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. Essential Job Functions * 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. Physical Requirements * 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 supplies, and equipment. * Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally with assistance when necessary. * Frequent use of hands and arms to operate valves, controls, tram controls, tools, and production equipment. * Ability to visually inspect burners, kiln cars, equipment, production processes, and brick quality. * Ability to distinguish colors when monitoring burners, flames, gauges, warning lights, and production indicators. * Ability to hear machinery, alarms, radios, and verbal communication in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to safely work in environments with prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. * Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, steel-toe boots, and other required PPE. Work Environment * Industrial manufacturing environment. * Frequent exposure to elevated temperatures, dust, steam, noise, vibration, airborne particulates, and moving mechanical equipment. * Exposure to tunnel kilns, conveyors, transfer cars (trams), dryers, fans, and other production equipment. * Occasional work in confined spaces while following established safety procedures. * Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing job duties. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Ability to read, write, and understand work instructions, safety procedures, equipment logs, production documentation, and operating instructions. * Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. * Ability to accurately monitor temperatures, gauges, burner performance, and equipment operation. * Ability to identify abnormal temperature trends and promptly communicate concerns before they impact production or product quality. * Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and report concerns promptly. * Ability to understand and follow confined space entry procedures, permits, and other required safety documentation. * Ability to accurately complete production records, inspection forms, confined space permits, equipment logs, and other required documentation. * Ability to work independently while remaining an effective member of the production team. * Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers. * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and operational efficiency. Education and Experience * High School Diploma or GED preferred. * Manufacturing or industrial experience preferred. * Basic mechanical aptitude preferred. * An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Schedule Day Shift and Night Shift available. * Standard work schedule consists of three (3) 12-hour shifts and one (1) 6-hour shift per week. * Weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required based on production needs. * Shift schedules may vary depending on production requirements and business needs. Safety Requirements * Must follow all company safety policies and procedures. * Must complete and pass all required safety training. * Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing job duties. * Must immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, equipment malfunctions, abnormal temperature trends, or other production concerns. * Must participate in safety meetings. Essential Functions and Reasonable Accommodation Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees who require accommodation should notify Human Resources. Disclaimer This job description describes the general nature of the work performed and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change as business needs require. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.