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Refractory Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Refractory Inspection information

What is refractory inspection?

Refractory inspection is the process of evaluating the condition and integrity of refractory materials used to line high-temperature equipment such as furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors. Inspectors assess for wear, cracks, erosion, and other types of damage that can compromise thermal efficiency or safety. Regular inspections help prevent costly failures and unplanned downtime by identifying maintenance needs early. The process may involve visual checks, non-destructive testing methods, and sometimes removing sections of refractory for closer examination.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Inspector, you need a solid understanding of refractory materials, thermal processes, and inspection techniques, usually supported by technical training or certification in refractory inspection. Familiarity with inspection tools such as borescopes, ultrasonic testing equipment, and reporting systems like SAP or specialized inspection software is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessment of refractory integrity, help prevent costly failures, and maintain safe operations in industrial settings.

What are the typical challenges faced in a refractory inspection role, and how can new inspectors prepare for them?

Refractory inspectors often work in industrial environments where safety, heat, and confined spaces are significant challenges. New inspectors should be prepared for physically demanding tasks, such as climbing and prolonged standing, and must adhere strictly to safety protocols. Attention to detail is crucial, as small cracks or defects in refractory linings can lead to costly equipment failures. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also important, since inspectors frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance crews, and plant managers to ensure accurate reporting and effective repairs.

What is the difference between Refractory Inspection vs Refractory Technician?

AspectRefractory InspectionRefractory Technician
CertificationsOften requires inspection certifications and safety trainingTypically needs trade certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentInspecting refractory installations, often at industrial sitesInstalling, repairing, and maintaining refractory materials
Job FocusAssessing the condition and compliance of refractory liningsApplying refractory materials and performing repairs

Refractory Inspection and Refractory Technician roles share industry settings and safety requirements. However, inspectors focus on evaluating refractory conditions, while technicians handle installation and repairs. Both roles are essential for maintaining high-temperature industrial equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Inspection jobs in California?

For Refractory Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refractory Inspection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Inspection jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Refractory Inspection jobs?

Cities in California with the most Refractory Inspection job openings:

Infographic showing various Refractory Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Service Technician Apprentice

R.F. MacDonald Co.

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Summary:

A Boiler Service Technician – Apprentice is required to troubleshoot industrial and commercial boilers and associated burner/control systems as well as all ancillary equipment. R.F MacDonald Co. represents product lines such as Cleaver Brooks, Fulton, Camus, Industrial Combustion and others.


Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

  • Have 1 to 3 years of experience in troubleshooting and servicing boilers from light commercial to industrial water-tube and Cogeneration applications.
  • Hands on ability for combustion set up and analysis as well as troubleshooting skills to determine and adjust a full range of burners from .5 to 30 Million BTU/HR input.
  • Experience with Low Emission burners and related equipment is a plus but not a requirement.
  • Must have good communication skills and the ability to work in a team atmosphere.
  • Accountable for the completion of internal and external inspections of boilers, burners, and associated controls that determine function ability and expected service life.
  • Repair and/or replace refractory, gaskets, parts, and miscellaneous controls.
  • Perform hydrostatic testing of boilers, troubleshooting and repair of industrial burners.
  • Evaluate basic boiler room systems (steam and hydronic), gather information and help solve problems.
  • Understanding of all types of hot water and steam boiler support equipment to include deaerators, feed systems, blow down systems, economizers and waste heat recovery equipment. Experience with low emission burners and related equipment is a plus.
  • Instrument calibration experience and education with hands on experience is a plus. Meters, loop controllers, transmitters and thermocouples are everyday instruments in use with this equipment, ideal candidate will posses knowledge in troubleshooting, installing and calibrating these types of instruments and controls utilizing the latest in calibration instruments.

Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements
  • Be able to bend, kneel, stand, squat and climb frequently.
  • Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds, carry 50 pounds, roll out tubing and push/pull heavy materials w/ mobile equipment.
  • Must be able to work in confined space/areas.
  • Must pass a physical (fit test), hearing and eye exam
  • A valid driver's license is required with a clean record. Must be insurable with no major infractions. Job will require some travel. Applicants must pass pre-employment background and an initial and subsequent random drug screening tests.
  • Must be self-motivated individual who works independently, as well as in a team atmosphere. Good customer service skills are mandatory.
  • Must be professionally presentable, must have good customer skills and strong communication skills, must be able to operate independently and communicate efficiently and effectively with both the customer and management.
  • Must be detail oriented in completing work orders, all required forms, summaries, and checklist daily or as required in procedures manual
  • Must have strong language skills as well as industry specific vocabulary.
  • Basic mathematics, algebra, and formula knowledge are required.
  • Must have very strong reasoning and problem solving skills.

Competencies:

1. Problem Solving/Analysis Skills

2. Reasoning Skills

3. Project Management

4. Safety Focus

5. Critical Thinking/Evaluation Skills

6. Communication Proficiency

7. Ethical Conduct

8. Time Management

9. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility

10. Flexibility

11. Timeliness


Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.


Work Environment

This job operates in internal and external environments which may include inclement weather conditions. Environment will include working with hot steam, liquids, tight spaces and other conditions depending on customer site(s).


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, bend, squat, walk, lift, pull, push, crawl, climb stairs, and drive various equipment.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. This position regularly requires long hours and travel work as job duties demand.


Travel

Travel is required for this position to customer sites with out-of-area and possible overnight travel expected.



Requirements:

Required Education

  • Completed High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years of technical school, community college or trade school.
  • Computer knowledge a plus.