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

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.88
• Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.81
• Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.81
• Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.80
• Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.80
• Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.79
• Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.79
• Load equipment receptacles or conveyors with material to be processed, by hand or using hoists.79
• Remove products from equipment, manually or using hoists, and prepare them for storage, shipment, or additional processing.77
• Calculate amounts of materials to be loaded into furnaces, adjusting amounts as necessary for specific conditions.76
• Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.74
• Melt or refine metal before casting, calculating required temperatures, and observe metal color, adjusting controls as necessary to maintain required temperatures.74

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring72

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Active Listening53

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking53

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operation and Control53

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Speaking53

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Quality Control Analysis50

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Writing41

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Coordination38

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Active Learning35

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Complex Problem Solving35

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical63

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Production and Processing55

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Public Safety and Security53

  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.

• Computers and Electronics49

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• English Language46

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training44

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Mathematics42

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Administration and Management41

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Customer and Personal Service39

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Chemistry36

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Medicine and Dentistry33

  Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

• Design32

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Problem Sensitivity66

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Control Precision63

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Oral Comprehension60

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Written Comprehension60

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Near Vision56

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Speech Recognition56

  The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

• Information Ordering53

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Oral Expression53

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Reaction Time53

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Selective Attention53

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Speech Clarity53

  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes84

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events82

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials82

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Handling and Moving Objects80

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Getting Information78

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems77

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People73

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Performing General Physical Activities72

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Processing Information70

  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment68

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Cautiousness78

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Dependability78

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail73

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Self-Control40

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Stress Tolerance36

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity31

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance29

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Cooperation18

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence15

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability6

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity3

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic97

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional56

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative18

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social5

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising4

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day82%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day76%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day83%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility57%
  • High responsibility30%
  • Moderate responsibility13%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day81%
  • Never11%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day68%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually57%
  • More than half the time20%
  • About half the time18%

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

  • Every day65%
  • Once a year or more but not every month15%

• Consequence of Error

  • Extremely serious60%
  • Serious17%
  • Fairly serious17%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important38%
  • Very important39%
  • Fairly important15%

• Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility47%
  • High responsibility13%
  • Moderate responsibility31%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Inventory management software

  Inventory tracking software

• Industrial control software

  Machine operation software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• National Tooling and Machining Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
• Miscellaneous textile, apparel, and furnishings workers except upholsterers
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
• Record operational or production data.
• Clear equipment jams.
• Load materials into production equipment.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
• Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
• Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Batch-and-Furnace Operator
• Firer, Kiln (Pottery & Porc)
• Kiln Operator (Woodworking)