Job Description & Duties:
The A Tester Level 1 ensures that all paper products meet company and customer quality standards by collecting samples, performing detailed laboratory tests, and accurately documenting results. This role plays a key part in maintaining product integrity, supporting production teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality procedures. This list is not all-inclusive and additional duties may be assigned based on workload and operational needs.
- Safety & Compliance:
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Follow all mill and department safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain a clean and organized laboratory.
- Calibrate lab equipment as scheduled and report any issues to the supervisor.
- Report incidents or near misses as directed and administer first aid if applicable.
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Sample Collection & Handling:
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Review the production run schedule to identify testing needs.
- Collect paper samples from production reels, identify wire or felt side, and cut samples to the required sizes.
- Stamp samples with date and store them according to retention policies (18" samples for one week, 8" samples for six months).
- Decide when to hold or divert reels based on test results and communicate quality disposition to machine room leadership.
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Assist Machine Room with transporting finished rolls to Finishing via tug and help thread winder when needed.
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Laboratory Testing & Analysis:
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Perform baseline tests at the start of each shift and after any color or grade changes.
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Perform tests as needed per baselines and customer specifications from each production reel.
- Tests are performed using calibrated equipment and Tappi standard procedures. These tests include:
- Physical: curl, caliper (thickness), tear strength, stiffness, porosity, pressure burst, and internal bond (measures fiber bonding).
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Surface & Optical: brightness, color, smoothness, opacity, surface tension (wax pick), and moisture content.
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Performance: printer and lamp curl, HST sizing, contact angle, inkjet color gamut, and coefficient of friction.
- Verify equipment accuracy by testing external samples.
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Follow established testing targets and reject limits.
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Documenting & Reporting:
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Accurately enter all test results in the quality application with reel numbers, production run details, and target/reject limits.
- Enter defect codes according to sheet and document any relevant reel notes.
- Complete laboratory paperwork to verify temperature and humidity of paper lab workspace.
- Email downtime reports when required and update as instructed.
- Publish quality production reel reports for other departments to review.
Qualifications and Competencies:
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Prior laboratory experience preferred.
- Basic math and computer skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow precise testing procedures.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and stay clam under pressure.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
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Decision-making ability with strong time management and organizational skills.
- Willingness to learn and take initiative in supporting production needs.
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Reliable team player with a positive and proactive work ethic.
Work Environment:
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Work in a laboratory setting and collect samples in a fast-paced production facility exposed to variable weather conditions, loud noise, moving machinery, and wet surfaces.
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Requires standing, walking, bending, and climbing for extended periods.
- Requires lifting and carrying collection samples up to 50lbs.
- Shift work required, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
