O*NET-SOC 51-4051.00

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Operations Monitoring2.B.3.g3.8808/2018
Operation and Control2.B.3.h3.7508/2018
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.6208/2018
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.008/2018
Complex Problem Solving2.B.2.i3.008/2018
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.008/2018

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Control Precision1.A.2.b.13.8808/2018
Manual Dexterity1.A.2.a.23.7508/2018
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.7508/2018
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.7508/2018
Arm-Hand Steadiness1.A.2.a.13.6208/2018
Reaction Time1.A.2.c.13.6208/2018

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.Core6408/2018
Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.Core6408/2018
Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.Core6408/2018
Record production data, and maintain production logs.Core6308/2018
Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.Core6408/2018

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic6.811/2023
Conventional3.9511/2023
Investigative2.7311/2023
Enterprising1.1111/2023
Social1.0411/2023
Artistic1.0211/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.