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Refractory Inspection Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Senior Welding Specialist

Kansas City, MO ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

API 653 Above ground storage tank, API570 Piping, API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector or API936 Refractory Inspector preferred. * ASME or CSWIP Plant Inspector qualifications preferred. * ISO 9001:2008 ...

Senior Welding Specialist

Kansas City, MO ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

API 653 Above ground storage tank, API570 Piping, API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector or API936 Refractory Inspector preferred. * ASME or CSWIP Plant Inspector qualifications preferred. * ISO 9001:2008 ...

Senior Welding Specialist

Kansas City, MO ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

API 653 Above ground storage tank, API570 Piping, API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector or API936 Refractory Inspector preferred. * ASME or CSWIP Plant Inspector qualifications preferred. * ISO 9001:2008 ...

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

Maintenance Mechanic l

Boss, MO ยท On-site

$26.04/hr

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

Maintenance Mechanic l

Boss, MO ยท On-site

$26.04/hr

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

Working knowledge of metal fabrications, hydraulics/pneumatics, refractory work, bearings/seals ... Weekly Hazardous Waste inspections. * Complete tasks in a safe and environmentally compliant manner ...

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 Missouri?

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

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

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

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

Union Refractory / Bricklayer Superintendent

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข On-site

Gillespie & Powers, Inc.
51 - 200 employees

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Refractory/Bricklayer Superintendent directs and coordinates union bricklayer crews performing refractory brick and monolithic installation, repair, and maintenance at industrial job sites, including furnaces, ladles, and other high-temperature vessels. This role is responsible for field supervision, schedule and manpower management, quality and safety compliance, and serving as the primary liaison with the union local at the job site, working closely with Project Management and Estimating to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Supervise and coordinate all field activities for refractory installation and repair, including brick, castable/gunite, and plastic/ramming refractory systems, on furnaces, ladles, kilns, and other high-temperature vessels.
  • Plan and sequence daily work assignments for union bricklayer crews, ensuring proper crew sizing, tooling, and material staging to meet project schedules.
  • Read and interpret refractory drawings, lining specifications, and engineering details; verify installed work conforms to design and OEM specifications.
  • Serve as the primary on-site point of contact with the union local, including enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement, work rules, jurisdiction, and grievance procedures.
  • Partner with the Project Manager and Estimating on manpower forecasting, schedule adherence, and productivity/man-hour tracking against bid budgets.
  • Enforce all safety policies and site-specific EHS requirements, including confined space entry, fall protection, hot work, and PPE compliance; lead toolbox talks and job hazard analyses.
  • Inspect completed work for quality, dimensional accuracy, and curing/dry-out compliance; identify and correct deficiencies before turnover.
  • Maintain daily field reports, crew time records, material usage logs, and progress documentation for project files and client reporting.
  • Coordinate crane, rigging, scaffold, and other support trades needed for refractory installation sequencing.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance feedback for field bricklayer and helper personnel dispatched through the union hall.
  • Manage on-site tools, equipment, and consumable refractory materials; coordinate resupply with the shop and purchasing.
  • Ensure compliance with customer site requirements, outage schedules, and applicable OSHA, environmental, and industry-specific regulations.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a bricklayer/refractory apprenticeship program strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of hands-on refractory brick and monolithic installation experience, including at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or foreman capacity.
  • Working knowledge of a bricklayers' union collective bargaining agreement, hiring hall procedures, and jurisdictional practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to read refractory lining drawings, isometrics, and OEM installation specifications.
  • Strong knowledge of refractory materials (fireclay, high-alumina, silica, basic brick; castable, gunite, and plastic refractories) and their application methods.
  • OSHA 30-Hour certification required; confined space and fall protection training preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple crews across concurrent outage or turnaround schedules.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with clients, union stewards, and internal project teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to multi-state job sites, including extended outage assignments, with limited advance notice.
  • Valid driver's license required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Regularly works at active industrial construction sites, including furnace and vessel interiors, with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and confined spaces.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and scaffolding, work at heights, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and kneeling on uneven or elevated surfaces.
  • Work is performed both outdoors and in industrial plant environments, including during outages that may require night, weekend, or holiday shifts.
  • Required to wear and properly use PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and heat-resistant gear as conditions require.
EEO Statement

Gillespie & Powers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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