Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist

Global Cellulose Fibers; Grande Prairie; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Cellulose Fibers in Grande Prairie, AB, is seeking an Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist to administer OT and DCS systems, analyze workflows, and collaborate with IT to support operational and business goals.

The role focuses on system security, software roadmaps, PCN management, and delivering on-site controls technology solutions in a heavy industrial pulpmill environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Automation, or related discipline preferred). Equivalent training and experience would be considered.
• 5 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or process control systems.
• Strong background in managing and administering PCN, DCS, PLCs, and process control applications.
• Proven experience supporting capital projects, system upgrades, and MOC processes in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a pulp and paper or heavy industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT and DCS system administration including security, safety, and config management.
• Manage system software, release roadmaps, and PCN network definitions.
• Handle PCN virtualization, VM management, and thin client deployment.
• Maintain system documentation, vendor references, and licenses.
• Apply backups, patching, archiving, and media upgrades.
• Assess performance impacts of projects and IT interfaced systems.
• Ensure PCN cybersecurity compliance.
• Maintain PCN hardware inventory and approve software/hardware.
• Develop short- and long-term plans for controls technology.
• Deliver on-site controls technology solutions; comply with EHS and IT standards; maximize lifecycle value.
• Provide technical support for process optimization.
• Support pulpmill change improvements (MOC reviews).
• Respond to process issues or change requests.
• Design and maintain networking documents for PCN and OT.

Skills

IT & Networking

DCS/PLCs/HMI

PCN knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Planning & design

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

Integrity

PI

AMS

Loop tuning software

Plant Triage

Job description

Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist

Category/Shift

Salaried Full-Time

Pay Rate

$99,800 - $133,000

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Physical Location

Grande Prairie Pulp Mill

53024A Resources Road

County of Grande Prairie No.1

Directions: Travel 12 kms south of Grande Prairie on Resources Road.

To learn more about the Northwest Alberta region, please visit Work NW Alberta

The Job You Will Perform

The Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist is responsible foradministering and maintaining new and existing automated systems that streamline operational processes, enhance productivity, and reduce manual intervention. The successful candidate will analyze existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and have a strong relationship with IT to help deliver and maintain applications to support operational and business goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide system administration services for Operational Technologies (OT) and the DCS including;
  • System security, operational safety, and configuration management.
  • System software management including maintaining a road map of releases.
  • PCN network definitions including IP address assignments, network routing, and ethernet switch configuration.
  • PCN virtualization and VM management including thin client configuration and deployment for virtualized environments.
  • System documentation and vendor references.
  • Software license and support agreements including response to alerts and bulletins.
  • System software maintenance functions, backups, patching, archiving, and media upgrades.
  • Assessment of performance impacts of project or maintenance work, IT or other interfaced systems.
• Ensure compliance of the Process Control Network (PCN) to relevant cyber security standards.
• Maintain a PCN hardware inventory and provide feedback and approval on all software and hardware to be connected to or loaded on the PCN.
• Ensure short and long term plans for the applications and systems for the controls technology area are developed.
• Ensure the selection, application, and delivery of controls technology solutions on-site:
  • Comply with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards and meet legal requirements
  • Comply with technology and IT standards
  • Provide the best life cycle value
• Provide technical support for optimization of existing processes and equipment.
• Ensure technical support for the pulpmill change improvements (MOC reviews).
• Provide response support for process issues or controls change requests.
• Design and maintain networking documents specific to the PCN and OT system.

The Skills You Will Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Automation, or related discipline preferred). Equivalent training and experience would be considered.
• 5 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or process control systems.
• Strong background in managing and administering Process Control Network (PCN), DCS, PLCs, and process control applications.
• Proven experience supporting capital projects, system upgrades, and MOC processes in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a pulp and paper or heavy industrial setting.

Technical Skills

• General IT, OPC, TCP/IP networking, switch configuration, and virtual environment knowledge
• Knowledge in DCS, PLC, HMI implementation, support, programming, logic design, etc.
• Working knowledge of GCF and mill tools - e.g. Integrity, PI, AMS, Loop tuning software, Plant Triage
• Process Control Theory
• Leadership
• Communication
• Planning and design
• Problem solving and troubleshooting
• Project management

About Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF)

Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our safe, high-quality pulp forms the basis for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, our specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more. GCF generated $2.8B in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Additional information can be found by visiting globalcellulosefibers.com.

Why GCF

Global Cellulose Fibers promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

We've Got You Covered

At Global Cellulose Fibers, our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans. We are proud to offer a variety of benefits to support our employees and their families, including:

• Paid time off including Vacation and Holidays
• Medical & Dental
• Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• On-site Cafeteria
• On-site Nurse
• Strong Safety Culture

Global Cellulose Fibers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Global Cellulose Fibers complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].