Assistant Superintendent - Recaust/Evaporator

Smurfit-Westrock; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock is seeking an Assistant Superintendent for the Recaust/Evaporator at the WA Longview mill. You will oversee safety, environmental performance, product quality, costs and equipment efficiency, directing a team including an Operations Maintenance Coordinator and union hourly staff.

Responsibilities include developing a safety culture, leading continuous improvement, planning outages, and driving cost reductions.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering or equivalent Pulp Mill Supervisory experience.
• Strong trouble shooting and decision-making skills required.
• Strong organizational skills and acumen for analytical tools to provide direction to Process Engineer.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Computer skills / ability to develop proficiency is mandatory.
• Respond to equipment issues after hours, weekends, holidays as required.
• Work is performed in both an office environment and all pulp mill areas with exposure to noise, hazards, and climate changes.

Responsibilities

• Act as floor level lead in implementing Continuous Improvement culture and RI process.
• Drive capital improvement and cost reduction initiatives across the Recaust/Evaporator department.
• Lead a team including an Operations Maintenance Coordinator and union hourly workers.
• Coordinate safety, environmental, quality, and productivity goals.
• Partner with vendors to optimize machinery reliability and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Decision making

Analytical tools

Communication

Computer skills

Education

BS degree in Engineering

Job description

Assistant Superintendent - Recaust/Evaporator

Locations

WA Longview Mill

Employment Type

Full Time

Date Posted

10-Aug-2026

Relocation Support

Yes

Description & Requirements

The opportunity:

The Recaust/Evaporator Assistant Superintendent is responsible for department safety performance, environmental performance, product quality, costs and equipment efficiency, and productivity. This position will direct a system with the purpose of optimizing overall Pulp Mill efficiency. The Recaust/Evaporator Asst Supt is also responsible for the direction of an Operations Maintenance Coordinator, process engineering support, operator training program, and union hourly employees assigned to the Recaust/Evaporator department.

How you will impact WestRock:

• Actively assist in developing a safety culture at the floor level resulting in an injury free workplace and assist in implementing mill safety efforts at the crew level.
• Develop and implement process to promote safety engagement with operating team members.
• Implement and drive process to ensure proper equipment rounds are completed and operator logs reviewed multiple times per day.
• Prepare and plan for outages and Lock Out/Tag Out and lead the execution strategy.
• Serve as the floor level lead in the implementation of a Continuous Improvement culture.
• Lead the RI process and ensure actionable items completed timely.
• Drive capital improvement process. Determine needs, develop projects, and be operations lead through the entire capital process.
• Drive cost reduction process. Monitor costs (chemical, maintenance, etc.) and develop cost reduction priorities. Implement cost reduction processes.
• Working with vendors to optimize machine and achieve target reliability.
• Facilitate the development of the knowledge and skills of employees to improve equipment performance.
• Periodic weekend duty coverage as Pulp Mill Representative.
• Develop a positive, proactive, enthused, and energized workforce.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Manager.

What you need:

• A BS degree in Engineering or equivalent Pulp Mill Supervisory experience.
• Strong trouble shooting and decision-making skills required.
• Strong organizational skills and acumen for analytical tools to provide direction to Process Engineer.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Computer skills / ability to develop proficiency is mandatory.
• Respond to equipment issues after hours, weekends, holidays as required.
• Position requires regular keyboarding, sitting, standing and walking as well as occasional lifting of 25lbs or more. Work is performed in both an office environment and all pulp mill operational areas where one may be exposed to environmental noises and hazards as well as severe climate changes.
• Use of proper personal protection equipment is required depending on the location and potential hazards including safety shoes, safety vest, hard hat, gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses, and respiratory protection.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work at the crew level; performance management; mentoring; managing disciplinary actions; fielding complaints and communicating to Department Manager to assist in problem resolution.
• Position has direct reporting responsibilities to the Department Manager which includes assignment of work to Crews and compliance with policies and applicable laws and oversight of individual salaried performance or issues.
• Directs and supervises the work of contract employees on floor level activities.
• Provides assistance to cross-functional project teams as assigned by the Department Manager.
• Manage and maintain operations within allocated performance metrics and floor level budget metrics.

Compensation Offered

• Salary Range: $91,500 - $152,500Salary based on experience of candidate. Short-Term Incentive Plan bonus available.

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

The salary range for this position is $91,500.00 - $152,500.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.