Furnace Utility Operator

Location: Wilson, NC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay: $25.00 per hour, weekly pay
Schedule: 12-hour rotating shifts (5:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 5:00 PM – 5:00 AM)
Competitive pay and benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• 401(k) Retirement Plan


• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The Furnace Utility Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling firebox and cutting wheel operations to ensure safe and efficient plant performance. This role supports furnace operations, assists with maintenance, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

• Monitor and control firebox and cutting wheel operations


• Switch out and weigh cullet bins; transfer full bins to cullet pad


• Keep fireboxes free of glass obstruction


• Perform hourly reporting of gas, oxygen, temperature, water flow, and other operational data


• Assist Lead Operator with furnace monitoring


• Work with maintenance to switch out cutting wheels and forehearth bowl assemblies


• Operate and troubleshoot control systems for fireboxes and cutting wheels


• Perform routine inspections of equipment and report safety concerns


• Operate forklift and front-end loader safely; perform shift checks and refueling


• Comply with all HSE and housekeeping standards


• Perform other duties as directed

• High School Diploma/GED required


• 3–5 years of industrial experience, preferably with furnace or critical boiler operations


• Forklift operations experience and/or certification preferred


• Basic computer skills and ability to interface with industrial instrumentation and PLCs


• Knowledge of plant safety systems (Confined Space entry, Hot Work permitting, Lockout/Tagout)


• Strong teamwork, organizational skills, and attention to detail

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs occasionally)


• Glass manufacturing plant environment with high ambient temperatures


• Exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and moving machinery


• PPE required: hard hat, safety-toe shoes, gloves, goggles, thermal suit, hearing protection

Potters is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.