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Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $36K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $44K
Median Salary: $54K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $64K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $76K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Measure furnace walls to determine dimensions and cut required number of sheets from plastic block, using saws.

Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels.

Dry and bake new linings by placing inverted linings over burners, building fires in ladles, or by using blowtorches.

Tighten locknuts holding refractory stopper assemblies together, spread mortar on jackets to seal sleeve joints, and dry mortar in ovens.

Remove worn or damaged plastic block refractory linings of furnaces, using hand tools.

Fasten stopper heads to rods with metal pins to assemble refractory stoppers used to plug pouring nozzles of steel ladles.

Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels.

Climb scaffolding, carrying hoses, and spray surfaces of cupolas with refractory mixtures, using spray equipment.

Drill holes in furnace walls, bolt overlapping layers of plastic to walls, and hammer surfaces to compress layers into solid sheets.

Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar, using shovels or mixing machines.

Spread mortar on stopper heads and rods, using trowels, and slide brick sleeves over rods to form refractory jackets.

Dump and tamp clay in molds, using tamping tools.

Disassemble molds, and cut, chip, and smooth clay structures such as floaters, drawbars, and L-blocks.

Transfer clay structures to curing ovens, melting tanks, and drawing kilns, using forklifts.

Install preformed metal scaffolding in interiors of cupolas, using hand tools.

Install clay structures in melting tanks and drawing kilns to control the flow and temperature of molten glass, using hoists and hand tools.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Maintenance management software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Time accounting software
Time tracking software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Personal computers
Foundry machines and equipment and supplies
Foundry transfer ladles
Hand tools
Flat cold chisels
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Feed fired heaters
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Skid steer tractors
Industrial filtering and purification
Acid scrubbers
Industrial pumps and compressors
Variable speed mortar pumps
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Puck mills
Material handling machinery and equipment
Boom trucks
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Trough finders
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Band saws
Mixers and their parts and accessories
Horizontal helical blade mixers
Motor vehicles
Dump trucks
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Cutting torches
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
71%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Production and Processing
60%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Public Safety and Security
55%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

English Language
54%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics
52%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry
50%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Design
49%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Education and Training
49%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Building and Construction
46%
Importance

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Engineering and Technology
45%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
65%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Repairing
63%
Importance

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Active Listening
60%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Equipment Maintenance
60%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Operation and Control
60%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Coordination
58%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
58%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
58%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management
58%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Troubleshooting
58%
Importance

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
73%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Extent Flexibility
70%
Importance

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Near Vision
70%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Control Precision
68%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Manual Dexterity
68%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Multilimb Coordination
68%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Oral Comprehension
68%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Gross Body Equilibrium
65%
Importance

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Trunk Strength
65%
Importance

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Oral Expression
63%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
86%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities
81%
Importance

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
76%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
75%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information
74%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Importance

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
72%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
71%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
69%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Training and Teaching Others
67%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Detailed Work Activities

Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.

Measure distances or dimensions.

Cut materials according to specifications or needs.

Adjust the tension of nuts or bolts.

Seal gaps or cracks to prevent leakage or moisture intrusion.

Fabricate parts or components.

Repair structural components.

Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.

Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.

Bolt objects into place.

Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.

Place materials into molds.

Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.

Move large objects using heavy equipment.

Install hardware or other interior fixtures.

Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Education
Majors
Major
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

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.

Conventional
53%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
48%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
86%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
84%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Persistence
79%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Self Control
78%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Cooperation
73%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Stress Tolerance
73%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Initiative
70%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Concern for Others
69%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Adaptability/Flexibility
66%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Integrity
66%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Work Values
Support
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.