Entry Level Operator

Smurfit-Westrock; Dublin (GA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Dublin, GA invites applicants for a Mill Operator Trainee. Starting pay is $20.48 per hour, with growth opportunities as you gain experience and certification.

You will receive hands-on training operating equipment such as forklifts and loaders, while learning safety procedures, quality checks, and team collaboration in a supportive environment. This entry role offers a path to a long-term manufacturing career.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of steady work in the past 5 years OR a recent high school graduate within the last 12 months.
• Comfort using a computer; familiarity with Microsoft Office is a plus.
• Willingness to learn to safely operate manufacturing equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment including forklifts, clamp trucks, and front-end loaders as a trainee.
• Follow safety rules to keep the workplace accident-free.
• Keep work area tidy and organized for efficiency.
• Support different parts of the mill and assist as needed.
• Learn to load and unload products for truck, rail, and intermodal transport.
• Incorporate quality checks into daily tasks and learn standard verifications.
• Speak up about maintenance or safety issues to improve operations.

Skills

Team player

Communication skills

Positive attitude

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Welcome to Smurfit Westrock!

Are you ready to start a hands-on career where you’ll learn valuable skills, work with a great team, and have plenty of room to grow? As a Mill Operator Trainee at our Dublin, GA facility, you’ll receive training to operate equipment such as Forklifts, Clamp Trucks, and Front-end Loaders — all while building a foundation for a rewarding future. Starting pay begins at $20.48 per hour, with opportunities to increase as you gain experience and grow with the team. If you’re dependable, eager to learn, and ready to work safely in a team environment, we want to hear from you!

How You’ll Make a Difference at Smurfit Westrock

• Help keep our workplace safe and accident-free by following all safety rules and procedures every day.
• Keep your work area tidy and organized — a clean space helps everyone work better.
• Support different parts of the mill by pitching in wherever help is needed, gaining hands-on experience across the operation.
• As a trainee, you will learn to operate key fundamental equipment, such as the bander, wrapper, labeler, and learn to load and unload products for truck, rail and intermodal transport.
• Quality work is essential and is built into your training plan. You’ll learn how to do incorporate quality checks and verifications into your daily tasks.
• With a focus on always finding better ways to work, every employee is encouraged and supported to speak up about maintenance or safety issues.
• We work respectfully and professionally with teammates across departments, always keeping safety, environmental care, and quality top of mind.

What Helps You Succeed Here

Education

• A high school diploma or GED is all you need to get started.

Experience

• We're looking for someone withat least 2 years of steady work experience in the past 5 years,
  OR
  a recent high school graduate (within the last 12 months) ready to launch a hands-on career.

Comfort with Basic Technology

• Be comfortable using a computer for simple tasks.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office is a plus, but not required — we’re happy to train you.

Willingness to Learn

• If you’re eager to learn how to safely operate manufacturing equipment and tools, we’ll provide the training and support you need.

Work Ethic and Reliability

• We value team members who show up on time, stay focused, and take pride in doing quality work.
• Following instructions and paying attention to detail are important parts of staying safe and successful in this role.

Schedule Flexibility

• You’ll work a modified southern swing shift, meaning your schedule will rotate between day and night 12-hour shifts, including some weekends. This setup gives you built-in days off and helps keep things balanced over time.
• We sometimes need extra help to meet production goals, so being open to overtime or occasional short-notice shifts is a big plus.
• We understand life happens, and we work with you as best we can.

Team Player Mindset

• This is a team-focused environment, so strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with others will help you thrive.

What You Can Look Forward To

• A competitive hourly wage that reflects your skills and your potential to grow with us.
• Comprehensive, hands-on training and development to help you build the skills you need for a long-term career.
• A supportive, team-focused workplace where integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence are part of everything we do.
• Being part of a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion aren’t just words — they’re values we live by.
• Plenty of opportunities to learn and grow through ongoing training programs and career development resources.
• A chance to build a meaningful career where your efforts make a real impact.

Start Building Your Future with Us

At Smurfit Westrock, we believe in investing in our people. This trainee role is your chance to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and grow your career with a company that truly cares about your success. If you’re ready to bring your positive attitude and strong work ethic to a supportive team, apply today and take the first step toward a bright future!

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

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.