Maintenance Mechanical Apprentice

Maintenance Apprenticeship – Mechanical

Packaging Corporation of America's DeRidder, LA Paper Mill, a leader in safety, is seeking applicants possessing safety leadership skills for the following positions in its maintenance department.

Starting pay for Maintenance Apprenticeship – Mechanical is $26.52 per hour. During the 4-year apprenticeship period, successful candidate with a satisfactory performance rating will receive increases in pay every six (6) months.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Work with key mechanical, electrical and process personnel to support daily and monthly maintenance outages as well as annual outage jobs
• Work with mechanical maintenance/engineering and operations personnel to complete maintenance and capital projects
• Complete necessary programs and training, as indicated in the Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice Program
• Support the Mills goals for safety, environmental, and other areas of need
• Utilize predictive and preventive maintenance programs to identify and correct equipment issues
• Complete assigned work for daily, monthly, and annual outages
• Effectively complete assigned jobs for best result at the lowest cost
• Look for opportunities to solve issues, reduce costs, and improve performance
• Perform other responsibilities as needed

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or G.E.D
• Work any assigned shift including weekends, holidays and overtime
• At least two years of full-time work in the last four years
• Ability to read, write and speak in English
• Satisfactory completion of background check and drug screen
• Two (2) year technical degree /certification of completion from a college or Vo-Technical school in mechanical maintenance or a minimum of two (2) years industrial maintenance experience or equivalent military experience
• Good communication skills
• Ability to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Prefer candidates with Pulp & Paper industry experience

The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organization, and computer skills
• Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem solving, ambiguity, and change
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously
• Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports
• Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvements while maintaining maximum levels of safety

Tests and Board Interview:

Those selected to go through the PCA hiring process will be asked to take a series of five written tests and take part in a structured panel interview.

The five written tests are all timed and involve:

• Basic mechanical principles
• Basic arithmetic skills
• The ability to visualize three-dimensional figures
• The ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately
• Basic verbal ability

The interview will be conducted by a panel and involves a review of each candidates:

• Work history
• Achievements and accomplishments
• Knowledge and skill acquisition
• Interpersonal skills and helpfulness
• Task related likes and dislikes
• Physical demands experienced on previous jobs

As part of the interview, applicants will complete hands on and written basic skills math and physics test and basic mechanical knowledge placement tests.

PCA provides a competitive benefits package.

• Starting salary for position: $26.52 per hour.
• Paid Vacation:
  One week per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year after completion of 60 work day evaluation probationary period has been completed.
• Paid Holidays after 60 work day evaluation probationary period has been completed.
• Within the first 45 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer:
  The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA's good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

All Qualified applicants must apply at  and qualified applicants must apply by July 24, 2026