Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC), a joint venture of the Stern Group and West Fraser Timber Company Ltd., is a leading manufacturer of premium paper products. Located in Whitecourt, Alberta, ANC operates a highly integrated, non-unionized paper mill recognized across North America for quality, performance, and operational excellence. The organization is well-financed, progressive, and regarded as one of the top companies in the paper industry.

We are currently seeking a Technical & Stores Technician (Contract) to join our team. This unique position provides support to both the Technical and Stores departments, combining wood chip quality testing with shipping, receiving, and inventory responsibilities. The successful candidate will be adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of safety, accuracy, and service.

This position is scheduled Monday to Friday and offers the opportunity to contribute to two important areas of the mill's operation.

Position Overview

Reporting jointly to the Technical Manager and Stores Lead, the Technical & Stores Technician (Contract) supports two critical functions within the mill. This role typically follows a consistent daily schedule with mornings focused on wood chip sampling and quality testing activities, and afternoons dedicated to stores operations, including shipping, receiving, inventory control, and material handling.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining the accuracy, safety, and operational excellence required in both environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support (Morning Activities)

• Collect, prepare, and test wood chip samples, including moisture content, bark content, and chip classification.
• Record and maintain accurate chip quality data within laboratory information systems.
• Verify chip deliveries and investigate discrepancies in testing or load records.
• Generate and review reports to support supplier quality monitoring and compensation processes.
• Maintain testing supplies and coordinate replenishment requirements.

Stores Support (Afternoon Activities)

• Receive, inspect, store, and issue materials in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare and coordinate outgoing shipments and associated documentation.
• Safely operate material-handling equipment, including forklifts and other stores equipment, as required.
• Participate in inventory counts, audits, and general inventory control activities.
• Maintain records related to shipping, receiving, inventory transactions, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Safety & Operational Excellence

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Report unsafe conditions, damaged materials, or quality concerns promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas in both laboratory and stores environments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within both departments.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent required.
• Post-secondary education in a technical, scientific, supply chain, or related field is considered an asset.
• Driver's license (Class 5 at minimum) required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to learn and effectively use computerized systems and databases.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Valid forklift certification, or the ability to obtain certification, is considered an asset.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Comfortable working in laboratory, warehouse, and mill environments, including exposure to dust, weather, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform manual tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to safely operate material-handling equipment or willingness to obtain required training.
• Must adhere to all safety requirements and wear required PPE.

Education

• High School Diploma or better