Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

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.

Median Annual Wage: $41,140

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (68%); Less than high school diploma (14%); Associate's degree (13%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Vessel Operator; Control Room Operator; Central Melt Specialist; Melt Room Operator; Melt Supervisor; Arc / Argon Oxygen Decarborization Melter (ARC / AOD Melter); Automatic Furnace Operator; Direct Casting Operator; Electric Melt Operator; Utility Person

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders.

More Production Careers

  • Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.
  • Record production data, and maintain production logs.
  • Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
  • Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
  • Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
  • Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
  • Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders.

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders.

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