Kiln Fireman

Job Summary

The Kiln Fireman is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting tunnel kilns to ensure brick products are properly dried and fired according to production and quality standards. This position continuously monitors kiln temperatures, firing trends, burner performance, tram operation, kiln cars, dryers, and related equipment while maintaining accurate production records and making adjustments necessary to achieve proper firing conditions. The Kiln Fireman is responsible for recognizing and promptly reporting abnormal temperature trends, equipment malfunctions, and process concerns before they impact product quality, equipment reliability, or production.

This position performs routine inspections, assists with equipment maintenance, and works closely with supervisors and other production personnel to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous kiln operations.

• Receive shift turnover information from the off-going Kiln Fireman regarding kiln operations, equipment status, maintenance activities, production concerns, and temperature trends.
• Review the Burning Logbook and communicate with the Burning Supervisor regarding production priorities, operational changes, and equipment concerns.
• Continuously monitor kiln temperatures, firing trends, burner performance, and kiln operation throughout the shift.
• Accurately monitor kiln temperatures, firing data, burner adjustments, and operational conditions throughout the shift. The Lead Kiln Fireman is responsible for recording required temperature and production data. All Kiln Firemen are responsible for reviewing temperature trends at least three (3) to five (5) times per shift and immediately reporting abnormal trends, firing inconsistencies, or process concerns to the Lead Kiln Fireman or the supervisor on call.
• Identify, document, and immediately report abnormal temperature trends, firing inconsistencies, or process conditions that could affect product quality, damage equipment, or disrupt production.
• Adjust burners, valves, and related equipment as necessary to maintain proper firing conditions and consistent product quality.
• Inspect burners, fans, kiln cars, holding rooms, pre-dryers, dryers, and associated equipment to verify proper operation.
• Inspect green brick and kiln cars prior to entering every dryer and kiln tunnel and make minor adjustments to brick stacks as necessary to improve stability and product quality.
• Operate electric and hydraulic transfer cars (trams) to safely move kiln cars between tracks and position kiln cars into and out of holding rooms, pre-dryers, dryers, and kilns.
• Verify kiln cars are properly aligned before movement and remain alert for employees, equipment, and obstructions while operating the tram.
• Return empty kiln cars to designated tracks for cleaning and preparation.
• Maintain kiln sand seals, if necessary.
• Perform routine equipment inspections.
• Assist with confined space entries by following all company confined space procedures, completing required confined space permits, verifying atmospheric testing has been completed when required, and complying with all entry requirements.
• Complete production records, inspections, confined space permits, equipment logs, and other required documentation accurately and completely.
• Report damaged kiln cars, equipment malfunctions, abnormal operating conditions, production concerns, and safety hazards to the Burning Supervisor immediately.
• Assist Maintenance personnel with troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and equipment repairs as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area within the Burning Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent walking throughout the production facility.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, reaching, and climbing stairs.
• Occasional climbing of ladders and elevated work platforms.
• Ability to work safely in confined spaces while following all required permit procedures and safety requirements.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tools, materials, production…