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Furnace Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Matthews International

Foundry Operator

Searcy, AR · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Foundry Operator assists other workers in foundry concerned with melting metal ... Weighs out specified amounts of materials for furnace charge and loads charge into melting furnace.

Matthews International

Foundry Operator

Searcy, AR · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Foundry Operator assists other workers in foundry concerned with melting metal ... for furnace charge and loads charge into melting furnace. • Skims slag from surface of molten ...

Gerdau

Lab Technician

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

... operating saws, abrasive cut wheel and disk grinder. General knowledge of steel processing, principles of the electric arc furnace operation and basic metallurgical components of high carbon and ...

Big River Steel LLC

EAF/RH Bricker, BRS

Osceola, AR · On-site

Capable of safely and efficiently operating a remote overhead crane and a forklift. * Ensure good ... furnace re-bricking or RHD areas. Qualifications: * Quality, detail, and safety oriented ...

Gerdau

Lab Technician

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

... operating saws, abrasive cut wheel and disk grinder. General knowledge of steel processing, principles of the electric arc furnace operation and basic metallurgical components of high carbon and ...

All JobsFurnace Operator JobsFurnace Operator Jobs in Arkansas

Furnace Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Arkansas is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a furnace operator?

Furnace operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial furnaces used in manufacturing processes. They load materials, set temperature controls, and ensure the furnace operates safely and efficiently. Their duties may include adjusting settings, recording data, performing routine maintenance, and following safety procedures to prevent accidents. Furnace operators are essential in industries such as metalworking, glassmaking, and ceramics, where precise heating is required.

What does a furnace operator do?

A furnace operator controls a gas, coal, electric, oil, or other type of furnace in preparation to melt metal, usually at a foundry or refinery. Your duties include operating the machine on a daily basis and performing sample tests to verify that the equipment is functional. Your responsibilities may include making detailed analyses of the materials you melt, ensuring that every melting operation is performed to specifications, and conducting maintenance and safety checks on all equipment. The career requires excellent mechanical skills and the ability to use measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, and scales.

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

To thrive as a Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial furnace operations, materials handling, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with control systems, temperature monitoring equipment, and potentially certifications in OSHA safety standards are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and maintain safe environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, preventing accidents, and maximizing operational efficiency in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges furnace operators face when working with high-temperature equipment?

Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise temperature controls, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions under pressure. Working with high-temperature equipment requires constant attention to detail and quick decision-making to prevent accidents or product defects. Operators also need to coordinate closely with maintenance teams and production supervisors to address issues promptly and minimize downtime, making strong communication skills essential in this role.

What is the difference between Furnace Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectFurnace OperatorBoiler Operator
CertificationsTypically requires HVAC or furnace-specific certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsPower plants, heating plants, industrial facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor furnaces for heat productionOperate and maintain boilers for steam or hot water
Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, and processing industriesPower generation, heating, and industrial sectors

While both Furnace Operators and Boiler Operators work in industrial settings managing heat-producing equipment, Furnace Operators focus on operating furnaces for heat generation, whereas Boiler Operators manage boilers for steam or hot water production. Certifications, work environments, and industry usage overlap, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the equipment they handle.

Is being a furnace operator hard?

Furnace operators are responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial heating equipment, which requires attention to safety protocols, technical skills, and the ability to work in potentially hazardous environments. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but with proper training and experience, it becomes manageable. Safety procedures and technical knowledge are essential components of the role.
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Furnace Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,930 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Melt Operator Level A

Saint Jean Industries

Heber Springs, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description:

 • Learn to operate the Melt Furnace, the Degasser, Spectrometer, and the Dyno-Vac machines. • Learn the required quality acceptance criteria. • Inform lead person or foreman on any problems with the machines. • When not learning to operate melting machines, clean area or other duties as instructed by lead  person or foreman. • Ability to tap and pour molten metal.  • Ability to flux bull ladle and probe ladle temperature.  • Ability to skim cast machine holding furnace. • Ability to pass classroom and driving section of powered industrial truck testing (forklift).  • Ability to flux degas.  • Ability to clean bull ladle walls.  • Ability to flux.  • Wear the appropriate safety equipment at all times, attend scheduled safety meetings and conduct  one’s self in a manner respectful to others, equipment, and tools. 

Requirements:

 Education upon hire: High School Diploma/GED équivalant. Must possess mechanical aptitude  SKILLS TECHNIQUES (KNOW-HOW):  Technical know-how : BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:  Behavioral know-how: Ability to be a team player, wear appropriate PPE, flexible on overtime