National

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Kiln Operator, Furnace Operator, Fireman, Lime Kiln and Recausticizing Operator, Chemical Operator, Dry Kiln Operator, Calciner Operator, Evaporator Operator, Kiln Fireman, Oven Operator

Tasks

• Weigh or measure specified amounts of ingredients or materials for processing, using devices such as scales and calipers.
• Press and adjust controls in order to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
• Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights in order to detect deviations from standards.
• Read and interpret work orders and instructions in order to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
• Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
• Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators in order to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
• Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, in order to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, using scrapers, solvents, air hoses, oil, and hand tools.
• Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
• Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.