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Ladleman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UES, Inc.

Laborer

Burgettstown, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

May assist Ladleman of First Pitman in other work as directed. * As directed perform or assist in preparation of restrictors, remove steel skulls and apply slurry as required. * As directed assist in ...

UES

Laborer

Burgettstown, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

May assist Ladleman of First Pitman in other work as directed. * As directed perform or assist in preparation of restrictors, remove steel skulls and apply slurry as required. * As directed assist in ...

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Ladleman information

What does a ladleman do?

A Ladleman is responsible for operating the large ladles used to transport and pour molten metal in foundries or steel mills. Their duties include positioning ladles, controlling the flow of metal, and ensuring safety procedures are followed to prevent accidents. Ladlemen work closely with other workers to maintain the quality and consistency of the metal being processed. They also inspect equipment for wear and perform minor maintenance to keep operations running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ladleman?

To thrive as a Ladleman, you need a solid understanding of metallurgical processes, furnace operation, and safety procedures, often gained through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Familiarity with operating overhead cranes, ladle equipment, and temperature monitoring systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth coordination and adherence to safety standards. These skills are vital for maintaining product quality, minimizing risks, and supporting efficient steel or metal production operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a ladleman in a steel plant, and how can they be managed?

A Ladleman frequently encounters challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, managing heavy equipment, and ensuring the precise handling of molten metal to avoid spills or accidents. Effective communication with the team and strict adherence to safety procedures are essential to mitigate these risks. Continuous training and staying updated with safety protocols help Ladlemen handle these challenges efficiently, ensuring both personal safety and the quality of the final product.

What is the difference between Ladleman vs Crane Operator?

AspectLadlemanCrane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires safety training and sometimes certification in handling molten metalRequires crane operation certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentFoundry or steel plant, working near molten metalConstruction sites, factories, or industrial settings involving lifting
Industry UsageCommonly used in metal casting and steel productionUsed across various industries including construction, manufacturing, and shipping

The Ladleman and Crane Operator roles both require safety training and are essential in industrial settings. While the Ladleman focuses on handling molten metal in foundries, the Crane Operator manages lifting equipment across multiple industries. Both roles demand specialized certifications and safety awareness, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Ladleman jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ladleman jobs are:

Ladleman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ladleman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Laborer

Burgettstown, PA • On-site

UES, Inc.
See more jobs at UES, Inc.external

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Union Electric Steel Corporation is seeking Laborers for our Burgettstown, PA manufacturing plant. These unionized hourly positions offer an excellent fringe benefit package. This is an hourly position and applicants must be willing to work rotating shifts and weekends, as required.
Primary Function:
To clean and prepare molds and assist First Pitman in setting pit and stripping. To assist furnace crew in material handling when required. To assist in dome assembly and positioning for vacuum degassed heats, assist in operating mold furnace, cut hot top blocks.
Tools and Equipment:
Stools, molds, regular or expendable hot tops, charging buckets, hooks, chains, shovel, hammer, calking chisels, air spray, paint brush, paint mixer, scraper, wire brush, wheelbarrow, pony ladle, dome, air hammer, pendant control crane, mold furnace, 1300 process programmer and related equipment, hand saw and ruler, etc.
Materials:
Refractory and expendable materials, plugs, inserts, and mold coating, wood for hot top blocks, etc.
Direction Exercised:
May direct crane as required.
Working Procedures:
  • Cleans and prepares molds for cast. Uses scraper and wire brush to clean molds. Mixes paint and uses air spray or brush to paint molds. Uses gas burner to heat molds as required.
  • Assists First Pitman in setting molds and hot tops for cast.
  • Assists in stripping operations.
  • Cleans and positions stools, places insert in stool or plug in mold.
  • Positions ring on hot top and drives wedge to tighten.
  • Assists in dumping slag pots when required.
  • Assists as directed in handling and loading material for furnace, scrap charge, additives or fluxes when required.
  • Assists in slag-off as required.
  • Assists in any emergency such as cut-outs, ladle failures, cave-ins, etc. as required.
  • Assists Second Helper in spout maintenance.
  • Assists in setting up, loading and using BRI gun and Centrithro.
  • Cleans pit and working area.
  • For expendable hot tops secure sand from storage area and spread around hot tops as required.
  • Assists in knocking out lining on ladles. Use air hammer as required.
  • For vacuum degassed heats:
  • Assist in hook up and movement of pony ladle as required; assist in positioning and clamping pony ladle on vacuum degasser dome; after tap, assist in unclamping ladle from dome; direct crane dumping ladle into slag pot as required.
  • Assist in hook up of assembled vacuum degasser dome; signal crane in positioning dome on vacuum tank. After tap, disconnect TV and stopper leads and signal crane in removing dome from vacuum tank to storage.
  • Assist in positioning stream restrictor in dome. May direct crane in placing or removal of flange protection ring from tank. May clean tank ring and check "O" ring seals as required. Assist in placing protective covers on stopper rods and ladles.
  • May assist Ladleman of First Pitman in other work as directed.
  • As directed perform or assist in preparation of restrictors, remove steel skulls and apply slurry as required.
  • As directed assist in stripping unelflux ingots. May occasionally operate pendant control crane as required.
  • Assist or as directed perform duties inherent with mold furnace operation such as load and unload molds, stools, etc. on mold furnace buggy; position in and remove buggy from furnace: position furnace door; start monitor and shut off furnace cycle; may make furnace adjustments as required during furnace cycle.

Cut hot top blocks as directed.
To clean and prepare molds and assist First Pitman in setting pit and stripping. To assist furnace crew in material handling when required. To assist in dome assembly and positioning for vacuum degassed heats, assist in operating mold furnace, cut hot top blocks.
The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.
Competitive Wage, Medical, Dental, 401k
Equal Employment Opportunities will be given to all applicants regardless of their race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, non-job related physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Voluntary Self Identification of Race, Gender, Protected Veteran Status, and Disability
Pre-employment physical, background check and drug screening for all new hires

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