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Contract Plant Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Contract Admin Sr Prin

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$97K - $165K/yr

... Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) business. The Contracts Principal Sr. is a senior level individual ... operating a Government Owned, Contractor Operated facility, construction contracting while ...

Chemical Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$34.64/hr

The Acid Plant Treater has the overall responsibility to maintain the safety, quality, and ... contract About Innophos Innophos is a leading international producer of specialty ingredient ...

Chemical Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$34.64/hr

The Acid Plant Treater has the overall responsibility to maintain the safety, quality, and ... contract About Innophos Innophos is a leading international producer of specialty ingredient ...

Contract-to-Hire: At Ōnin, you're not "just a temp"-you're a valued teammate from day one! What ... Proven success working in a heavy manufacturing or plant environment. * Specialized Handling:

New

About Tjoapack Tjoapack is a global contract packaging organization (CPO) specializing in primary ... Originally founded in Europe in1989 and operating in Clinton, Tennessee since 2021, Tjoapack is ...

Plant Engineering Supervisor Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift With more than 30 ... operating supplies. * Must be able to administer the labor contract. * Remains mentally alert and ...

Overview Plant Engineering Supervisor Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift With more than ... operating supplies. * Must be able to administer the labor contract. * Remains mentally alert and ...

Work Environment The position is based in a smaller, temperature-controlled plant where you will be ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MEMPHIS, TN. Pay and Benefits ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Plant Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do contract plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract plant operator in Tennessee is $18.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract plant operator?

Contract Plant Operators are professionals hired on a contract basis to operate, monitor, and maintain industrial machinery and equipment, such as those found in factories, power plants, or processing facilities. They are responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently according to industry standards and client requirements. Their duties can include starting and stopping equipment, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining accurate records. Contract Plant Operators are typically employed by staffing agencies or directly by companies for specific projects or to cover temporary staffing needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract plant operator?

To thrive as a Contract Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of process operations, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, SCADA software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help operators manage plant operations efficiently and respond to issues promptly. These abilities ensure safe, continuous production and adherence to industry standards in dynamic plant environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract plant operators, and how can they effectively manage them?

Contract Plant Operators often face challenges such as quickly adapting to different plant processes, maintaining compliance with strict safety protocols, and ensuring efficient equipment operation in unfamiliar environments. To manage these, it's helpful to develop strong communication skills, thoroughly review operational manuals for each site, and actively participate in safety briefings. Building good relationships with permanent staff can also improve workflow and support problem-solving when unexpected issues arise.

What is the difference between Contract Plant Operator vs Process Operator?

AspectContract Plant OperatorProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in equipment operation and safetyRequires process-specific certifications and safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, construction sites, or temporary project sitesManufacturing plants, chemical facilities, or continuous process environments
Employer & Industry UsageContract-based roles in construction, energy, or manufacturing sectorsFull-time roles in chemical, petrochemical, or manufacturing industries

Contract Plant Operators and Process Operators share similar certifications and work in industrial environments, but Contract Plant Operators often work on temporary or project-based sites, while Process Operators are typically employed full-time in continuous process facilities. Both roles require safety training and equipment operation skills, but their work settings and employment types differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Plant Operator job openings:

Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor

Memphis, TN • On-site, Remote


Veterans Health Administration
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,006 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$37.15 - $43.49/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Summary
The purpose of this position is to serve as a Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor. The position is located in the Engineering Service of the Memphis VAMC and reports to the Assistant Chief of the Engineering Service.
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Duties
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The purpose of this position is to serve as a Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor. The position is located in the Engineering Service of the Memphis VAMC and reports to the Assistant Chief of the Engineering Service. Major duties include, but not limited to:
  • Supervise is the Boiler Plant Section which supplies steam for heating, cooking, humidification, sterilizers, and hot water for the 1,300,000+ square foot medical center.
  • Supervisor of the Boiler Plant the incumbent has the full range of responsibility and control of all work operation of this unit.
  • Responsible for both quantity and quality of the work production of each employee in this unit.
  • Responsible for administering management programs to employees such as labor relations, safety program, cost reduction and suggestions.
  • Must develop and carry out the maintenance plan for the unit, keeping in mind overall management policies and procedures. Supervises all work in systems related to operation and maintenance of boiler plant.
  • This work may include such systems as: Proper function of boiler operation, testing of automatic equipment for proper operation and safety, maintaining proper log of operational data, preparing reports of boiler plant operation for submission to VACO, make tests of boiler water and prescribe chemical treatment required, maintain adequate supply of standby fuel oil for emergencies.
  • Supervises seven Boiler Plant Operators. Takes and reviews work assignments; develops work standards, methods and procedures and coordinates work.
  • Responsible for maintaining the proper materials, tools, and test equipment to accomplish work assignments of the unit without delay.
  • Coordinates with contractors for contract work for maintenance, installations, and alterations, etc., in the Boiler plant. Coordinates with contractor personnel who have contracts with the VA Medical Center for new construction, alteration type work, maintenance, and testing of all plant equipment involved in the day-to-day operations of the medical center.
  • Carries out the objectives and policies of the overall Engineering Service.
  • Makes and approves leave schedules, makes daily work assignments, recommends promotions, takes necessary disciplinary actions and handles complaints of subordinates.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7am to 3pm , 7:30am-4pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor/PD017880
Physical Requirements: Boiler Plant Operator frequently works in confined areas in and around boiler and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Operator must be able to lift and carry heavy parts and equipment weighing up to fifty pounds. Must make repairs from ladders, scaffolding and platforms, stretch, bend and crawl through small openings such as 12"X16" elliptical opening.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
  • Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period , your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
  • Lead or Supervise
  • Technical Practices
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US


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