Operator Apprentice

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) seeks applicants possessing safety leadership skills for positions in its production department.

Starting pay for Production Operator Apprentice is $26.02 per hour. After successful completion of a 60-work-day probationary period, candidates will be eligible for a wage increase every six months for two (2) years when Operator “C” classification is achieved.

The Production Operator Apprentice is an entry‑level position that will work in all departments of the mill. During the two (2) year Apprenticeship, the Production Operator Apprentice will perform the duties to become a “C” Operator in their assigned department, which may include driving a lift truck, operating heavy equipment, operating and monitoring equipment.

• Process finished paper as it comes off the paper machine
• Operate Cranes and Hoist
• Insert paper cores

• Operate clamp truck and bale truck
• Load and unload truck trailers and rail cars of either O.C.C. or finished rolls
• From storage/warehouse, load conveyor with O.C.C. or unload conveyor of finished rolls
• Inside work for shipping
• Outside work for O.C.C.

• Operate heavy equipment (Dozers, Bobcat, Front End Loaders, 18‑wheeler log truck, etc.)
• Cleanup bark, chips. Use shovel, rake, and water hose
• Clean catwalks and conveyor belts
• Works at heights of excess of 50 feet
• Outside work in all elements

• Ground and outside person
• Monitor equipment and relay information to “A” Operators
• Make adjustments to equipment as needed

• Production Operator Apprentice will be required to be a member of the Emergency Response Team
• Fire, Confined Space, Haz Mat
• Attend and participate in quarterly training
• Work at heights and in confined spaces
• Meet requirements to use self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 24 months’ full‑time work experience with 12 months industrial experience in the last 36 months
• Ability to work 12‑hour rotating day/night shifts and overtime
• Strong safety, attendance and teamwork background
• Ability to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

5+ years’ experience in an industrial / manufacturing setting or equivalent military experience

• Willingness to work closely on a day‑to‑day basis with other production personnel.
• Ability to share ideas with others to solve problems of essential importance.
• Work with a sense of urgency.

• Written Tests
  • 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
• Interview
  • Work history
  • Achievements and accomplishments
  • Knowledge and skill acquisition

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

  Compensation and Benefits
  • Starting salary for position: $26.02 per hour.
  • Paid Vacation:
    Accrued hours after 60 work day probation has been completed. Pro‑rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
  • Paid Holidays after 60 work‑day probation has been completed.
  • Within the first 30 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.

  Qualified Applicants must apply at  to be considered.