Job Title: Stacker Operator
Department: Corrugator
Reports to: CR Operator (on shift)/ Lead Supervisor
Location: Corrugator
Position Summary: The Stacker / Dry End Operator works at the discharge end of the corrugator, receiving finished corrugated sheets from the cutoff knife and managing the stacking, counting, labeling, and staging of completed board orders. This position is the last quality checkpoint on the corrugator line before board enters the converting or warehouse queue. The Stacker Operator is responsible for catching and escalating quality defects, ensuring accurate order counts and labeling, and maintaining the flow of material off the line so the corrugator can run continuously without backup or stoppage. While the role does not require operating the corrugator console, it demands continuous attention, physical stamina, and the ability to communicate quality and flow issues upstream to the CR Operator in real time. The Stacker Operator is often the first person to observe quality defects that originate at the wet end - making accurate, timely communication a core competency of this position.
Compensation
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:
- Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
Stacking & Order Completion
- Monitor the stacker and/or layboy unit to receive sheets off the corrugator cutoff at line speed
- Ensure stacks are formed evenly, squared, and at the correct count per the run card specification
- Remove completed stacks from the stacker discharge promptly to prevent line backup and forced slowdown
- Stage completed stacks in designated floor locations or transfer to pallet or transfer car as directed
- Manually assist stacking during stacker malfunctions, low-speed runs, or transition periods
Order Labeling & Count Verification
- Apply accurate order labels to each completed stack including order number, customer, sheet size, grade, and count
- Verify actual sheet count against the run card count at order completion; flag and resolve discrepancies before the order leaves the corrugator area
- Separate and stage short orders, samples, and waste cuts clearly to prevent mix-ups in the converting queue
- Communicate order completion and any count variances to the CR Operator for production log accuracy
Dry End Quality Inspection
- Inspect board continuously at the stacker for flatness, warp, caliper variation, edge crush damage, delamination, and print register (if applicable)
- Call quality holds to the CR Operator immediately when defective board is observed - do not allow non-conforming board to accumulate in the stack
- Pull and retain board samples at order changes or upon CR Operator request for quality documentation
- Identify recurring defect patterns (warp direction, moisture banding, skip score) and communicate to the CR Operator with specific observations
- Understand the difference between cosmetic variation and structural defects; escalate structural defects with urgency
Waste Management
- Remove waste cuts, start-up board, and order transition waste from the stacker area promptly
- Transport waste to designated waste bins or baler feed area per plant procedure
- Keep waste separate from good board at all times - no commingling of waste and production board
- Track and report approximate waste volumes per order or shift when directed by the CR Operator
Paper Roll Assistance & Material Handling
- Assist the Single Facer and Double Backer Operators with staging paper rolls to the corrugator roll stands as needed
- Operate powered industrial trucks (forklift, reach truck, or transfer car) to move finished board and paper rolls as directed and when licensed
- Keep the dry end floor clear of debris, waste board, and slip/trip hazards at all times
Stacker Equipment Operation & Monitoring
- Monitor stacker mechanical components: fan fold arms, joggers, counter, kicker, and transfer table for proper operation
- Report stacker malfunctions, misfeeds, jams, or mechanical abnormalities to the CR Operator immediately
- Perform basic stacker clearing and restart procedures under direction of the CR Operator following proper LOTO protocol
- Report recurring stacker issues that are slowing line speed or causing damage to the board surface
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all LOTO procedures before clearing jams or reaching into any moving portion of the stacker or transfer equipment
- Never reach into the stacker nip, jogger, or kicker area while equipment is in motion
- Maintain a clear and organized dry end work area: stacks staged safely, aisles clear, no loose board on the floor
- Report all safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to the CR Operator and Shift Supervisor immediately
- Wear required PPE at all times: safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, back support belt if lifting, hearing protection
- Participate in pre-shift safety briefings and raise any safety concerns from the prior shift
Shift Handoff & Communication
- Brief the incoming Stacker Operator on dry end status at shift change: orders in progress, stacker condition, quality issues observed, and any open items
- Communicate end-of-shift stacker condition and any recurring quality observations to the CR Operator for the shift log
- Maintain awareness of the production schedule and upcoming order changes so stacking and staging can be prepared in advance
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Performance in this role is evaluated against the following metrics:
- Stacker throughput - ability to maintain continuous board flow off the line without backup-driven slowdown
- Labeling accuracy - order label errors or mislabeled stacks reaching converting (target: zero)
- Count accuracy - stack count variances identified and corrected before orders leave the corrugator area
- Quality escalation timeliness - defects caught and communicated before accumulation in the stack
- Waste handling compliance - waste board properly segregated and removed per shift
- Safety - zero recordable incidents; housekeeping standards maintained on dry end
- Attendance and shift reliability - corrugator dry end cannot run understaffed
Corrugator Crew Interface Role Interface with Stacker Operator
Control Room Operator Primary direction-giver on shift; receives all quality observations, count variances, stacker faults, and order completion status
Double Backer Operator Upstream quality issues (warp, delamination, moisture banding) often first visible at the stacker - feedback flows back through CR Operator
Single Facer Operator Coordinates paper roll staging assistance when workload allows
Corrugator Superintendent Reports to superintendent on equipment and quality concerns when CR Operator escalates or superintendent is on floor
Converting / Scheduling Completed stacks staged and labeled for converting pickup; any order discrepancies must be resolved before handoff
Corrugator Lead Supervisor Responsible for all production safety and accountability of all corrugator employees
Qualifications and Skills/Education and Experience Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to perform sustained physical work in a hot, loud, fast-paced production environment
- Strong attention to detail; ability to inspect board quality at production line speed
- Ability to read work orders, run cards, and order labels accurately
- Reliable team communication; comfortable escalating quality and equipment issues in real time
- Ability to operate safely around moving equipment and high-speed machinery
Preferred
- Prior experience in a corrugated, paper, or converting manufacturing environment, but not required
- Familiarity with corrugated board grades, flute types, and basic quality characteristics
- Powered industrial truck (forklift) certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
- Experience operating or monitoring automated stacking or layboy equipment, but not required
- Bilingual in Mandarin/English/Spanish a plus
Physical Requirements Requirement Frequency
Standing and walking on concrete for full shift Continuously
Lifting and repositioning board stacks (up to 50 lbs) Frequently
Bending, reaching, and stooping at stacker discharge Frequently
Pushing / pulling loaded transfer cars or pallet jacks Frequently
Working in high-heat, high-noise corrugator environment Continuously
Operating forklift or reach truck (if licensed) Occasionally
Rapid response to stacker jams or line speed changes Frequently
Success Profile/Career Development The Stacker Operator role is the entry point into the corrugator crew and the starting position for operators building toward full corrugator qualification. The development path from this role is:
- Double Backer Operator - first step into wet end operation; learn board bonding, temperature management, and glue systems
- Single Facer Operator - wet end advancement; master flute formation, flying splices, and corrugating roll management
- CR Operator - senior operator role with full line control, crew leadership, and quality ownership
- Corrugator Superintendent - plant leadership role overseeing the full corrugator operation and crew
Cross-training in forklift operation and material handling also creates pathways into warehouse, logistics, and converting support roles within the plant.
Working Conditions Plant Site
Attributes for Success
- Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
- Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
- Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
- Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
- Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
- Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.
ND Paper Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
- Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
- Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
- A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
- Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!
Apply Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers
No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit