Forest Products Processing Supervisors

(NOC 9215)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

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 Outlook

Limited

Estimate Decline employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 15 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2019

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate 75 employment change, 2019-2021
Estimate 1460 openings due to growth and retirements, 2018-2020
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Supervisors in Forest Products Processing most commonly work full-time hours.

The median employment income for 79% of Supervisors in Forest Products Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,670. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$68,862

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$23.91

Median

$35.04

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

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 foreman/woman
lumber grading foreman/woman
paper converting supervisor
paper machine foreman/woman
paper mill foreman/woman
plywood making foreman/woman
pulp mill foreman/woman
sawmill foreman/woman
shift operating supervisor
shingle mill foreman/woman
tour foreman/woman
waferboard foreman/woman
wood-treating plant foreman

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.

By the numbers

Quick look

140

employed in 2016

96.4%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

7.1%

92.9%

45.3

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

83.2%

employed full-time

3.2%

self employed

27.6%

72.4%

44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

35.7%

North Shore

25.0%

Cape Breton

21.4%

Halifax

10.7%

Southern

7.1%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

90.9%

Manufacturing

9.1%

Wholesale trade

What is the age of Employment?

31.0%

35-44

28.0%

55-64

24.0%

45-54

17.0%

25-34

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

24.5%

45-54

20.8%

55-64

19.3%

35-44

16.5%

25-34

15.0%

15-24

Top levels of education

32.1%

High school

$49,636 median annual income

32.1%

College Diploma

$65,695 median annual income

21.4%

Apprenticeship

N/A

10.7%

Bachelor

N/A

7.1%

Less than high school

N/A

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,505 median annual income

23.3%

Less than high school

$19,224 median annual income

19.9%

College Diploma

$38,781 median annual income

12.2%

Apprenticeship

$43,975 median annual income

4.5%

Bachelor

$39,715 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca