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Kiln Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RHI Magnesita

Rotary Kiln Operator Night shift

York, PA · On-site

Rotary Kiln Operator - Night Shift 6p-6a 3/1/3 rotating schedule Responsibilities • Train and successfully test on the Feed End, Finish End and Rotary Burner positions • Approximate time working ...

Imerys

Kiln Assistant

Andersonville, GA · On-site

$36.90K - $47.50K/yr

The Kiln Assistant works with and reports to the Kiln Operator. This position is the eyes and ears for the Kiln Operator outside of the Control Room. Kiln Assistant will look for and alert KO to any ...

Wise Staffing Group

Kiln Operator

Baxter, TN · On-site

... • Follows operating procedures • Keeps the area safe, clean and organized • Performs other related duties as required • Assist in Inventory control • Performs various tests to ensure ...

Wise Staffing Group

Kiln Operator 2nd shift

Baxter, TN · On-site

Kiln- applicants must be comfortable working in a heated area as the tile is fired up to 1250 degrees . Protective gloves will be provided. Hair must be pulled back. Heavy lifting 25 pounds or more

CoorsTek

Kiln Tech I (Days or Graveyard)

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Job Title Kiln Tech I (Days or Graveyard) Responsible for maintaining kiln performance through performing and documenting accurate kiln and/or furnace firing operations, kiln/furnace maintenance and ...

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How much do kiln operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for kiln operator in the United States is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are kiln operators?

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 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.

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Kiln Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kiln Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 8% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 81% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,390 per year, or $17 per hour.

Rotary Kiln Operator Night shift

RHI Magnesita

York, PA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

RHI Magnesita rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Rotary Kiln Operator - Night Shift
6p-6a 3/1/3 rotating schedule
Responsibilities
• Train and successfully test on the Feed End, Finish End and Rotary Burner positions
• Approximate time working in each position: Feed End - 50%, Finish End - 50%, Rotary Kiln Operator - 25% Feed and Finish End and 75% Burner depending on seniority.
• Operate articulated hauler, wheeled loader, skid steer and forklift.
• Continuously monitor, analyze, adjust, start up, and shut down rotary kiln systems as needed from computer systems in the control room. The area of responsibility begins at the discharge of the stone feed bins and ends at the feed end of the finished grain bins in the Old Sizing Plant. The area includes both rotary kilns, feed conveying systems, exhaust systems, bag houses, kiln coolers and stacks.
• Continuously support & provide direction to rotary plant field operators as needed to coordinate plant operations.
• Sample brick grain from the kiln at the designated times & run quality control testing on the grain to determine bulk density.
• Analyze laboratory results & determine the appropriate process variables to change to maintain optimum quality.
• Enter notes in the Plant Notes Program for maximum communication between shifts and management.
• Data entry into SAP including Daily production from rotary kilns, inventory charge outs. Ability to check bin inventory with SAP inventory and adjust as needed. Environmental compliance data entry.
• Load bulk trucks with designated product i.e. Mag, dust and brick grain.
• Haul dust to the waste pile or load dust trucks for customers as needed.
• Keep coal and coke bins full and stockpiles orderly and safe
• Wearing of a respirator in specified areas. Successful fit testing & medical evaluation is a requirement of the job.
• Wearing of Fall Protection Harness as required. Successful harness fitting and training
Qualifications
• Promote and enforce safety rules and practices.
• Communicate with the oncoming shift operators by informing them of any problems that occurred during the shift.
• Keep all plant areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Job requires: standing, lifting, walking, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling and climbing; climbing ladders or stairs up to 3 or 4 stories several times per shift ; lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds ; and wearing all personal protective equipment required to do the job (including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, & respirator).
• Wearing of a respirator in specified areas.
• Driving trucks, haulers, loaders and forklifts with use of normal hand and foot controls.
• Ability to work in a variety of working conditions including, but not limited to heat, cold, dust, noise, high elevations and confined spaces
Working Environment
  • Industrial production environment

What we bring to the table
  • Amazing benefits that start within 30 days of hire
  • Annual voucher for required boots/PPE
  • We offer you a varied and challenging role within the world market leader that is driving positive changes.
  • We give you the opportunity to take part in shaping the future of the industry leader in innovative technology.

About RHI Magnesita
RHI Magnesita is the global leader in refractories. We have the largest number of locations around the world and the most innovative, reliable products and services. We also provide the most robust supply and quality security, thanks to our exceptional vertical integration - from mining to production to full-service solutions.
Learn more about us and follow us at:
Find us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Do you want to know more? Check out www.rhimagnesita.com
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, skills and responsibilities of the job. May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

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