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Furnace Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Refractory Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$24.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Refractory Operator Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you ... Perform refractory work at the Furnace. * Assemble and disassemble ladle slide gate and/or tundish ...

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Manual Machinist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

Kinney Engineers, Inc. is a family owned and operated engineering and manufacturing company that is ... Today our focus is on making quality American-Made blast furnace equipment for steel mills around ...

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Manual Machinist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

Kinney Engineers, Inc. is a family owned and operated engineering and manufacturing company that is ... Today our focus is on making quality American-Made blast furnace equipment for steel mills around ...

Lower End Janitorial Lead

Narrows, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Narrows, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Narrows, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Richmond, VA

$13 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Lower End Janitorial Lead

Narrows, VA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Lower End Janitorial Lead

Narrows, VA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Janitor

Narrows, VA

$12.50 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying ... operating hours and checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created ...

Assistant Refuse Superintendent

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$73K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SOLID WASTE DIVISION, 9850 FURNACE RD, LORTON (HQ03), VA Job Type: FT Hourly W BN Job Number: 26 ... Waste Management Facility Operator's License Class II (VA) within 18 months of hire. NECESSARY ...

Showing results 21-34

Furnace Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Virginia is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in VA?

For Furnace Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,482 per year, or $19 per hour.

Refractory Operator

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$24.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Gerdau rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Refractory Operator

Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and solving problems? Join us as we build the future and the Gerdau We Are Creating.

Potential Earnings of $78000 / year which includes production bonus and biweekly hourly pay ( $21.16 hr after 90 days goes to $24.60 hr) 

 We Have:

  • A strong global presence with mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the auto industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.    
  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.  
  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability. 
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology. 

 We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire 
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account) 
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6% 
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance 
  • Paid Parental Leave 
  • Bonuses 
  • Health Advocate Services 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program 
  • Career Path System and Training 
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create 

 Your Qualifications:

  • Must pass entrance exam. 
  • 1-3 years industrial/manufacturing experience. Brick Mason experience a plus.
  • Ability to work Monday - Friday, 4am to 1pm with some overtime and could involve occasional weekend work. 
  • General math skills, advanced problem solving, analytical skills, use charts, schedules, computer and touch screens in addition to follow instructions.
  • Ability to use adjustable controls in regulating the continuous process through interpretation of measuring instruments and gauges.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a self-directed team with limited supervision.
  • People leadership skills and ability to lead by example

Your Purpose:

Plan, lay out, and perform all operations necessary to lay brick and refractory in order to build, rebuild, and re-line ladles, electric-arc furnaces, roofs, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels. 

Your Work:

  • Complete a range of duties that are highly repetitive and routine in nature in order to properly and effectively lay refractory brick to build, rebuild, re-line, or patch electric-arc furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.
  • Operate pendant crane as needed to move refractory material to and from storage area.
  • Cut brick to size using pneumatic tools to ram material, walls, tundishes, and other areas as required.
  • Remove burned or damaged brick and clean surface of vessel using sledgehammer, pry bar, brick hammer, and/or pneumatic chipping gun.
  • Spread or spray refractories over exposed bricks to protect bricks against deterioration by heat using a trowel or gunning machine.
  • Perform refractory work at the Furnace.
  • Assemble and disassemble ladle slide gate and/or tundish slide gate for maintenance inspection.
  • Perform minor burning with torch, lance, and welding as needed.
  • Support trialing of new refractory products.
  • Operate mobile equipment to lift and transport materials including loaders, cranes, man-lifts, brick-lift, and forklifts.
  • Ensure daily preventative maintenance is performed on vehicles and mobile equipment, which may include fueling, cleaning, and checking/adding fluids as needed.
  • Follow all PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks being performed.
  • Assist in training of coworkers as needed.
  • Maintain communication with coworkers through two-way radio and hand signals.
  • Maintain work areas and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
  • Assist maintenance personnel as needed.

#LI-CM1

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. 

 

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com


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