Process Controls Specialist

Barwick, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 17, 2026
1 position

$95,000–$113,500 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Process Controls Specialist is responsible for optimizing the reliability of process systems by programming PLCs and HMIs. They also troubleshoot root cause issues and oversee instrumentation calibration to support mill operations.

Job details

West Fraser offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking challenging and rewarding careers. Our division in Barwick is currently recruiting for a Process Controls Specialist. Reporting to the Electrical Team Lead, the Process Control Specialist is responsible for optimizing reliability of process systems in order to support operations during normal and abnormal conditions. This individual configures, develops and programs (networked) industrial computer systems for HMI and PLC controls and oversees requirements regarding resulting instrumentation changes. The Process Control Specialist utilizes strong analytical skills, problem solving abilities and developed control systems knowledge to promote excellence as established in the Company vision, mission and values. You'll do: * Program PLCs and HMIs to optimize or improve reliability of automated processes. Involves understanding the individual processes, determining methods to improve process efficiencies and submitting recommendations for approvals as required. * Troubleshoot route cause issues / bottle necks as required. Involves reviewing data to find route cause issues and communicating with Team Members regarding findings / solutions. * Document and disseminate information regarding changes made to control systems. Involves documenting alterations in the Electrical Log-Book and distributing memos to all affected team members, following any variations / implementation of new control systems. * Create testing environments prior to the implementation of new control systems/ changes to existing control systems in order to anticipate errors. * Assist with startup and commissioning of new projects as related to process control systems. May involve travel to other site locations as required. * Coordinate instrumentation calibration as required. Involves communicating manpower requirements with Management and overseeing Team Members / contractors conducting instrumentation. * Create work orders for smaller mill projects and when PLC specification changes are required. * Participate in daily staff meetings with the Maintenance Team, Production Team and Technical and Process Team. Complete and submit monthly status reports to the Electrical Team Lead. You have: * Post-secondary education in Instrumentation or Systems Engineering or equivalent. * Experience with process control and instrumentation within a manufacturing environment preferred but willing to train. * Experience working with smart field devices, Allen Bradley CLX and PLC5 PLC’s, VFDs and instrumentation controls such as control valves, process analyzers, flow, pressure, and temperature transmitters. * Experience working with PLC control, and process networks, with some understanding of RIO. * A strong understanding of P&IDs, loop diagrams, control logic diagrams and instrument data sheets. * Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Key Competencies / Skills: * Functional / Technical Skills: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. * Decision Quality: Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions. * Process Management: Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient work-flow; knows what to measure and how to measure it; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others can't; can simplify complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources. * Drive for Results: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results. * Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people - up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can defuse even high-tension situations comfortably. What We Offer: * Competitive base salary with an annual bonus opportunity. The typical salary range for this position is $95,000 - $113,500 and may vary depending on education and relevant experience. * Comprehensive benefits: including medical, dental, and vision coverage, pension and saving plans, life, disability, and accident insurance, vacation time, paid holidays and additional benefits to support your well-being. Your Workplace Location: Situated in beautiful northwestern Ontario, the Barwick Mill is located adjacent to the Ontario / Minnesota border. We are 45 Kilometers west of Fort Frances, Ontario and situated half-way between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario. The lifestyle of the Rainy River District embraces outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, winter sports and lake country. Our communities are family friendly, safe, and prioritize a genuine work / life balance. About Us: West Fraser offers exciting career paths in trades, operations, professional services, engineering and forestry across more than 50 locations in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. From lumber to engineered wood products, West Fraser delivers high-quality, naturally renewable building materials to the world. In all aspects of our business, we’re committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. Diversity: At West Fraser, we strongly believe promoting diversity and inclusion is essential to our success. Our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is reflected in our core values, and we constantly strive to foster a culture that values and respects every individual’s unique background and perspective. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to shaping a brighter future by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Join our team at West Fraser and help us build a more diverse and inclusive community. Sustainability: West Fraser is fully committed to sustainable forest management as defined in our environmental policy, which is reflected in every aspect of our work. We adopt new technologies and innovations to create exceptional building materials. Wood products are a natural, renewable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability. Sustainability Report | West Fraser [https://www.westfraser.com/sustainability/sustainability-report] Learn more about us! We are West Fraser [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBdO0aJhg4M]

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have post-secondary education in Instrumentation or Systems Engineering. Experience with process control, instrumentation, and PLC systems in a manufacturing environment is preferred.