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Blast Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operate the heat treat furnace, quench tank, temper furnace, Wheelabrator shot blast machine, link heat treat machine forklift and crane. Harness testing and data entry of results are also required.

Heat Treat Operator

Mount Pleasant, PA · On-site

$24.50 - $25.22/hr

Operate the heat treat furnace, quench tank, temper furnace, Wheelabrator shot blast machine, link heat treat machine forklift and crane. Harness testing and data entry of results are also required.

Facility Operator

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

The Facility Operator's primary function is to ensure high quality material is safely obtained ... This position is inside an Iron making facility - blast furnace at Burns Harbor Steel Mill.

Heat Treat Operator

Pittsburgh, PA

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... furnace * Concentration of wash * Carbon content of shim samples * Etched case depth of slug samples * Induction machine operating parameter * Use/operate shot blaster, abrasive cut off saw ...

Showing results 21-40

Blast Furnace Operator information

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$13

$19

$26

How much do blast furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for blast furnace operator in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Blast Furnace Operator vs Ironmaking Technician?

AspectBlast Furnace OperatorIronmaking Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor industrial setting, operating heavy machineryIndoor plant environment, supporting furnace operations
Industry UsageCommonly employed in steel manufacturing plantsFound in steel mills, focusing on furnace maintenance and troubleshooting

Both roles are integral to steel production, with the Blast Furnace Operator primarily managing furnace operation and the Ironmaking Technician focusing on maintenance and technical support. While their credentials and work environments overlap, their specific responsibilities differ, making each role essential for efficient steel manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blast furnace operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blast Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or vocational training in industrial operations. Familiarity with process control systems, temperature monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient furnace operation and high-quality steel production in a demanding industrial environment.

What are some common challenges faced by blast furnace operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Blast Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal furnace temperatures, handling equipment malfunctions, and ensuring the consistent quality of molten metal. These tasks require strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication with maintenance and control room teams. Operators can manage these challenges by adhering to safety protocols, participating in regular training, and collaborating closely with colleagues to troubleshoot and resolve issues swiftly.

What is a blast furnace operator?

Blast Furnace Operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring blast furnaces used in the production of iron from iron ore. They regulate the flow of materials, maintain proper temperatures, and ensure the efficient and safe operation of the furnace. Their duties include adjusting controls, inspecting equipment, and responding to any malfunctions or emergencies. Blast Furnace Operators play a crucial role in the steel manufacturing process by ensuring the continuous production of molten iron.
More about Blast Furnace Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Blast Furnace Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Blast Furnace Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Blast Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Recycling Production Operator

Element Resources

Forest City, MO

$26.60 - $28.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview

Element Resources is hiring in Forest City, Missouri!

The starting pay is a rate between $26.60 - $28.80 per hour, depending on the department.

Working C or D shift? Shift differentials are $1.20 and $1.45 per hour.

Eligible to earn an attendance bonus in addition to your regular pay rate - paid weekly, 8.4% of wages- nearly $2.00 per hour more!

Element Resources operates one of the leading battery recycling facilities in the country and has been a mainstay in the Forest City community for over 30 years. Did you know that batteries are the most recycled product in the world with a more than 99 percent recycling rate? Element provides an essential supply of recycled products to America's battery manufacturers to produce high-quality, top performing batteries to power cars, trucks and forklifts, which are vital to keeping our country's supply chain running.

A Recycling Smelter Operator is generally responsible for operating equipment and performing tasks at the direction of the supervisor or senior operator, with other team members on an assigned shift. The operator is also responsible for performing work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Work may be performed in Blast Furnace, Casting, or Breaker departments.

Additional bonus opportunities available!

Eligible for 3 floating holidays after 60-day probationary period - 6 additional holidays during the calendar year.

Apply online or text recyclingjobs to 678-506-7168 to begin your pre-screening process!

Element offers a strong benefit package that includes the following:

  • Weekly pay
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross BlueShield
  • Dental coverage through Cigna
  • Vision - free annual exams for enrolled employees
  • Paid Time Off
  • Insurance Plans - Life, AD&D, LTD, STD and other optional benefits may be available
ResponsibilitiesThe duties assigned to an Operator may vary with the area assigned. Specific duties are described in operating instructions for each area or piece of equipment. Duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Load and operate high-speed blenders
  • Operate blending/milling equipment
  • Operate smelters and spray dryer, record temperature at specified intervals
  • Empty smelter.
  • Package material for shipments, including weight and quantities
  • Operate a fork and/or lift truck
  • Perform any other tasks as assigned by a supervisor.
  • Train other Operators when assigned to do so by supervisor.
  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Work in a safe and environmentally sound manner
  • Clean and lubricate all equipment
  • Maintain good housekeeping
  • May be required to relieve other Operations
  • Any other miscellaneous duties
Qualifications
  • Able to operate equipment basic power and hand tools and possibly some heavy equipment such as a forklift, man-lift, etc.
  • Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and operations.
  • Comprehend and apply basic math skills e.g. addition, subtraction, etc.
  • Able to satisfy a Pulmonary Function Test within OSHA standards and wear a respirator
  • Regular attendance is a requirement for this position.
  • Must be able to lift, bend, reach and twist with loads for periods of time. Throughout the day, actual lifting may be from 15 to 50 lbs. and up to 100 lbs. on an infrequent basis. 
PREFERRED:
  • Recycling, smelting, metallurgical processing plant experience, or other relevant industrial experience (manufacturing, factory)
  • Working knowledge of pumps, flow processes, e.g. throughput, valves, and electrical and understanding units of measurement e.g. psi, flow rate, gpm, amps, etc.
  • High School and or technical/vocational training 
  • Heavy equipment such as a dover, forklift, etc. preferred but we train!

Element Resources encourages candidates with Military training and/ or experience to apply. 

EEO Statement

Element Resources is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

About Statement

Element Resources (elementrellc.com) is one of the nation's largest secondary recyclers of lead batteries used to power Transportation and Industrial market applications. With recycling plants located in Canon Hollow, Missouri, and Muncie, Indiana, Element Resources is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible way to ensure more than 16 million lead batteries are safely recycled each year, contributing the sustainability of the lead battery industry.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME