E&I Technician in Training

Job Title: Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician
Location: Baileyville, Maine
Department: Maintenance Union Position
Reports To: E&I Supervisor

Position Summary

The E&I Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical systems and process instrumentation in a continuous-operation pulp and paper mill. This role supports critical mill areas including pulping, recovery, power generation, and pulp dryer machine, ensuring safe and reliable operation of all electrical and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems associated with:
  • Recovery boiler, power boiler, and turbine generator systems
  • Pulping operations (digesters, brownstock washing, bleaching)
  • Pulp dryer machine and finishing equipment
• Calibrate and repair field instrumentation including transmitters (flow, level, pressure, temperature), control valves, analyzers, and positioners
• Troubleshoot and maintain electrical systems including motors, VFDs, MCCs, switchgear, and power distribution systems up to [voltage level, e.g., 13.8kV]
• Support and maintain DCS/PLC systems (e.g., ABB, Honeywell, Allen-Bradley)
• Perform loop checks, instrument calibrations, and system testing during outages and start-ups
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, and P&IDs
• Participate in planned maintenance shutdowns (annual/biannual outages)
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and assist operations in restoring equipment safely and efficiently
• Follow and enforce safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash, and confined space protocols
• Accurately document work performed using CMMS systems

Preferred Qualification

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Instrumentation, or related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• 3–5+ years of experience in industrial E&I maintenance (pulp & paper, power generation, or similar heavy industry preferred)
• Working knowledge of PLC and/or DCS systems
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and documentation
• Familiarity with calibration and diagnostic tools
• Experience in pulp and paper mill operations
• Maine Electrical License (Journeyman or Master) or ability to obtain
• Experience with recovery boiler instrumentation and safety systems
• Knowledge of turbine/generator controls and boiler combustion systems
• Experience working in a unionized industrial environment

Skills & Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Commitment to safety and environmental compliance
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew
• Good communication skills with operations and maintenance teams
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, overtime, and call-ins

Working Conditions

• 24/7 industrial manufacturing environment
• Exposure to high heat, humidity, noise, process chemicals (including pulping liquors), and confined spaces
• Work at heights, in tight spaces, and around rotating equipment
• Required use of PPE including FR clothing, hard hat, safety glasses, and hearing protection

Schedule & Union Considerations

• Position may be part of a rotating shift schedule (days/nights/weekends/holidays)
• Overtime and call-in work required based on operational needs
• Wages, benefits, and work rules may be governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), if applicable

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly wage in accordance with union scale or experience level
• Overtime opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Pension and/or 401(k)
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time