Junior Paper Mill Technician - Training & Growth Path

Smurfit Westrock; City of Syracuse (NY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Solvay Mill seeks an entry-level Team Support Technician in Solvay, NY. The role trains the right candidate to become a technical expert in paper making, with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Starting pay is $23.77/hour, with progression to $28.31/hour after probation. Candidates must be willing to perform physically demanding tasks and learn in a pay-for-skills environment, with comprehensive training and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and prior work experience.
• Ability to train and advance in a pay-for-skills environment.
• Safety- and quality-conscious work habits.
• Above-average written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and team skills.
• Must be computer literate with a good understanding of Microsoft products and email.
• Ability to climb stairs, lift 40 pounds unaided, read signs & information systems, and respond to paging, alarm and warning systems.
• Tolerance for heat/humidity (summer) and cold (winter) environments.

Responsibilities

• Knows and follows all safety, warehouse, and ISO policies/procedures.
• Inspects trailers for damage and prepares rolls for shipping.
• Places jack stands and chocks on parked trailers.
• Sweeps railcars and trailers; ensures proper packing material and band tightness.
• Reviews customs and shipping paperwork; coordinates dock activity.
• Assists with paper machines during unplanned downtime.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy (MS Office)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Opportunity:
Smurfit Westrock Solvay Mill is seeking Team Support Technician (Entry Level Operations Position) at Solvay NY. This position is entry level, and the right candidate will be taught skills needed to be successful. The goal of this role is to grow with the organization and become a technical expert in paper making.

Pay Range:$23.77 per hour, and after probationary period, $28.31 per hour

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Knows and follows all safety, warehouse, and ISO policies/procedures
• Inspects trailers for damage – inside/outside, prior to loading finished rolls of paper
• Places jack stands and chocks in appropriate positions on parked trailers
• Sweeps out railcars and trailers thoroughly
• Makes sure packing material (dunnage) is available to keep rolls of paper in position while traveling
• Makes sure finished paper rolls have correct placement and tightness of shipping bands to secure roll for traveling
• Reviews customs and shipping paperwork
• Outbound scaling / controlling dock activity (live loads, drop loads)
• Communicates with spotters at beginning of each shift on what trailers are needed
• Back-up scale admin for each shift
• Corrects hold tags and reassigns rolls
• Assists with physical inventory
• Secures railcar and trailer loads
• Enters drop loads into CMS
• Helps with the paper machines during unplanned downtime
• Starch unloading
• Conducts proper shift relief

What you need to succeed:

• High school diploma or equivalent and previous work experience.
• Ability to successfully train and advance in the pay-for-skills environment.
• Safety and quality-conscious work habits.
• Above average written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and team skills.
• Must be computer literate with good understanding of Microsoft products and email.
• Ability to climb stairs, lift 40 pounds unaided, read, respond to Mill signs & information systems, hear/respond to Mill paging systems, alarm, and warning systems
• Tolerance for heat/humidity (summer months) & cold (winter months) environments

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

The starting rate is $23.77 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may 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, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 6/5/26

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