Robert Hawkins
Florence,AL
Summary
Experienced Kiln Technician with 16 years in tile production and furnace operations. Expertise in monitoring control systems, troubleshooting equipment issues, and conducting basic repairs. Proficient in safely handling molten metal and reviewing blueprints. Committed to maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring operational efficiency.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Kiln Technician
Dal Tile
Florence, AL
03.2008 - 10.2026
- Maintained records of production, material usage and temperatures used in the firing process.
- Repaired damaged bricks using mortar mixers and trowels when needed.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations related to handling hazardous materials such as coal dust or asbestos fibers.
- Used computer software programs to monitor temperature fluctuations inside the firing chamber.
- Adjusted air flow settings and monitored oxygen levels in kiln chamber to ensure proper combustion of fuels.
- Set up, operated and adjusted kiln to burn bricks according to specifications.
- Loaded new batches of bricks into firebox while following safety protocols.
- Troubleshot malfunctions in electrical control systems associated with the operation of a kiln.
- Checked for cracks or other defects in fired products prior to packaging them for shipment.
- Measured moisture content of clay before placing it into the firebox for burning.
- Cleaned interior surfaces of kilns with wire brushes or chemical solutions when necessary.
- Operated forklifts or cranes for loading and unloading heavy items from storage areas onto conveyor belts leading into the kilns.
- Loaded raw materials into kiln feed hoppers and ensured that they were properly distributed within the chamber.
- Monitored temperature of kiln, fuel levels and pressure readings throughout burning process.
- Regularly inspected refractory lining inside fireboxes for signs of wear or damage due to high heat conditions.
- Performed regular maintenance on kiln components such as fans, blowers, valves and pumps.
- Calculated firing times based on type of clay being processed and desired results.
- Removed finished products from kilns after cooling period had been completed.
- Coordinated with other team members to unload fired products from the kilns quickly and efficiently.
- Kept work area organized and clean to support safe operations.
- Verified accuracy of orders before beginning production run.
- Updated job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities as available.
- Inspected finished products for quality assurance purposes.
- Inspected finished products for defects prior to packaging and shipment.
- Monitored production process to ensure quality standards were met.
- Loaded and unloaded items from the ovens using appropriate safety techniques.
- Adjusted oven controls to regulate temperature, speed and other factors as required.
- Troubleshot malfunctions in equipment or processes as needed.
- Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding any issues that arose during production runs.
Sod Laborer
Grassland Nursery
Muscle Shoals, AL
04.2006 - 08.2008
- Operated power tools such as drills and saws safely, adhering to manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe working conditions.
- Repaired damaged drywall sections, including taping joints and applying texture coats.
- Unloaded freight from containers and organized items for efficient storage in designated areas, facilitating easy access.
- Worked with team members to ensure efficient workflow throughout the day.
- Unloaded freight from containers and organized them for storage in designated areas.
- Cleaned work area after job completion, ensuring proper disposal of debris to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Performed regular checks of equipment for proper operation and safety compliance.
- Organized and cleaned work area after project completion after job completion ensuring all debris is properly disposed of.
- Handled objects weighing up to 50 pounds safely and efficiently weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance when necessary.
Education
High School Diploma -
North High School
Evansville, INUS AIR FORCE
Skills
- Kiln Maintenance
- Safety compliance
- Safety protocols
- Quality Control Standards
- Production Efficiency
- Production Scheduling
- Performance Analysis
- Process Optimization
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Operating procedures
- Task Prioritization
- Operational Resilience
- Product Inspection
Timeline
Kiln Technician
Dal Tile
03.2008 - 10.2026
Sod Laborer
Grassland Nursery
04.2006 - 08.2008
High School Diploma -
North High School
US AIR FORCE