Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Furnace and Kiln Operator
What furnace and kiln operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a furnace and kiln operator?
Shift handoff. From there, the day usually includes load kilns and ovens, follow temperature profiles, and monitor controls. Full time, rotating shifts because kilns run nonstop.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a furnace and kiln operator working full time.
- Shift handoff.
- Check kiln temperatures.
- Load kiln cars.
- Monitor the firing curve.
- Unload cooled product.
- Inspect for cracks.
- Log data.
Where furnace and kiln operators work
Operators work in hot plant areas in ceramics, glass, chemical and food plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, rotating shifts because kilns run nonstop.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Load kilns and ovens
- Follow temperature profiles
- Monitor controls
- Inspect product
- Adjust settings
- Record data
- Maintain equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Kilns
- Industrial ovens
- Dryers
- Thermocouples
- Control panels
- Kiln cars
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Steady work
- Process skills
What’s hard
- Heat
- Rotating shifts
- Burn hazards
- Repetitive
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like process control
- I don’t mind heat
- I follow procedures
- I can work rotating shifts
- I like steady work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Furnace and Kiln Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear heat PPE
- Follow burner safety
- Lock out for maintenance
- Avoid hot surfaces