Port Hawkesbury Paper is a forward-looking natural resources company committed to operating at the highest safety standard while caring for the environment and empowering our people to deliver top-quality products & customer service. We see integrity at the core of every relationship and a key principle as we strive for excellence in all we do in an ever-changing world. As a relatively small, non-hierarchical organization, we deliver big results with no red tape. We are a leader in Thermal Mechanical Pulp and Supercalendered paper production in North America. Port Hawkesbury Paper’s approach to business and environmental sustainability creates an economic cornerstone for eastern Nova Scotia.
At Port Hawkesbury Paper, diversity means understanding, recognizing, and valuing the differences that make each person unique. We see inclusion as an essential part of our productivity, creativity, innovation, and competitive advantage. We strive for a fair and equitable recruitment process, where hiring decisions are based on the qualifications and experience of each applicant.
- Process Engineer
- Industrial Machinist
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- HVAC Technician
- Warehouse Operator
- Forestry Summer Students
- Electrician
Process Engineer
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking an individual for the position of Process Engineer. Reporting to the Technical Manager, this position will focus on integrated quality and process optimization across site. The ideal candidate will have a Chemical Engineering degree (P.Eng preferred, consideration given to EIT candidates), with three or more years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or related industrial environment.
Responsibilities:
- Daily process monitoring and optimization of key performance indicators
- Integration with operations to support day-to-day troubleshooting
- Collaboration and integration with personnel site-wide and at all levels to fully understand problems, their impact across site, and the feasibility of potential solutions
- Planning and execution of trials as needed to better understand and optimize the process
- Proactive equipment and process monitoring, including use of simulation and data visualization tools
- Detailed troubleshooting to identify root causes and actionable improvements
- Leading small improvement projects that drive cost-effective operation
- Preparation and facilitation of process safety assessments such as risk reviews
- Assisting with P&ID updates, management of change, and operating procedures
- Identification and communication of any emerging safety or production risks
Skill/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely in a team environment
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- The ability to manage change effectively with strong multitasking ability
- A working knowledge of MS Office software
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills
- Previous experience with PI Vision, PI System Explorer, Power BI and other statistical data analysis tools is considered an asset
Qualified applicants should email their resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Selected applicants will proceed through an assessment and interview process.
Industrial Machinist
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking a Red Seal Machinist or Machinist Apprentice to join our Maintenance team. This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for the preventative maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of production equipment and plant systems. The regular work schedule is Monday to Thursday, 10-hour days.
Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate conventional lathes and milling machines
- Train to set up and operate roll grinder to prepare paper machine and super calendar rolls for service
- Train to set up and operate roll balancer
- Sharpen slitter blades for Calendars and Winders
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems
- Using CMMS to find/order parts, provide detailed feedback on work orders
- Willing to work overtime, after-hours call-ins and shift work as needed
Skills/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely as part of a team
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced work setting
- Attention to detail and takes pride in quality workmanship
- Strong problem-solving and communication abilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient computer skills. Experience using a CMMS is considered an asset
Experience/Education Requirements:
- Machinist Certificate of Trade – Red Seal (preferred) or Apprenticeship
- Experience in milling and turning operations on conventional machine tools (lathes, milling machines, etc.)
- Knowledge and experience with grinding wheels and grinding operations
- Additional skills/certification in other trades such as millwrights, welding, pipefitting, considered an asset.
- Roll grinding experience considered an asset
Compensation:
Current pay range per collective agreement is $33.80 - $42.24/hr. Port Hawkesbury Paper offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, and a challenging, rewarding work environment.
To be considered, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com on or before November 1, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking a Red Seal Millwright or Millwright Apprentice to join our Maintenance team. This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for the preventative maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of production equipment and plant systems. The regular work schedule is Monday to Thursday, 10-hour days.
Responsibilities:
- Equipment installation (pumps, motors, gearboxes, paper machine rolls etc.)
- Changing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, hoses, pumps etc.
- Replacing and tracking conveyor belts
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems
- Using CMMS to find/order parts, provide detailed feedback on work orders
- Willing to work overtime, after-hours call-ins and shift work as needed
Skills/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely as part of a team
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced work setting
- Attention to detail and takes pride in quality workmanship
- Knowledge of alignment of machinery and the use of laser alignment equipment
- Strong problem-solving and communication abilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient computer skills. Experience using a CMMS is considered an asset
Experience/Education Requirements:
- Millwright Certificate of Trade – Red Seal or Apprenticeship
- Experience in maintenance is preferred
- Recent Millwright experience in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment
- Welding and machining experience considered an asset
- Proficiency in hydraulic and pneumatic troubleshooting is also considered an asset
Compensation:
Current pay range per collective agreement is $33.80 - $42.24/hr. Port Hawkesbury Paper offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, and a challenging, rewarding work environment.
To be considered, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com on or before November 1, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
HVAC Technician
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking a Red Seal HVAC Technician to join our Maintenance team. This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for the installation, preventative maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of HVAC systems throughout the site. The regular work schedule is Monday to Thursday, 10-hour days.
Responsibilities:
- Operation/maintenance/repair of chillers, cooling towers, air and water-cooled A/C systems, steam, electric and glycol heating systems
- Building automation systems and heat pumps
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems
- Using CMMS to find/order parts, provide detailed feedback on work orders
- Willing to work overtime, after-hours call-ins and shift work as needed
Skills/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely as part of a team
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced work setting
- Attention to detail and takes pride in quality workmanship
- Strong problem-solving and communication abilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient computer skills. Experience using a CMMS is considered an asset
Experience/Education Requirements:
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate of Trade
- Recent HVAC experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
- Experience in Maintenance is preferred
Compensation:
Current pay rate per collective agreement is $42.24/hr. Port Hawkesbury Paper offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, and a challenging, rewarding work environment.
To be considered, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com on or before November 1, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Warehouse Operator
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Warehouse Operator. This full-time position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a clamp truck to move and load paper products onto trucks and railcars. This role requires shift work (a rotational schedule of 4 days on/4 days off) and the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
Skills/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely and efficiently as part of a team
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced work setting
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills
- Proficient computer skills
- Flexibility to work overtime
Experience/Education Requirements:
- Experience operating mobile equipment
- Grade 12 or equivalent
- Post-secondary education considered an asset
- Must pass a depth perception test
- Two years of experience in a similar role would be an asset
Compensation: $30.67/hour per Collective Agreement (based on an average of 34 hours per week). Port Hawkesbury Paper offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, and a challenging, rewarding work environment.
Our HR team is actively recruiting for this role. To be considered, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com on or before November 6, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Selected applicants will proceed through an assessment and interview process.
Forestry Summer Student Opportunities
Flexible Work term: May 3 to August 27, 2027 (18 weeks)
If you have a passion for forestry, then Port Hawkesbury Paper has an opportunity for you! We are looking for motivated TEAM players with a strong work ethic to fill our 4-month summer positions assisting with various projects within our Woodlands unit.
Port Hawkesbury Paper holds several environmental certifications and is the largest Crown license manager in Nova Scotia. The PHP Woodlands team is directly responsible for the forest management and sustainability of more than 500,000 hectares of forested lands in the seven Eastern counties, from the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island to the Eastern Mainland. We also play a significant role in private land forest management.
What we offer:
A competitive salary, relocation assistance, field gear, work vehicle, retailer shopping discount and a place to apply the skills and knowledge gained from your education. As part of our team, you will gain new skills through a variety of experiences in Silviculture and Harvesting such as:
Silviculture
- Regeneration & plantation surveys
- Plantation quality assessments
- Pre-harvest assessments
- Sampling spacing and manual weeding sites
Harvesting
- Harvesting supervision audits
- Road construction
- Bridge installation
As a part of the team, you will be involved in a combination of fieldwork where you stay challenged, getting your boots dirty and keeping your mind active. Combine this with the office side where you learn how to use programs required to run a Woodland department. You will have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals who will provide you with training as well as other students with whom to apply your new skills and share experiences.
What you bring:
- A high focus on safety
- Attention to detail
- Level 1 First Aid
- Ability to work alone in the woods
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Valid driver’s license
Things to do in your spare time:
In your free time, there is lots to do! You can hike and bike on many trails, kayak or canoe waterways, swim at the many sandy beaches, visit several historic sites like Louisbourg, go camping in the many provincial parks or the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or drive the scenic Cape Breton Trail. Enjoy the many festivals and events unique to each of the small communities in the area and larger centers like New Glasgow, Antigonish, Sydney and Port Hawkesbury. Check out https://novascotia.com for things to do!
Qualified applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@porthawkesburypaper.com on or before November 13th, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Electrician
Port Hawkesbury Paper is currently seeking a Journeyperson Electrician to join our Maintenance team. This position reports to the Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor and is responsible for the preventative maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of production equipment and plant systems.
Responsibilities:
- Troubleshooting & replacing electrical equipment such as motors, transformers and VFDs
- Troubleshooting & replacing components in PLC & DCS systems
- Troubleshooting & installing field devices such as limit switches, transmitters
- Repairing & replacing lighting throughout the plant
- Testing for electrical isolation for operations and maintenance lock outs
- Prioritizing and responding to calls from different operating departments
- Willing to work shiftwork, overtime and after-hours call-ins as needed.
Experience/Education Requirements:
- Diploma in Electrical Industrial Maintenance and Controls (2-year program)
- Electrical Red Seal – Industrial preferred
- Recent electrical experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
- Experience with troubleshooting and maintenance in an industrial setting
- Experience understanding existing programs and making changes in DCS & PLC
- Ability to read and understand P&ID’s, pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical schematics
- Experience troubleshooting & installing 600VAC motor circuits and VFDs
Skills/Competency Requirements:
- Ability to work safely as part of a team
- Capable of performing in a highly technical and flexible work environment
- Knowledgeable and experienced with troubleshooting complex controls using DCS/PLC systems
- Effective organizational and time management skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Highly motivated, confident in decision-making ability and self-driven
- Strong communication skills
Compensation:
Pay rate per Collective Agreement. Port Hawkesbury Paper offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, and a challenging, rewarding work environment.
Our HR team is actively recruiting for this role. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to HR@porthawkesburypaper.com. All applications must be received no later than November 20, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Selected candidates will proceed through an assessment and interview process.
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