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Contract Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

The Manager, Contract Administration provides administrative and legal support in a corporate setting operating with a high degree of autonomy. Acting as legal liaison you provide counsel to contract ...

Operating out of 5 states currently, and expanding our consultant and client base daily, we realize ... The Contract Administrator will manage and execute general accounting processes, including ...

Victory Automotive Group is family owned and operated since 1997 with over 50 locations across the ... They compile and maintain verified contracts and work closely with the bank. The ideal candidate ...

Contract Admin Sr Prin

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$97K - $165K/yr

The Contracts Principal Sr. is a senior level individual contributor role responsible for ... operating a Government Owned, Contractor Operated facility, construction contracting while ...

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Contract Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$20

$49

How much do contract operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract operator in Tennessee is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $22.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectContract OperatorPlant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses, such as OSHA or industry-specific safety trainingRequires similar certifications, often including OSHA safety training and operational licenses
Work EnvironmentOften works on temporary or project-based sites, may be contracted through staffing agenciesUsually employed directly by the facility, working on ongoing operations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in oil & gas, manufacturing, and energy sectors for short-term or specialized rolesStandard role in industrial plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities

In summary, Contract Operators and Plant Operators share similar certifications and work environments, but Contract Operators typically work on temporary projects or contracts, while Plant Operators are usually employed directly by the facility for ongoing operations.

What are contract operators?

Contract operators are professionals hired on a contractual basis to manage and oversee the daily operations of facilities, equipment, or processes, often in industries like oil and gas, utilities, or manufacturing. They are responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently according to established standards and regulations. Unlike permanent employees, contract operators work for a specific period or project duration and may serve multiple clients or sites. Their duties can include monitoring equipment, performing maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and completing necessary documentation.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Operators in managing multiple client sites?

Contract Operators often oversee operations at several client locations, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, adapting to different facility protocols, and ensuring consistent safety and compliance standards. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential to address diverse operational needs and client expectations. Additionally, staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements and quickly resolving issues at various sites can be demanding but also rewarding for those who thrive in dynamic environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Operator, you generally need a solid understanding of process operations, safety protocols, and basic mechanical or technical knowledge, often gained through experience or vocational training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, process control software, and industry certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure safe and efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and quick response to any issues in industrial or oil and gas environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Contract Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Operator job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,684 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Construction Contract Specialist

Construction Contract Specialist

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Millington, TN • On-site, Remote

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Commander, Navy Installations Command rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This position is assigned to the Facilities and Construction Contracting Brach (N944); Support Services Division; Commander, Navy Installations Command; Millington, TN. The incumbent is also responsible for performing pre-award, source-selection, post-award, and contract close-out work in support of Regional requirements. The work includes warrant authority for acquisitions directly supporting the non-appropriated fund (NAF) small purchase and Major Construction Projects.
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Duties
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In order to qualify for this position, resumes must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicant resumes are the key means for evaluating skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position therefore, applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing experience.
Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Assists with ongoing efforts of sustaining the Procurement Management and Assistance Program (PMAP) in direct support of the NAF project acquisitions program. Coordinates applicable Statements of Work; specialized shipping/packaging/marking instructions; inspection and acceptance provisions; delivery or performance requirements; contract administration elements; specialized provisions; and any necessary attachments; instructions for offerors and evaluation factors. These materials will be assembled into established solicitation packages with contract formatted documents consistent with the policies applicable to the methods of contracting (sealed bid, negotiated, and/or simplified acquisitions).
  • Obtains all appropriate pre-solicitation clearances, including those required by MWRDIVINST 7043.2, CNICINST 7043.1, and SECNAVINST 7043.5C as amended; applicable sections of the Federal Acquisition Regulation; those required by the delegation of authority under which the initiative is operating; counsel, and others appropriate to the method of construction contracting.
  • Supports the solicitation process, including advertising through appropriate means; establishment and continual update of prospective offerors/source lists; the receipt and evaluation of capability statements from prospective offerors/sources, and the prequalification of vendors.
  • Supports the pre-solicitation and/or pre-proposal phases of acquisitions through leading and/or supporting the meetings on-site and at the installations, and will conduct site tours as appropriate, ensuring equity to all prospective offerors or sources.
  • Supports and/or leads source selection activities of both a formal and informal nature, including spearheading source selection teams and oversight of the proposal evaluation stages. May also participate in the selection of the successful offeror, including the award of the resultant contract, and the subsequent notification and debriefing (if requested) of the unsuccessful offerors or bidders.
  • Conducts all post-award contract administration functions through contract close-out for those assigned actions. This includes the post-award review of bonds; leading and/or participating in pre-construction meetings; coordinating with the administrative contracting officer source (commercial Title II, local FEAD, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and local MWR/CSP staff); general and/or specific oversight of contractor and ACO performance; oversight of the payment process; change order control, and implementation of any necessary changes through the preparation and negotiation of any necessary contract modifications, supplemental agreements, option exercises, or other contractual means; and subcontracting oversight and performance monitoring.
  • Supports the Region NAF Construction Contracting requirements in all other functional areas of contract administration, such as terminations for default or convenience, "cure notice" and "show cause" processes, post-performance assessment, and warranty administration.
  • Develops and maintains contact with Department of Defense (DoD) and other Government agencies, with educational entities and trade associations, and with industry representatives for the purposes of exchanging information, evaluating proposals and establishing mutual positions for improving the construction contracting programs. The incumbent will manage and coordinate a wide range of meetings, conferences, and other forums with Government, commercial and educational entities to facilitate improvements in the construction contracting acquisition processes.
  • Assists with the established MWR Director level NAF construction contracting warrant program, including the contracting officer nomination and selection processes. These actions will be coordinated with the Branch Head and Section Head, NAF Construction Contracting Section.
  • Identifies processes that will lead to more efficient and effective business functions.
  • Develops and evaluates innovative methods for facilities design, construction, and contracting.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must pass all applicable records and background check.
  • Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.

Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A qualified candidate must possess the following:
  • Knowledge of the rules governing appropriated fund (APF) and NAF acquisition, including laws, regulations, policies, including precedent setting legal decisions.
  • Knowledge of and skill in general and/or construction contracting in either APF or NAF procurement environments.
  • Knowledge of contract administration policies and practices.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing APF and/or NAF acquisition, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, DoD, and Department of the Navy (DON) APF and NAF laws and guidance.
  • Knowledge of CNIC's organizational structure, functions, and mission.
  • Skill in contract negotiations.
  • Skill in effective presenting to both senior and subordinate staff levels. Skill in written and oral communication sufficient to craft contractually effective documents and agreements; present sensitive recommendations to higher authorities; and obtain concurrence with recommended approaches to managing issues.
  • Skill sufficient to evaluate, certify and audit contract proposals, awards and disbursements, acquisition reviews, inspections and field assistance visits.
  • Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
  • Ability to represent the Fleet and Family Readiness Support Services (N94) on a variety of issues in a variety of forums of a highly technical or general acquisition nature.

Education
As a minimum educational requirement for this series, a qualified candidate possesses at least one of the following:
  • A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field
  • 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree and at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
  • 3 or more years of specialized experience implementing policies and practices of general or construction contracting and at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

Additional information
Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.
Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States. Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate. For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes.
Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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