Field Operator : Utilities

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lockout for Field Operator : Utilities the incumbent in this position will provide assistance to the Process Controller for the continuous and efficient operation of the Boilers, TFR, PM Abatement, Power station & Auxiliary Plants and to ensure that the plant remains clean at all times operating in a safe and efficient manner.

As a Field Operator : Utilities you will be responsible to:

• Opens, closes manual valves on request


• Manipulates valves to the correct open or close position based on start-up or shutdown and normal operations


• Opens and closes by-pass lines as and when required


• Assist the Process Controller in changing over and flushing of all relevant pipework


• Checks the functionality of all-important auxiliary equipment’s of the Boiler


• Conducts plant related tasks on instruction from foreman and process controller


• Checks coal bunker levels at the beginning of every shift


• Cleans hydro seals on boilers


• Conduct baghouse section checks and plant operation including housekeeping.


• Monitor TFR section and conduct housekeeping as and when required


• Slices and breaks ash clinkers


• Initiates light up of boilers after instruction form process controller-steam, fetch wood , paper from PM2 and paraffin from stores before lighting the fire


• Blows soot on boilers by operating soot blower, after instruction from process controller


• Keep grit refiring in hoppers on CFB clear


• Removes and replace covers on hydro seals and jammed stokers for cleaning


• Assist process controller – turbine with all related tasks at power station opening and closing of valves


• Take water meter readings in the mill, compound, DFM and river pumps every week


• Assist in greasing the stokers when its jammed, open and do first line maintenance


• Cleans LP and HP feedwater filters


• Maintains boiler bed fires using long metal pipes/rod in all Coal fired boilers


• Maintain good housekeeping around Plant


• Change stoker belts when its necessary or damaged


• Supervisor cleaners when cleaning spillages in boilers house


• Clears paddle ash extractor when jammed


• Wash basement twice a shift and ensures the drains are kept clear of build-up


• Removes ash spillages around conveyors and hoppers


• Prioritize filling of boiler coalbunkers, monitors, and controls coal flow onto the coal belts into coal bunker


• Record weight on meter readings before and after loading of coal into each boiler bunker, enter on LIS


• Lash coalbunkers to prevent slag and fines build-up


• Completes isolation as per isolation procedure as and when required


• Operate forklift as and when required


• Take and analyse boiler water sample  

What are we looking for?

Relevant Qualifications & Experience

• Matric and/or N3 Pulp and paper technology


• Minimum 3 months experience as Process Trainee

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence

• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi


• Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role)


• Market-leading leave benefits


• Employee wellbeing benefits