Forest Products Processing Supervisors

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of workers engaged in pulp and paper production and wood processing and manufacturing. They work for pulp and paper companies, paper converting companies, sawmills, planning mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing companies.

Job duties

Supervisors in this group:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
• Make sure that systems and equipment are working well, and that proper maintenance and repairs are done.
• Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments.
• Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity and product quality.
• Request materials and supplies.
• Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policies.
• Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions and administer the collective agreement.
• Prepare production and other reports.
• Monitor safety conditions.
• May set up machines and equipment.

Sample job titles

• coating room foreperson
• lumber grading foreperson
• paper converting supervisor
• paper machine foreperson
• paper mill foreperson
• plywood making foreperson
• pulp mill foreperson
• sawmill foreperson
• shift operating supervisor
• shingle mill foreperson
• tour foreperson
• waferboard foreperson
• wood-treating plant foreperson

Skills

• You must be able to supervise staff, work with teams, communicate effectively, and maintain production schedules. Problem-solving, technical writing, and computer skills are important. For some jobs, physical stamina may be necessary.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• A college diploma in pulp and paper technology or a related discipline may be required for some pulp and paper supervisor positions.
• Several years of some combination of formal and on-the-job training are provided.
• Several years of experience in the most senior jobs supervised are often required.
• Certificates like lumber grading, industrial first aid, and a competency certificate in natural gas may be required.

Other considerations

• There is some movement between this group of jobs when producing similar products or with similar technology or licensing requirements. Movement to managerial positions is also possible with experience.

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

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