Furnace Operator

Operate the electric arc furnace in an efficient manner to melt scrap and alloying materials into refined high carbon and low carbon steel; develop and maintain the teamwork necessary to promote a coordination of efforts by the other employees in the melt department which accomplish the associated steel-making and refractory processes in a manner towards improving productivity by reducing tap to tap times, kilowatt hour, and alloy usage while maintaining the temperature and composition aims. Perform safe operation with melting and reline of equipment within the melt room and a daily safety inspection of the equipment; complete the required reporting documents and wear the required Personal Protective Equipment.

A. Purpose and Scope

To provide a description of the minimum requirements, responsibilities, and the basic duties associated with acquiring and maintaining the position as Furnace Operator. The goal of the position is to work safely and efficiently to reduce costs and improve productivity while performing all tasks, such as running the Crane, rebuild and reline Furnace sintering and refractory work and Assistant other employees as necessary, with highest regards to the environment and safety in the work area.

B. Detailed Responsibilities

• Prior to start up, visually inspect the refractory, and look for any problems, check to assure that the water is flowing to the water panels and coils.

• Make sure charge chart and Belt is loaded, this operation must be repeated for each charge.

• Turn the electric and hydraulic controls on, colling pit controls on. This operation must be repeated for each charge.

• Run the melt process and watch for any problems. THE FURNACE OPERATOR SHALL NOT LEAVE THE MELT DECK WITHOUT BEING RELIEVED BY ANOTHER OPERATOR.

• At the required time, collect a steel sample for chemical analysis.

• At the required time, take a temperature reading of the molten metal and continue to run the furnace until the slagging temperature is achieved.

• Weigh and prepare alloys for addition.

• Wear all Personal Protective Equipment as trained for the slagging process and add the required amounts of alloys. The Furnace Operator is assisted by the Assistant Furnace Operator in the slagging and alloy addition processes. Optimize furnace yield by minimizing the amount of metal removed during the slagging process.

• Run the furnace through the refining stage, checking the temperature of the molten metal until the desired tapping temperature is achieved.

• Signal the Assistant Furnace Operator when the desired tapping temperature is achieved, assistant the furnace operator check the tonnage hole is clear and signal the lead furnace operator before beginning the pouring process

• Tilt the furnace to\pour the Molen metal into tonnage.

• Inspect the furnace’s refractories after each heat to ensure that they are in good condition. This includes the side walls, bottom.

• Perform repairs on spouts by filling the furnace with cold scrap steel, placing insulted Blumels over steel and make repairs. If the repairs are needed below the melt line, you would have to cool the furnace.

• Eliminate and pot clear.

• Monitor tonnages, use the lance to clean the hole after every pour and slag the tonnage before covering with insulted blunt

• Ensure that the melt process is run in an environmentally conscious manner to provide a clean air environment; make sure that the dust collector is on and functioning properly.

• Accomplish tasks in a manner which minimizes delay times, while performed in accordance with approved safety rules and guidelines.

• Record all required information and data properly and accurately in the “Shift Melt Report”, and then turn the reports in to the Production Supervisor at the end of the shift.

• Record all required information and data properly and accurately on the “Melt Furnace Gunning Report” and “Electrode Breakage Report” and turn these reports in to the Production Supervisor at the end of the shift as necessary.

• Maintain proper housekeeping Sweep the furnace deck

• Store tools, equipment and supplies away in their proper areas.

• Inform the next shift Furnace Operator of any problems encountered and the status of operations when duly relieved.

• Assist in trials to reduce operating costs.

• Adhere to the guidelines and rules in the company’s “Health and Safety Manual” located in the lunchroom and in the Production Supervisor’s office.

• Follow the area’s associated instructions provided in the “Work Instructions”, and the procedures detailed in the “Quality Management Procedures”.

C. Work Instructions and Procedures

D. Organization Relationships

• Daily contact with the Production Supervisor.

• Daily contact with the Crane and Assistant Furnace Operators.

• Daily contact with the relieved (outgoing) and relief (incoming) Furnace Operators.

• Routine contact with the maintenance department.

• Occasional contact with the quality department.

• Occasional contact with the Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A. Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Review and approval of education history as provided on the job application.

B. Technical Requirements

• Must be able to understand electrical control panels, water and hydraulic circuits, and the sequences involved in the start-up and shut down of the associated equipment.

• Must be able to operate a forklift truck and maintain a Propane Filling Certificate.

• Must be able to comprehend and complete the required reporting documents.

• Must have basic mechanical skills.

• Must be able to apply basic math and algebra skills.

• Must be able to hand write in a legible manner.

• Must be capable of entering data into a computer terminal.

C. Physical Requirements

• Must be able lift fifty (55) pounds.

• Must be able to withstand cold weather and high heat/humidity working conditions, and the odors associated with the steel-making process.

• Must be able to work scheduled shift including weekends and overtime when necessary.

• Must be able to work at a minimum elevated height of 15 feet above the ground.

• Must be able to climb ladders, stairs and traverse the grounds.

• Must be able to operate hand controls to operate and tilt the furnace.

• Must be able to bend and twist.

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

• Must have vision at or corrected to 20/40.

• Must be able to withstand the radiant glare off high temperature hot metal.

• Must be able to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment.

• Must be able to work with hand and pneumatic tools, some of extended length.

D. Training Requirements

• Must be able to attend training sessions that support or improve relevant work skills or knowledge of the operation as designated by management.

• Orientation

• Quality

• Safety

• Forklift

• Lock Out

• Environmental and Dust

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have Furnace Operator Experience?

Experience:

• Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $25