Pulp+and+Paper+Chemist

By Tyler Little
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JOB OUTLOOK
Good jobs in the pulp and paper industry are competitive, and government job openings are rare. Graduate schools of paper technology say they have a higher graduate placement rate than other degree-granting institutions, but as always, finding a job will depend on a good mixture of academic credentials, interpersonal skills, and demonstration of problem-solving capabilities. The environmental field continues to grow faster than other industries but is expected to reach maturity soon.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Some paper chemists say that a degree in chemical engineering is more practical than a degree in chemistry for working in this industry, and a B.S.-level chemical engineer going into pulp and paper will find a better, higher paying position than a B.S. chemist. Others recommend getting an undergraduate degree in pulp and paper technology. Traditionally trained chemists say that not having a pulp and paper degree may be a drawback in the first year on the job, but working in industry provides fast-paced training in the area.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
People attracted to pulp and paper chemistry tend to be engineering-type thinkers-those who enjoy physical and process chemistry. They are open to a variety of disciplines and tend to explore scientific questions broadly, rather than burrowing into specific niches

WORK DESCRIPTION
Pulp and paper chemists focus their work on the industrial paper-making process. Much of their job is geared towards improving efficiency, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

WORKING CONDITIONS
A chemist starting in the field will likely spend most of his or her time in the lab. However, unless that chemist's work remains in research, more and more time will be spent in mill and plant facilities. Because their work is always geared toward the end product, experienced paper chemists, including those whose jobs are in the marketing department, say they spend a lot of time knee deep in paper fiber and sludge, trying to determine how to improve paper and the paper-making process. The paper industry employs chemists at pulp and paper companies, paper chemicals suppliers, and rosin chemicals makers. Consumer products manufacturers and specialty suppliers such as felt manufacturers also hire chemists. Engineering firms and environmental management companies employ chemists to work on their contracts with the paper industry. Government employs chemists in this area in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and Forestry Service.

The average salary for actual chemists is $66,700. Chemical technitions make around $42,720 a year. The difference between the two is the education each obtained. Only about .06 % of workers in this field are actually chemists.
 * __Salary__**

__**Places of Employment**__ There are many jobs in this field all around the world. There are many companies all over and the United States and is a growing field due to the effort to conserve the environment. Many factories are around forests so companies don't have to spend much on transporting wood from trees.

__**Websites**

American Chemical Society - The world's largest scientific society.__ 31 Mar. 2009 [|http://portal.acs.org].

__Pulp & Paper Resources on the Web__. 02 Apr. 2009 [|http://www.paperonweb.com].

__SUNY-ESF, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry__. 03 Apr. 2009 [].

__Metso - leading supplier of technology and services for pulp and paper industry.__ 07 Apr. 2009 [].

__PAPER CHEMISTRY LABORATORY, INC.__ 07 Apr. 2009 .