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Kiln Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collins

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Chester, CA

$23.64/hr

The Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the skills to become a Kiln Operator. Duties/Responsibilities*: * Comply with safety standards at all ...

Collins

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Chester, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

The Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the skills to become a Kiln Operator. Duties/Responsibilities*: * Comply with safety standards at all ...

Connect Staffing

Production Furnace Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$19.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Previous experience operating a furnace, heat treat equipment, kiln, or annealing equipment. * Background in wire, metal, cable, or industrial production environments. * Experience reading production ...

Connect Staffing

Production Furnace Operator

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$19.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Previous experience operating a furnace, heat treat equipment, kiln, or annealing equipment. * Background in wire, metal, cable, or industrial production environments. * Experience reading production ...

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Maintenance Technician

Frazier Park, CA · On-site

$25.42 - $35.59/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain contact with kiln operators and quality control to ensure material quality is met * Climb into and around mobile and plant equipment to make necessary adjustments * Participate in general ...

UNACEM North America

Laborer

Tehachapi, CA

$17 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kiln Maintenance: Assist with kiln relining tasks, including hauling, hoisting, or passing bricks ... Departmental Support: Assist departmental control room operators and perform other assigned duties.

Arcosa Lightweight

Maintenance Technician

Frazier Park, CA · On-site

$25.42 - $35.59/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain contact with kiln operators and quality control to ensure material quality is met * Climb into and around mobile and plant equipment to make necessary adjustments * Participate in general ...

CalPortland

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

Napa, CA · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Must work in all weather conditions: heat, cold, wet, dry, and/or dusty conditions and near hot kiln * Experience operating loaders, man lifts, and forklifts * Experience operating equipment outside ...

CalPortland

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

Napa, CA · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Must work in all weather conditions: heat, cold, wet, dry, and/or dusty conditions and near hot kiln * Experience operating loaders, man lifts, and forklifts * Experience operating equipment outside ...

CalPortland

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

Napa, CA · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Must work in all weather conditions: heat, cold, wet, dry, and/or dusty conditions and near hot kiln * Experience operating loaders, man lifts, and forklifts * Experience operating equipment outside ...

CalPortland

Maintenance Supervisor

Oro Grande, CA

$90K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Develop an operating budget; track operating costs and look for ways to improve costs without ... Monitor and approve timekeeping for assigned employees * Assist / Develop / Manage - Annual Kiln ...

CalPortland

Maintenance Supervisor

Oro Grande, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Develop an operating budget; track operating costs and look for ways to improve costs without ... Monitor and approve timekeeping for assigned employees * Assist / Develop / Manage - Annual Kiln ...

CalPortland

Maintenance Supervisor

Oro Grande, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Develop an operating budget; track operating costs and look for ways to improve costs without ... Monitor and approve timekeeping for assigned employees * Assist / Develop / Manage - Annual Kiln ...

CalPortland

Yard Laborer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Operate and/or assists workers engaged in operating machinery and equipment used in the production ... Must work in all weather conditions: heat, cold, wet, dry and/or dusty conditions and near hot kiln ...

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All JobsKiln Operator JobsKiln Operator Jobs in California

Kiln Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do kiln operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for kiln operator in California is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kiln operator?

Kiln operators are skilled workers responsible for managing and controlling kilns, which are high-temperature ovens used in industries such as ceramics, cement, glass, and manufacturing. They monitor temperature, pressure, and humidity levels, adjust controls to ensure proper processing, and perform routine maintenance on the kiln equipment. Kiln operators also keep detailed records of production data and ensure safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents or equipment malfunctions. Their role is crucial in ensuring the quality and consistency of products that require thermal processing.

What does a kiln operator do?

The responsibilities of a kiln operator or kiln fireman revolve around setting up and controlling a furnace or oven to dry, bake, or burn materials. Your duties in this career depend on your employer and your industry. You usually calibrate the kiln and operate it during the firing, baking, or drying process. You are often also responsible for taking steps to slow-cool the items. As a kiln operator, you may work with lumber drier kilns or in a funeral home or other facility to operate the equipment used to cremate bodies.

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

To thrive as a Kiln Operator, you need a good understanding of kiln operation, temperature control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kiln control systems, temperature monitoring tools, and materials handling equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and a safe working environment in kiln operations.

What are some common challenges faced by kiln operators and how can they be managed?

Kiln Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal kiln temperatures, preventing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring consistent product quality. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, regular monitoring of kiln controls, and prompt troubleshooting when irregularities occur. Effective communication with maintenance and production teams is also essential for timely repairs and process adjustments, helping to minimize downtime and maintain safety standards.

What is the difference between Kiln Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectKiln OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsTypically requires high school diploma and on-the-job trainingSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications depending on industry
Work EnvironmentOperates large industrial kilns in manufacturing or cement plantsWorks with various types of industrial furnaces in manufacturing or metal processing
Industry UsageCommon in cement, ceramics, and glass manufacturingFound in metal, chemical, and power generation industries

While both roles involve operating high-temperature equipment, Kiln Operators focus on managing large kilns for materials like cement or ceramics, whereas Furnace Operators handle different types of industrial furnaces for metal or chemical processing. Both require similar skills and certifications, but their specific environments and materials differ.

More about Kiln Operator jobs

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For Kiln Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kiln Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Kiln Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Kiln Operator jobs in CA?

For Kiln Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Kiln Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kiln Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,927 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Collins

Chester, CA

$23.64/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1855, Collins is family-owned and produces softwood and hardwood products at their facilities in Chester, California, Lakeview, Oregon and Kane, Pennsylvania. In Chester, Collins also has the Builders Supply retail hardware and building materials store. Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC®-certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

The Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the skills to become a Kiln Operator. 

Duties/Responsibilities*:

  • Comply with safety standards at all times and correct/report any observed safety hazards.
  • Learn to take daily samples from kilns to check weight and calculate the moisture content of lumber.
  • Learn to load and unload kilns and load trucks as needed.
  • Learn to perform startup and shutdown inspections. Learn to perform weekly PM inspections.
  • Clean and maintain working area and equipment.
  • Learn to perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
  • On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Position Requirements: Must meet position requirements to be considered a candidate for this position.

  • Ability to follow all company, state and federal safety rules when performing required job duties.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screening.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable weather and temperatures. 

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Individuals must be willing to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Positions may require additional PPE at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, foot protection, a face shield, and a respirator.

 

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