Furnace / Kiln / Oven / Drier / Kettle Operator / Tender

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Annealing Operator; Dry Kiln Operator; Dryer Feeder; Evaporator Operator; Furnace Operator; Kiln Fireman; Kiln Operator; Lime Kiln and Recausticizing Operator; Oven Operator

Tasks

• Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
• Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
• Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
• Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
• Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
• Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Production and Processing
• Public Safety and Security

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Control Precision
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Speech Recognition
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Selective Attention
• Reaction Time
• Speech Clarity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Perceptual Speed
• Manual Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Trunk Strength