Journey Mechanic

Job Title: Journey Mechanic

Reports to: Back-End Maintenance Supervisor

The Position

We currently have an opening for a Journey Mechanic based out of our location in Port Townsend, Washington.

About Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service.

Job Responsibilities

• Install machinery and equipment in accordance with layout plans, blueprints, and other technical drawings, using hoists, lift trucks, hand tools, and power tools.
• Reads blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.
• Dismantles machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
• Moves machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
• Assembles and installs equipment, such as shafting, conveyors, and tram rails, using hand tools and power tools.
• Constructs foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials, such as wood, cement, and steel.
• Aligns machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, and plumb bobs.
• Assembles machines, and bolts, welds, rivets, or otherwise fastens them to the foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
• Operates engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment. Installs robot and modifies its program, using teach pendant. 
• Collaborate with a team of skilled trades workers to complete installation, maintenance, and repair tasks efficiently and safely.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of craft-level techniques, equipment-specific operations, and safe handling of chemicals common to the pulp and paper industry.
• Familiarity with general maintenance processes beyond core craft, including welding, cutting, machining, metalworking, fitting, rigging, and other industrial maintenance skills.
• Understanding of vibration analysis, condition monitoring techniques, and predictive maintenance tools (e.g., thermography, ultrasound).
• Ability to interpret equipment data to identify faults such as unbalance, misalignment, bearing issues, and resonance problems.
• Knowledge of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track and document equipment conditions.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and operations personnel.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years in the trade, or 2 years at journey-level.
• Completion of an apprenticeship program or equivalent hands-on experience in a craft line.
• Pass Ramsay Mechanical Diagnostic with a minimum score of 80%.
• Hands-on experience with vibration monitoring tools (e.g., CSI, SKF, Emerson, Pruftechnik).
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical capacities evaluation.
• Physical requirements:
  • Lift and carry up to 40 pounds
  • Push and pull rolling carts with loads of several hundred pounds
  • Twist, turn, and bend while performing job duties
  • Work in awkward or confined positions as needed
• Must successfully pass pre-employment and ongoing drug testing, as this is a safety-sensitive position.
• Proof of authorization to work in the United States is required at hire.
• Pre-employment background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Results will be considered in determining suitability and competence for the position.

Compensation

• Starting wage is $45.73 per hour
  • Vibration Tech III/Lub Tech II: $2.00 per hour increase
  • Vibration Tech II/Lub Tech I: $3.00 per hour increase
• Lots of overtime opportunities.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Employees may be assigned to either:
  • A Monday–Friday schedule, working 8-hour shifts (overtime applies for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week), or
  • A 4-day, 12-hour rotating schedule on an 8-day tour: 2 day shifts (5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), 2 night shifts (5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.), followed by four days off (overtime applies for hours over 12 per day and for any work on days outside your regularly scheduled tour).
• Work environment may include exposure to steam, dust, mists, noise, odors, and temperature extremes.
• Tasks may require working at heights, in confined spaces, and around sharp instruments or moving equipment.
• Depending on assignment, the environment may be hot and dusty or cold and damp.

Benefits

• Position is represented by the United Steelworkers Union
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance.
• 1 week vacation after 6 months of employment; then 2 to 5 weeks each January, depending on tenure.
• 9 paid holidays and 2 personal holiday per calendar year.
• Annual safety shoe allowance of $200
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.

Port Townsend Paper Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

Salary : $46 - $51