BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMetal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

O*NET · 51-4051.00

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.

Also called ARC and AOD Melter · Arc and Argon Oxygen Decarburization Melter (ARC and AOD Melter) · Automatic Furnace Operator · Backbreaker · Bessemer Converter Blower · Bessemer Converter Operator · Bessemer Regulator · Blade Bender Furnace Tender
162 more

Blast Furnace Blower · Blast Furnace Keeper · Blast Furnace Operator · Blast Furnace Tender · Blower Operator · Burner · Burner Tender · Cadmium Burner · Central Melt Specialist · Charge Operator · Charger · Charger Operator · Charging Machine Operator · Coke Burner · Coke Drawer · Condenser Setter · Control Room Operator · Converter · Converter Operator · Converter Skimmer · Cooler Operator · Copper Tapper · Cover Operator · Crucible Furnace Tender · Cupola Melter · Cupola Operator · Cupola Tender · Desilverizer · Electric Arc Furnace Operator · Electric Furnace Operator · Electric Melt Operator · Fettler · Fire Regulator · Flux Plant Operator · Flux Tube Attendant · Furnace Charger · Furnace Checker · Furnace Door Tender · Furnace Filler · Furnace Firer · Furnace Hand · Furnace Keeper · Furnace Loader · Furnace Operator · Furnace Puncher · Furnace Roaster · Furnace Tapper · Gas Reverser · Gas Tender · Hearth Feeder · Hot Baller · Hot Blast Worker · Hot Car Charger · Hot Iron Worker · Hot Metal Car Operator · Hot Metal Charger · Induction Furnace Operator · Ingot Passer · Iron Caster · Iron Founder · Iron Melter · Kettle Skimmer · Kettle Worker · Kiln Burner · Kiln Firer · Kiln Operator · Kiln Packer · Kiln Tender · Lead Furnace Operator · Lead Refiner · Lead Shop Operator · Leveler · Manganese Heater · Melt Down Furnace Operator · Melt Room Operator · Melter · Melting Furnace Skimmer · Melting Operator · Metal Furnace Operator · Metal Melter · Metal Off Bearer · Metal Reclamation Kettle Tender · Metal Refiner · Metal Roaster · Metal Smelter · Muffle Worker · Muffler Hand · Muffler Tender · Oil Burner · Oil Burner Journeyman · Open Hearth Furnace Operator · Open Hearth Melter · Open Hearth Worker · Operating Tech · Operating Technician (Operating Tech) · Ore Charger · Ore Dryer · Ore Roaster · Ore Smelter · Ore Storage Drier · Oven Heater · Oven Operator · Oven Tender · Oven Worker · Oxygen Furnace Operator · Pig Furnace Operator · Pig Machine Operator · Pipe Out Worker · Pipe Recovery Specialist · Plunger · Poler · Pot Feeder · Pot Filler · Pot Operator · Pot Puller · Pot Puncher · Pot Room Tapper · Pot Tender · Puddler · Pull Up Hand · Puller Out · Puncher · Pusher Runner · Pyrometer Operator · Rabbler · Reclamation Furnace Operator · Reduction Furnace Operator · Refiner · Reheat Furnace Operator · Remelt Worker · Remelter · Residue Furnace Operator · Retort Cooler · Retort Fireman · Retort Furnace Operator · Retort Loader · Retort Pre-Cooker · Reverberatory Furnace Operator · Roaster · Rodman · Ross Furnace Operator · Rotary Furnace Operator · Rotary Kiln Operator · Scrap Charger · Scrap Kettle Tender · Scruff Worker · Sinter Machine Operator · Skimmer · Slag Skimmer · Slagger · Smelter · Smelter Charger · Smelter Operator · Steel Melter · Stirrer · Stove Tender · Tin Recovery Worker · Topper · Vacuum Melter · Vessel Operator · Zinc Furnace Charger · Zinc Skimmer

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.88
  • C Conventional3.97
  • I Investigative2.75
  • A Artistic1.05
  • S Social1.01
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma36%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
Related work experience
None (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (25%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Equipment Maintenance2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Time Management2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Troubleshooting2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Writingbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Coordination2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Repairing2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Persuasion2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Negotiation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Sciencebasic2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Operations Analysis1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.3—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

9 core · 6 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.4.6
  2. Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.4.6
  3. Record production data, and maintain production logs.4.5
  4. Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.4.5
  5. Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.4.5
  6. Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.4.5
  7. Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.4.4
  8. Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.4.4
  9. Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators.4.3
Show the other 6
  1. Prepare material to load into furnaces, including cleaning, crushing, or applying chemicals, by using crushing machines, shovels, rakes, or sprayers.4.6
  2. Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers.4.4
  3. Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur.4.3
  4. Sprinkle chemicals over molten metal to bring impurities to the surface.4.2
  5. Direct work crews in the cleaning and repair of furnace walls and flooring.4.0
  6. Scrape accumulations of metal oxides from floors, molds, and crucibles, and sift and store them for reclamation.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and Management3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security3.22.8
  • Education and Training3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Chemistry2.82.9
  • Customer and Personal Service2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Mathematics2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.9
  • English Language2.62.6
  • Sales and Marketing2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Physics2.52.6
  • Administrative2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Computers and Electronics2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Economics and Accounting2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Design2.21.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Telecommunications2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Communications and Media1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.7—
  • Law and Government1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction1.5—
  • Biology1.4—
  • Geography1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.83.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Reaction Time3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Selective Attention3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Deductive Reasoning3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Depth Perception3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Rate Control3.12.9
  • Static Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Auditory Attention3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Glare Sensitivity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Response Orientation3.02.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Trunk Strength3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.02.9
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Oral Comprehension2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Dynamic Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Stamina2.82.9
  • Written Expression2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Spatial Orientation2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Originality2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Night Vision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Explosive Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.6

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.15.7
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.84.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.22.7
  • Processing Information3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.02.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.82.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Working with Computers2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.5—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Exposed to Contaminants5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.9
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.8
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment4.4
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.1

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (3)
  • Process control software
  • Process safety management software
  • Production tracking system software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
  3. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  4. Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  5. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
  6. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  7. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  8. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
  10. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.