A job close to home with JDI’s Pulp & Paper division
Peter Nyenhuis grew up in Belleisle Creek, N.B., where he developed a love for fishing and spending time outdoors. As a recent university graduate hired at Lake Utopia Paper, Peter has a job he enjoys close to home, where he can continue to pursue the hobby he loves on the water he grew up fishing.
When Peter graduated from the University of New Brunswick Fredericton with a degree in Chemical Engineering this spring, he already had a full-time job lined up. After completing four work terms with J.D. Irving, Limited’s (JDI) Pulp & Paper division, Peter received a job offer as he headed into his final academic year.
“It was a lot of pressure lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “Not having to worry about applying for jobs throughout my final year just allowed me to focus on my studies.”
As a student, Peter had the opportunity to work on real projects with real impact at both Irving Pulp & Paper and Lake Utopia Paper. Being able to work closely with and learn from experienced operators and process engineers was another highlight, he added.
“It felt food to be part of a team and to be making a difference,” Peter said. “Everyone is so committed to helping you learn and helping you accomplish something.”
At Lake Utopia Paper, Peter continues to make an impact as an associate process engineer for the mill’s paper machine. He also supervises lab technicians as a lab supervisor,
“The paper machine is the heart of the mill here at Lake Utopia, so it’s important that we make sure it’s running the best it can every day,” he said.
Outside of work, Peter spends a lot of his time fishing. He’s part of a tournament series in New Brunswick called Hook and Paddle, where he competes in kayak fishing all around the province.
Last fall, he made his television debut as a competitor on the Bell Fibe TV show Reel Rivalry, which saw him face off against three other anglers on the Saint John River to earn the most points based on fish species and length.
Peter described the experience as a mix between the show Survivor and a kayak fishing competition.
“It made the show very unique and fun to watch even for people who aren't into fishing,” he said.
During filming, Peter lived on a houseboat with his fellow competitors for five days.
“The experience was a little nerve-wracking when being exposed to a camera all the time and also still having the pressure to perform and catch fish while filming,” he said. “But by the end of it, it was like the cameras weren't even there. It was a fun and exciting experience being able to compete in a new way.”
As a process engineer by day and an avid angler in his spare time, Peter said he’s truly come to appreciate the opportunity to continue to live and work near where he grew up.
“That was a really big deal for me,” he said. “One of my favourite things about JDI is that it’s so close to home.”
