11 Key Attributes Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, And Kettle Operators And Tenders Need To Succeed In Their Career

by Ava Rodriguez

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities, such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.

The core tasks that furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders are likely to carry out include:

Weigh or measure specified amounts of ingredients or materials for processing, using devices such as scales and calipers.
Press and adjust controls in order to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights in order to detect deviations from standards.
Read and interpret work orders and instructions in order to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators in order to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.

In order to successfully forge ahead with their careers, analysts in a survey carried out by U.S. Department of Labor (via O*NET) have marked out the following as important attributes that furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders would need. These attributes have been selected from characteristics and requirements strongly associated with the occupation. They are

Abilities: Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance
Interests: Preferences for work environments. Occupational Interest Profiles (OIPs) are compatible with Holland's (1985, 1997) model of personality types and work environments. Six interest categories are used to describe the work environment of occupations: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. An OIP consists of six numerical scores indicating how descriptive and characteristic each work environment (or interest area) is for an occupation
Knowledge: Organized sets of principles and facts applying in general domains
Skills: These include basic skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge. Plus cross-functional skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate performance of activities that occur across jobs
Style: Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job

We have listed out attributes which were scored 80% or more in terms of importance by the analysts.

Having a strong preference for realistic work environments. Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Attribute Type: Interests Score: 100%

Being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 91%

Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 90.2%

Developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 85.8%

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Attribute Type: Skills Score: 82.4%

Being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 81.8%

Being honest and ethical.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 81.2%

Being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 81.2%

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Attribute Type: Knowledge Score: 80.4%

A willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 80.2%

Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 80%