’ experience on comparable production machinery
- Machine-specific operating competency
- Basic mechanical aptitude and measurement skills
- Ability to complete production documents accurately
- Knowledge of quality checks, defect identification and waste control
- Lockout/tagout and machine-guarding awareness
- Willingness to work shifts and overtime
- Medical fitness for moving machinery, noise and physical work
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Conduct pre-start inspections
- Set up machine parameters for the product specification
- Load raw materials and remove finished products safely
- Monitor speed, tension, alignment, temperature, pressure and quality
- Perform grade, size or product changeovers
- Measure product quality and identify defects
- Record production, waste and downtime
- Clear minor jams under approved isolation procedures
- Perform cleaning, lubrication and autonomous-maintenance checks
- Escalate mechanical, electrical and process faults
- Follow lockout, guarding and machine-safety requirements
- Achieve production and waste targets