How to become a central control and process operator
Official title: Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
Also called: Metal melter, Metal smelter, Ion exchange operator, Metal heater operator, Steel heater operator, Blast furnace operator, Central control caster, Dross furnace operator, Breakdown mill operator, Chief flotation operator, Copper refinery operator, Crucible furnace operator
Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing, operate and monitor multi-function process control machinery and equipment to control the processing of mineral ores, metals or cement. They are employed in mineral ore and metal processing plants such as copper, lead and zinc refineries, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries and cement processing plants.
Main tasks
- Co-ordinate and monitor the operation of a particular aspect of mineral ore, metal and cement processing production through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems, usually from a central control room
- Operate multi-function central process control machinery to grind, separate, filter, melt, roast, treat, refine or otherwise process mineral ores
- Observe computer printouts, video monitors and gauges to verify specified processing conditions and to make necessary adjustments
- Co-ordinate and supervise production crew such as machine and process operators, tenders, assistants and helpers
- Start up and shut down the production system in cases of emergency or as required by schedule
- Provide or organize training for members of production crew
- Maintain shift log of production and other data and prepare production and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. A college diploma may be required for some positions in this group. On-the-job training is provided. Several years of experience as a machine or process operator, usually in the same company or production department, are required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 33% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Energy systems technologies/technicians; Precision metal working; Mining and petroleum technologies/technicians.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $86,775 a year The middle half earn $74,100 to $94,185.
Related jobs
- Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
- Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
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Questions people ask
How do I become a central control and process operator?
Completion of secondary school is required. A college diploma may be required for some positions in this group. On-the-job training is provided. Several years of experience as a machine or process operator, usually in the same company or production department, are required.
How much does a central control and process operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $86,775 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $74,100 to $94,185.
Do you need a degree to become a central control and process operator?
Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03