Furnace Utility Operator

Furnace Utility Operator
Location: Wilson, NC
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Summary:

Potters Industries is seeking a Furnace Utility Operator to monitor and control the firebox and cutting wheel operations in the plant. The Furnace Utility Operator will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the furnace area while adhering to all safety and environmental standards.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Rate: $22.38 per hour
• Pay Frequency: Weekly
• Full-Time Permanent Position
• Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401K
  • Paid Time Off

Shift Information:

• Current Shift (until March 2025): 8-hour day shift (Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
• Potential Rotating Shift (from March 2025 onward): Every other week rotating shift, with shifts such as 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM or 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Take significant responsibility for the safe operation of the plant by monitoring, noting, and responding appropriately to unsafe conditions. Perform all tasks in a safe manner.
• Routinely monitor forehearth and firebox conditions.
• Monitor cutting wheel temperatures and cooling systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Work with Maintenance to switch out cutting wheels and forehearth bowl assemblies as needed.
• Learn and utilize control systems and adjustments for fireboxes and cutting wheels.
• Report hourly gas, oxygen, temperature, water flow, and other operational data.
• Track and report the amount of cullet transferred to the pad.
• Assist the Lead Operator with furnace monitoring as available.
• Monitor, switch out, and weigh cullet bins; transfer full bins to the cullet pad after weighing.
• Keep fireboxes free of glass obstructions.
• Ensure the plant operates within established safety, environmental, process, quality, and efficiency parameters.
• Create work requests for maintenance and safety concerns.
• Notify management of any safety concerns.
• Comply with all HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) and housekeeping standards.
• Assist with Batch House operations as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure product quality and make adjustments within the area of control as needed.
• Perform routine visual and audible inspections of all equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Be familiar with all material processing flows and troubleshoot basic problems as they occur.
• Operate forklifts and front-end loaders in a safe and efficient manner; perform shift checks and refuel equipment as required.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Job Qualifications/Requirements:

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED required

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of industrial experience, preferably with furnace or critical boiler operations
• 3 to 5 years of forklift operations and/or certification preferred

Certification:

• Forklift certification preferred

Skills & Knowledge:

• Experience in plant safety systems, such as Confined Space entry, Hot Work permitting, and Lockout/Tagout of industrial equipment
• Basic skills in interfacing with industrial instrumentation and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
• Ability to use basic computer programs
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Strong work ethic and ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing plant environment with high ambient temperatures
• Glass manufacturing plant environment, which involves heat exposure and other industrial conditions

Potters Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veterans' status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.