Production Associate: Paper

International Paper; Prattville (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) or Pension

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

International Paper, Prattville Mill, a major pulp and paper producer, seeks top operators. We offer rewarding careers starting as a Production Associate at $23.49 per hour, with opportunities to increase based on position and performance.

Our state‑of‑the‑art training and certification program accelerates skill development, enabling rapid advancement into higher positions within a technology‑driven operation and strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old and eligible to work in the US.
• Minimum high school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Equivalent work experience of 2 years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Safety Above All Else culture and wear PPE.
• Operate PIT including a skid steer to support paper machine operations.
• Follow LOTO procedures and all safety protocols.
• Assist paper machine operations with clothing installation and cores.
• Supply winders with necessary cores as needed.
• Perform general physical activities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Player

Dependability

Self-Motivation

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Position Title

JOB DESCRIPTION

Production Associate: Paper

Pay Rate

Production Associates will start at an entry level hourly rate of $23.49/hr with opportunities for overtime. Following successful completion of certification, associates can expect to make a minimum of $26.23/hr. After an initial onboarding period, the new hire will immediately begin a state‑of‑the‑art training and certification program to allow potential rapid advancement to higher position and increased wages.

Average annual earning potential within the first year is $50,000+, the future is bright for our top operators who earn more than $45/hr.

The Benefits You Will Enjoy

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short‑term Disability Plan, 401(k) and/or Pension (where applicable), Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets.

Category/Shift

Hourly Full‑Time; 12‑Hour Rotating Shifts; Dupont Schedule.

Physical Location

100 Jensen Road, Prattville, AL 36067 – [phone]

Job Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Eligible for employment in the US.
• Minimum high school graduate, GED equivalent or equivalent work experience of 2 years.
• Must be willing to meet the following requirements:
• Operate or work in industrial conditions (the environment will be loud, warm/hot, and dusty/dirty. Employees work around hazardous chemicals, heavy machinery and elevated working surfaces. The work includes repetitive motions (all employees receive proper safety training and safety protection).
• Undergo a drug screen for illicit use of drugs as a condition of employment.
• Undergo a job‑related health assessment as a condition of employment.
• Submit to periodic drug screens as a condition of employment.
• Work any shift and/or a rotating shift schedule.
• Work overtime on a regular basis and with last‑minute notification.
• Work holidays and/or weekends on a regular basis.
• Wear required safety equipment.

The Job You Will Perform

• Support International Paper’s Safety Above All Else culture in all respects, including utilization of designated PPE and the adherence with all Standard Operating Procedures in performing work.
• Support the Safety Above All Else culture by improving and maintaining housekeeping standards in designated work areas.
• Operate PIT including a skid steer to support paper machine operations.
• Support paper machine operations with Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and all safety protocols.
• Support paper machine operations in clothing installation.
• Support paper machine winder operations by supplying the winders with the necessary cores as needed.
• Follow the direction of senior operators in supporting operations.
• You will start in an entry‑level position and perform general physical activities.
• Job functions may involve physical, technical, and mechanical ability in order to perform the following duties:
• Climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials
• Monitoring, adjusting, and controlling operating equipment
• Conducting tests and inspections of products or processes to evaluate quality or performance
• Involves working collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

International Paper, Prattville Mill, a major pulp and paper producer is seeking top operators. We offer rewarding careers which start off as a Production Associate that will start at a rate of $23.49 per hour. The rate can then increase based on the position assigned. Successful operators will have the opportunity to quickly gain new skills and promote into advanced positions. Technologically advanced operations, leading edge training, outstanding benefits, and employment with a community leader awaits you.

The Skills You Will Bring

• Critical Thinking – Analyze and use logic to address issues
• Mechanical Aptitude – Capacity to apply mechanical principles to solve problems
• Team Player – Collaborate and work cooperatively across a multifunctional team
• Dependability – Being reliable, responsible, and dependable
• Self‑Motivation – Exerting effort towards training to move up to next position and accepting feedback to make improvements or take corrective action

Preferred Candidates Will Have

• Demonstrated stability through a consistent work history with at least 2 years consecutive employment; or,
• Demonstrated combination of technical training and school leadership activities; or,
• Other technical training or certifications such as Ready to Work programs; or,
• Pulp and Paper industry experience.

The Career You Will Build

Our training and certification program will provide many opportunities to develop new skills for advancement.

Future Opportunities May Include

• Becoming a skilled trainer for future new employees
• Becoming a safety advocate and leader
• Leadership Development training to allow for potential growth into supervisory roles

The Impact You Will Make

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience

International Paper 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.

The Company You Will Join

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

International Paper 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.