Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist

Salaried Full-Time

$99,800 - $133,000

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Grande Prairie Pulp Mill

53024A Resources Road

County of Grande Prairie No.1

Directions:
Travel 12 kms south of Grande Prairie on Resources Road.

To learn more about the Northwest Alberta region, please visit Work NW Alberta

The Automation and Optimization Technology Specialist is responsible for administering and maintaining new and existing automated systems that streamline operational processes, enhance productivity, and reduce manual intervention. The successful candidate will analyze existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and have a strong relationship with IT to help deliver and maintain applications to support operational and business goals.

• Provide system administration services for Operational Technologies (OT) and the DCS including;
  • System security, operational safety, and configuration management.
  • System software management including maintaining a road map of releases.
  • PCN network definitions including IP address assignments, network routing, and ethernet switch configuration.
  • PCN virtualization and VM management including thin client configuration and deployment for virtualized environments.
  • System documentation and vendor references.
  • Software license and support agreements including response to alerts and bulletins.
  • System software maintenance functions, backups, patching, archiving, and media upgrades.
  • Assessment of performance impacts of project or maintenance work, IT or other interfaced systems.
• Ensure compliance of the Process Control Network (PCN) to relevant cyber security standards.
• Maintain a PCN hardware inventory and provide feedback and approval on all software and hardware to be connected to or loaded on the PCN.
• Ensure short and long term plans for the applications and systems for the controls technology area are developed.
• Ensure the selection, application, and delivery of controls technology solutions on-site:
  • Comply with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards and meet legal requirements
  • Comply with technology and IT standards
  • Provide the best life cycle value
• Provide technical support for optimization of existing processes and equipment.
• Ensure technical support for the pulpmill change improvements (MOC reviews).
• Provide response support for process issues or controls change requests.
• Design and maintain networking documents specific to the PCN and OT system.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Automation, or related discipline preferred). Equivalent training and experience would be considered.
• 5 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or process control systems.
• Strong background in managing and administering Process Control Network (PCN),
  DCS, PLCs, and process control applications
  .
• Proven experience supporting capital projects, system upgrades, and MOC processes in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a pulp and paper or heavy industrial setting
  .

• General IT, OPC, TCP/IP networking, switch configuration, and virtual environment knowledge
• Knowledge in DCS, PLC, HMI implementation, support, programming, logic design, etc.
• Working knowledge of GCF and mill tools - e.g. Integrity, PI, AMS, Loop tuning software, Plant Triage
• Process Control Theory
• Leadership
• Communication
• Planning and design
• Problem solving and troubleshooting
• Project management

Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our safe, high-quality pulp forms the basis for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, our specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more.

GCF generated $2.8B in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Additional information can be found by visiting

Global Cellulose Fibers promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with…