People • Customers • Trust

At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.

 

At PCA, you’ll find the best people in the industry operating in a “golden rule” culture. We actively promote mutually rewarding relationships with each other and our customers by advocating respect for every individual, ethical and fair practices, and the highest standards in what we say and do. PCA is proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team leading the way.

 

As a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the U.S., PCA offers customers broad expertise and economies of scale, while our multiple plant locations let us rapidly meet the local needs of our customers.

 

Maintenance Apprenticeship – Electrical and Instrumentation

Packaging Corporation of America, DeRidder, LA paper mill, a leader in safety, is seeking applicants possessing safety leadership skills for the following positions in its maintenance department.

Starting pay for Maintenance Apprentice I – Electrical and Instrumentation is $25.75 per hour. During the 4-year apprenticeship period, successful candidate with a satisfactory performance rating will receive increases in pay every six (6) months. 

Principle Accountabilities:

Work with key mechanical, electrical and process personnel to support daily and monthly maintenance outages as well as annual outage jobs

Work with Electrical and Instrumentation maintenance/engineering and operations personnel to complete maintenance and capital projects.

Complete necessary programs and training, as indicated in the Mechanical Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice Program

Support the Mills goals for safety, environmental, and other areas of need.

Utilize predictive and preventive maintenance programs to identify and correct equipment issues.

Complete assigned work for daily, monthly, and annual outages.

Effectively complete assigned jobs for best result at the lowest cost.

Look for opportunities to solve issues, reduce cost, and improve performance.

Perform other responsibilities as needed.

 

Basic Qualifications: 

At least 18 years of age High School Diploma or GED equivalent Two (2) year technical degree/certification of completion from a college or Vocational-Technical school in mechanical maintenance or a minimum of two (2) years industrial maintenance experience or equivalent military experience. Good communication skills Strong safety, attendance and teamwork background Ability to perform basic physical tasks (pushing, bending, twisting and repetitive motions) Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously. Must be authorized to work in the United States Preferred qualifications: 5+ years’ experience in an industrial / manufacturing setting or equivalent military experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

Pulp & Paper industry experience

The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.

Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organization, and computer skills.

Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem solving, ambiguity, and change.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.

Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.

Work with a sense of urgency.

Strong computer skills.

Ability to apply skills to continuous process improvements while maintaining maximum levels of safety.

PCA provides a competitive benefits package.

Tests and Board Interview:

Those selected to go through the PCA hiring process will be asked to take a series of five written tests and take part in a structured board interview.

The five written tests are all timed and involve:

Basic mechanical principles

Basic arithmetic skills

The ability to visualize three-dimensional figures

The ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately

Basic verbal ability

The interview will be conducted by a four-person board and involves a review of each candidate’s:

Work history

Achievements and accomplishments

Knowledge and skill acquisition

Interpersonal skills and helpfulness

Task related likes and dislikes

Physical demands experienced on previous jobs

 

All Qualified applicants must apply by July 27, 2025

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PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.