Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
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  Careers / Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders  
       
 
Summary Description
Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
 
Sample Job Titles

1.

Arc / Argon Oxygen Decarborization Melter (ARC / AOD Melter)

2.

Arc Furnace Operator

3.

Argon Oxygen Decarborization Refining Vessel Operator (AOD Refining Vessel Operator)

4.

Automatic Furnace Operator

5.

Backbreaker

6.

Bessemer Converter Blower

7.

Bessemer Converter Operator

8.

Bessemer Regulator

9.

Blade Bender Furnace Tender

10.

Blast Furnace Blower

11.

Blast Furnace Keeper

12.

Blast Furnace Operator

13.

Blast Furnace Tender

14.

Blower Operator

15.

Burner

16.

Burner Tender

17.

Cadmium Burner

18.

Central Melt Specialist

19.

Charge Operator

20.

Charger Operator

21.

Charging Machine Operator

22.

Coke Burner

23.

Coke Drawer

24.

Condenser Setter

25.

Control Room Operator

26.

Converter

27.

Converter Operator

28.

Converter Skimmer

29.

Cooler Operator

30.

Copper Tapper

31.

Cover Operator

32.

Crucible Furnace Tender

33.

Cupola Melter

34.

Cupola Operator

35.

Cupola Tender

36.

Desilverizer

37.

Direct Casting Operator

38.

Electric Arc Furnace Operator

39.

Electric Furnace Operator

40.

Electric Melt Operator

41.

Feeder

42.

Fettler

43.

Fire Regulator

44.

Floater

45.

Floater Operator

46.

Flux Plant Operator

47.

Flux Tube Attendant

48.

Foundry Melt Supervisor

49.

Foundry Worker Apprentice

50.

Furnace Charger

51.

Furnace Checker

52.

Furnace Door Tender

53.

Furnace Filler

54.

Furnace Firer

55.

Furnace Hand

56.

Furnace Keeper

57.

Furnace Loader

58.

Furnace Operator

59.

Furnace Puncher

60.

Furnace Roaster

61.

Furnace Tapper

62.

Furnace Tender

63.

Gas Reverser

64.

Gas Tender

65.

Head Charger

66.

Hearth Feeder

67.

Hot Baller

68.

Hot Blast Worker

69.

Hot Car Charger

70.

Hot Iron Worker

71.

Hot Metal Car Operator

72.

Hot Metal Charger

73.

Induction Furnace Operator

74.

Ingot Passer

75.

Iron Caster

76.

Iron Founder

77.

Iron Melter

78.

Kettle Skimmer

79.

Kettle Worker

80.

Kiln Burner

81.

Kiln Firer

82.

Kiln Operator

83.

Kiln Packer

84.

Kiln Tender

85.

Lead Furnace Operator

86.

Lead Refiner

87.

Lead Shop Operator

88.

Leveler

89.

Manganese Heater

90.

Melt Down Furnace Operator

91.

Melt Room Operator

 

92.

Melt Supervisor

93.

Melter

94.

Melting Furnace Skimmer

95.

Melting Operator

96.

Metal Furnace Operator

97.

Metal Melter

98.

Metal Off Bearer

99.

Metal Reclamation Kettle Tender

100.

Metal Refiner

101.

Metal Roaster

102.

Metal Smelter

103.

Muffle Worker

104.

Muffler Hand

105.

Muffler Tender

106.

Observer

107.

Oil Burner

108.

Oil Burner Journeyman

109.

Open Hearth Furnace Operator

110.

Open Hearth Melter

111.

Open Hearth Worker

112.

Ore Charger

113.

Ore Dryer

114.

Ore Roaster

115.

Ore Smelter

116.

Ore Storage Drier

117.

Oven Heater

118.

Oven Operator

119.

Oven Tender

120.

Oven Worker

121.

Oxygen Furnace Operator

122.

Pig Caster

123.

Pig Casting Machine Operator

124.

Pig Furnace Operator

125.

Pig Machine Operator

126.

Pipe Out Worker

127.

Pipe Recovery Specialist

128.

Plunger

129.

Poler

130.

Pot Feeder

131.

Pot Filler

132.

Pot Operator

133.

Pot Puller

134.

Pot Puncher

135.

Pot Room Tapper

136.

Pot Tender

137.

Production Floater

138.

Puddler

139.

Pull Up Hand

140.

Puller Out

141.

Puncher

142.

Pusher Runner

143.

Pyrometer Operator

144.

Rabbler

145.

Reclamation Furnace Operator

146.

Reduction Furnace Operator

147.

Refiner

148.

Reheat Furnace Operator

149.

Remelt Worker

150.

Remelter

151.

Residue Furnace Operator

152.

Retort Cooler

153.

Retort Fireman

154.

Retort Furnace Operator

155.

Retort Loader

156.

Retort Pre-Cooker

157.

Reverberatory Furnace Operator

158.

Roaster

159.

Rodman

160.

Ross Furnace Operator

161.

Rotary Furnace Operator

162.

Rotary Kiln Operator

163.

Scrap Charger

164.

Scrap Kettle Tender

165.

Scruff Worker

166.

Shove Up

167.

Sinter Machine Operator

168.

Skimmer

169.

Slag Skimmer

170.

Slagger

171.

Smelter

172.

Smelter Charger

173.

Smelter Operator

174.

Steel Melter

175.

Stirrer

176.

Stove Tender

177.

Tin Recovery Worker

178.

Topper

179.

Utility Person

180.

Vessel Operator

181.

Zinc Furnace Charger

182.

Zinc Skimmer

 
Job Tasks

Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.

  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for testing.

Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.

  • Place materials into molds.

Record production data, and maintain production logs.

  • Record operational or production data.

Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.

  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur.

  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.

  • Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.

Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.

  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.

Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.

  • Inspect production equipment.

Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.

  • Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
  • Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers.

  • Skim impurities from molten metal.

Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators.

  • Load materials into production equipment.
  • Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment.
  • Signal others to coordinate work activities.

Sprinkle chemicals over molten metal to bring impurities to the surface.

  • Skim impurities from molten metal.

Direct work crews in the cleaning and repair of furnace walls and flooring.

  • Direct operational or production activities.

Prepare material to load into furnaces, including cleaning, crushing, or applying chemicals, by using crushing machines, shovels, rakes, or sprayers.

  • Clean materials to prepare them for production.

Scrape accumulations of metal oxides from floors, molds, and crucibles, and sift and store them for reclamation.

  • Clean production equipment.
 
Work Activities
Importance Work Activity
85
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
76
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
75
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
75
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
73
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
72
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
70
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
69
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
63
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
62
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
56
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
56
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
56
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
54
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
53
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
51
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
50
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
49
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
46
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
46
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
42
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
41
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
40
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
38
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
36
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
35
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
34
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
33
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
32
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
31
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
29
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
28
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
 
 
 
Nature of the Work
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.

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Working Conditions
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.

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  Source: MyPlan.com, LLC, 2019; includes information from the O*NET 20.3 database, 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition. O*NET™ is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  

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