Tall Oil Operator

General Information

Job ID
ATR65771

Posting Job Title
Tall Oil Operator

Locations
VA Hopewell

Employment Type
Full Time

Date Posted
01-Sep-2026

Relocation Support
No

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.


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The Opportunity:

Smurfit Westrock is searching for qualified Tall Oil Operators to join our team in Hopewell, VA. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified individuals interested in joining a safe-conscious team environment. The Tall Oil Operator position is responsible for the daily operations of Tall Oil and Turpentine processes. Primary duties include performing batch chemical cooks of tall oil, loading tall oil and turpentine railcars/trucks, conducting lab tests, troubleshooting process upsets, and maintaining a clean and organized area. Turpentine is covered under Process Safety Management (PSM), and it is required to attend and participate in scheduled PSM Steering Committee Meetings.

Schedule

The schedule will be 24/5 with three 8-hour shifts per day, Monday through Friday. The three shifts will rotate weekly. One operator will work each shift at a time.

• 1st Shift: 7am-3pm
• 2nd Shift: 3pm-11pm
• 3rd Shift: 11pm-7am

This schedule is subject to change based on additional production requirements and mill discretion. Overtime and weekend work will be limited unless for specific business needs such as inventory, job vacancy, or other mill needs.


Responsibilities

• Complete batch "cooks" producing tall oil product.
• Load and unload chemical railcars and trucks following DOT regulations.
• Perform lab tests (pH, ABC tests) to ensure quality and environmental compliance.
• Complete Process Safety Management (PSM) and Department of Transportation (DOT) training and comply with all rules and regulations.

• Complete housekeeping duties as assigned and maintain a clean work environment.
• Work safely and comply with all safety regulations.
• Lift, push, or pull 50lbs, navigate stairs, stand, walk, bend, and kneel throughout the shift.
• Operate various manufacturing equipment and both powered and nonpowered hand tools.
• Other duties as assigned in the byproducts or caustic area.

What You Need to Succeed:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Strong focus on safety and quality.
• Availability to work overtime (when needed) and 8-hour rotating shifts.
• Ability to withstand demanding physical labor and tough environmental conditions.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, reach, bend, walk, stand, squat, kneel, and climb stairs throughout a shift.
• The desire for a career with the opportunity for training and advancement.
• Previous industrial experience preferred

What we offer:

Excellent wages and a strong benefits package.


Corporate culture based on Integrity, Respect, Accountability, and Excellence.

Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.

A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety, and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.