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Ladle Crane Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Refractory Operator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running ... The individual is responsible for lining and relining arc furnaces, ladles, ladle heatingstations ...

Refractory Operator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running ... The individual is responsible for lining and relining arc furnaces, ladles, ladle heatingstations ...

Ladle Crane Operator information

What is a ladle crane operator?

Ladle crane operators are skilled professionals who operate overhead cranes designed to transport molten metal in foundries or steel plants. Their main responsibility is to safely and efficiently move heavy ladles filled with liquid metal between furnaces, casting stations, and other processing areas. They must have a strong understanding of safety protocols, crane mechanics, and the properties of the materials they handle. This role requires attention to detail, quick reflexes, and the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the production team. Ladle crane operators play a critical part in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of metal production facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ladle crane operator?

To thrive as a Ladle Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation, load management, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant crane operator certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, overhead crane controls, and routine maintenance tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe handling of molten metal, minimize workplace accidents, and maintain production efficiency in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a ladle crane operator, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Ladle Crane Operators often face challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, maintaining precise crane movements during molten metal transfers, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To address these, operators receive thorough training on safety procedures, use specialized protective equipment, and collaborate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure coordinated operations. Regular maintenance checks and adherence to communication protocols are also essential to minimize risks and maintain efficiency in the steel production process.

What is the difference between Ladle Crane Operator vs Overhead Crane Operator?

AspectLadle Crane OperatorOverhead Crane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires crane operation certification and sometimes specialized training for handling molten metalRequires general overhead crane certification, often with industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentFound in steel mills, foundries, and metal processing plants, handling molten metalLocated in manufacturing, warehouses, and construction sites, handling various loads
Industry UsagePrimarily used in metal production industriesUsed across multiple industries including manufacturing, construction, and logistics

The main difference between a Ladle Crane Operator and an Overhead Crane Operator lies in their specific work environments and load types. Ladle Crane Operators specialize in handling molten metal in steel mills and foundries, requiring specialized training. Overhead Crane Operators work in diverse industries, managing various loads with standard certifications. Both roles require crane operation skills but differ in their operational focus and safety requirements.

Infographic showing various Ladle Crane Operator job openings in Arizona as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Refractory Operator

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Commercial Metals Company
Construction • 10K+ employees

$18 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Commercial Metals Company rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

it's what's inside that counts

_______________________________

There's more to CMC than our products and the buildings, structures, and roads they go into. At CMC, it's the people inside our recycling centers, fabrication plants, manufacturing facilities, steel mills and offices that make us who we are as a company. Our success comes from finding, retaining, and supporting the highest quality talent by offering:

  • Day 1 Benefits Coverage with low cost Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Day 1 Paid-time Off and Vacation
  • 4.5% Company Match 401(k) plan
  • $500 Annual Company-paid Lifestyle Benefit
  • Competitive Compensation and Bonuses
  • Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Training and Advancement Opportunities
Why This Job

CMC provides an excellent opportunity to learn the steel, construction reinforcement and ground stabilization industries and to grow in your career. Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and support from your team that you need to excel in your role and reach your full potential.

The individual is responsible for lining and relining arc furnaces, ladles, ladle heatingstations, tundishes, tundish covers and fabricates slide gates. Make EAF repairs andrelining; perform other general masonry assignments.

What You'll Do
  • Participate in the CMC Safety Programs and proactively uphold the CMC Safety Culture
  • Cleans and prepares slide gates, furnaces, roofs, ladles, tundishes, covers, forms, etc for repair and relining and fabrication
  • Mixes mortar and other bonding materials for lining and bricking
  • Uses brick laying equipment to lay brick or replace lining materials in the repair or reline of ladles, furnaces, furnace roofs, tundishes, etc as required
  • Lays brick up in ladles, roofs, furnaces, tundishes, etc. Handle bricks by hand for multiple hours at a time
  • Effectively communicate with others about possible production issues, concerns, and needs
  • Ensure equipment inspection reports are filled out each shift
  • Responsible for continuous improvement such as suggesting improvements in work methods and procedures
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What You'll Need
  • Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment, with excellent strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work with exposure to extremes in temperature, chemical, dust fumes and mists, uneven surfaces, loud noise, elevated work areas, and confined spaces
  • Dependability in attendance, work completion, and flexibility to meet business needs
  • Must be able to learn quickly and multitask
  • Work on a rotating shift which may include weekends and holidays
  • Ability to work overtime as required, including planned schedules and unplanned emergency situations
  • Ability to lift to 50 pounds, climb ladders and stairs, and stand for extended periods of time
Your Education
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred

We are CMC, a Fortune 500 company at the leading edge of our industry. Our construction reinforcement and steel products have supported construction projects and structures around the world. The secret to our success? We've built our legacy by assembling a team of innovators and doers to tackle some of the most challenging construction reinforcement problems facing our world for more than 100 years - and we're just getting started.

If you're ready to join a team working to make our industry more sustainable, support the bridges, roadways, buildings and infrastructure that connects our communities, and do meaningful work, you're ready to join CMC. Apply today and start moving your career - and our world - forward. Let's build a better world!

CMC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, or other status protected by federal, state or local law.

From Fortune Magazine. 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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