Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tender

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  Production Occupations

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tender

Also Called: Annealing Operator, Dry Kiln Operator, Dryer Feeder, Evaporator Operator, Furnace Operator, Kiln Fireman, Kiln Operator, Lime Kiln and Recausticizing Operator, Oven Operator, Annealing Operator, Dry Kiln Operator, Dryer Feeder, Evaporator Operator, Furnace Operator, Kiln Fireman, Kiln Operator, Lime Kiln and Recausticizing Operator, Oven Operator

What they do

Operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.

$34,430
Starting Salary (2023)
$45,640
Median Salary (2023)
0.4%
Projected Job Growth
14,820
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance
Initiative
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

More Info

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