Softwood (SW) Operator

Sappi Papier Holding; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi Papier Holding is seeking a Softwood (SW) Operator to control the softwood plant from the Softwood Entry Deck to the Softwood Chip Pile. You will operate plant machinery, perform checks, and monitor log feeding, debarking and chipping processes to ensure optimal production and quality.

The role requires basic qualifications in Math and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper, plus 6–12 months of Woodyard experience. Join a global leader with strong safety and development programs.

Qualifications

• Matric with Math’s and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper.
• Minimum of 6–12 months’ experience working within the Woodyard Section.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate, start up and shut down softwood plant machinery in accordance with Best Operating Procedures (BOPs) and safety requirements.
• Perform pre-operational checks and monitor plant equipment using physical inspections, CCTV and SCADA systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Control and monitor log feeding, debarking and chipping operations to optimise chip quality, minimise timber wastage and prevent equipment damage.
• Monitor plant performance and identify abnormal or emergency conditions, taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor and maintain continuous chip production and supply, ensuring the plant operates at optimum capacity to meet daily production and quality targets.
• Identify and safely clear log, bark and foreign-material blockages on conveyor systems and assist with related plant interventions and knife changes.
• Monitor log and chip quality, identify deviations and communicate production, quality, equipment and operational issues to the relevant stakeholders.
• Comply with SHEQ requirements by identifying and mitigating risks, reporting unsafe conditions and incidents, conducting BBS observations and maintaining good housekeeping/5S standards.

Education

Matric with Maths & Physical Science

N3 in Pulp and Paper

Job description

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for a Softwood (SW) Operator to control the operations of Softwood plant from Softwood Entry Deck to Softwood Chip Pile.

As a Softwood (SW) Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Safely operate, start up and shut down softwood plant machinery in accordance with Best Operating Procedures (BOPs) and safety requirements.
• Perform pre-operational checks and monitor plant equipment using physical inspections, CCTV and SCADA systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Control and monitor log feeding, debarking and chipping operations to optimise chip quality, minimise timber wastage and prevent equipment damage.
• Monitor plant performance and identify abnormal or emergency conditions, taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor and maintain continuous chip production and supply, ensuring the plant operates at optimum capacity to meet daily production and quality targets.
• Identify and safely clear log, bark and foreign-material blockages on conveyor systems and assist with related plant interventions and knife changes.
• Monitor log and chip quality, identify deviations and communicate production, quality, equipment and operational issues to the relevant stakeholders.
• Comply with SHEQ requirements by identifying and mitigating risks, reporting unsafe conditions and incidents, conducting BBS observations and maintaining good housekeeping/5S standards.

What are we looking for?

• Matric (Grade 12) with Math’s and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper?
• Minimum of 6 - 12 months’ experience working within the Woodyard Section.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.