Operator Chip Screen

About this role

Sappi, a global producer of woodfibre products, is hiring a Chip Screen Operator at its site in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The job supports plant efficiency by making sure the NSSC digester gets enough good-quality chips, with as little downtime as possible.

What you’ll do

• Inspect the plant and equipment to check it is safe to work with.
• Drive a forklift to move chipper knives and bed knives around the site.
• Prepare the gum plant from the screening line and fill the silos for start-up and shutdown, following production and quality targets.
• Monitor chip screening and report quality problems such as high fines, slivers and cards.
• Help the gum chipper operator clear blockages in chutes, conveyors and similar equipment, and help change knives and bed knives when needed.
• Support engineering staff with maintenance, such as changing knife holders, wear plates and conveyor idlers. Issue isolation permits when requested, and operate the overhead crane to clear blockages.
• Keep the workplace clean and tidy, follow all SHEQ rules, and report defects and equipment faults to the right people.

What you need

• Matric (Grade 12) and/or an N3 Pulp and Paper Certificate (four subjects) and/or a relevant NQF Level 4 qualification.
• At least one year of plant operations experience.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office.
• Familiarity with SHEQ requirements and safe work practices is an advantage.

Is this job for you?

This role suits someone who likes hands-on plant work and pays close attention to safety and detail. If you have worked in a plant environment, understand how production lines run, and are happy to help with cleaning and maintenance tasks, this could be a good fit.

Tips before you apply

• Have your matric certificate and any N3 or NQF certificates ready to upload, with certified copies if you have them.
• On your CV, list your plant operations experience clearly. Include the equipment you have used, the site, and the dates you worked there.
• Describe any safety training, SHEQ courses or shift work you have done, as these match the daily duties of this role.