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Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Demonstrated attendance, dependability, and work ethic. * 5+ years of industrial boiler house, utility operations, or power plant experience is mandatory. Preferred * Experience operating and ...

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Entry Level Power Plant Operator information

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How much do entry level power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level power plant operator in Tennessee is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level power plant operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Power Plant Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with control systems, safety protocols, and possibly OSHA or other industry-specific training will support your technical responsibilities. Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure will set you apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining safe operations, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring the reliability of power generation.

What does a typical work shift look like for an entry level power plant operator?

Entry Level Power Plant Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the plant runs continuously. During their shift, they monitor equipment readings, inspect machinery, log operational data, and assist with basic maintenance tasks under the guidance of senior operators. The work environment is typically industrial, with an emphasis on safety procedures and teamwork. Operators may collaborate closely with maintenance crews and control room staff, providing valuable experience and learning opportunities that support future advancement in the field.

What is an entry level power plant operator?

An Entry Level Power Plant Operator monitors and controls power generation equipment under supervision. Responsibilities include adjusting controls, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring the plant operates safely and efficiently. Operators learn to interpret gauges, troubleshoot minor issues, and follow safety protocols. This role is a great starting point for a career in power generation, with opportunities for advancement through training and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Power Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Power Plant Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Power Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Power Plant Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,971 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Boiler Room Operator

Kruger, Inc.

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Kruger Products is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Boiler House 5th Operator/Mechanic to support the reliable operation of our utility systems. This role is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of boilers, steam systems, compressed air systems, water treatment equipment, condensate systems, pumps, and related utility equipment.
This position is ideal for a skilled utility professional who thrives in an industrial environment, demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, and takes pride in ensuring critical plant systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Safety Leadership
Safety is the foundation of everything we do. This role requires a strong commitment to personal safety, team safety, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities include:
  • Promote and maintain a zero-incident safety culture.
  • Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, PPE requirements, and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) processes.
  • Identify, report, and address safety concerns, hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.
  • Participate in safety meetings, investigations, audits, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Ensure work areas are organized, clean, and maintained to exceed housekeeping standards.
  • Support emergency response activities and First Responder responsibilities as trained and required.

Reliability & Operational Excellence
The Boiler House Operator plays a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted utility services that support mill operations.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Operate, inspect, and maintain boiler systems and related utility equipment.
  • Perform routine testing, inspections, water sampling, and boiler blowdowns.
  • Monitor steam, condensate, compressed air, water treatment, and pumping systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and operational issues.
  • Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
  • Perform preventative and predictive maintenance activities.
  • Monitor utility meter readings and equipment performance to maximize reliability and efficiency.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, uptime, quality, and cost reduction.

Core Duties
  • Support daily operation of facility utility systems.
  • Maintain boiler water chemistry and water treatment systems.
  • Operate and maintain air compressors, dryers, pumps, condensate systems, and related utility equipment.
  • Inspect steam traps, pressure vessels, tanks, filters, and associated systems.
  • Perform routine cleaning, inspections, lubrication, and maintenance activities.
  • Assist with outages, shutdowns, repairs, and planned maintenance activities.
  • Maintain accurate records and communicate equipment conditions to supervision.
  • Provide support coverage for Boiler House operations as needed.

Work Environment
This position works in an industrial boiler house environment and requires:
  • Exposure to heat, humidity, steam, noise, moving equipment, and varying weather conditions.
  • Frequent walking, climbing stairs and ladders, and working around industrial utility systems.
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Consistent use of required PPE.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Qualifications
Required
  • Current 1st Class Steam Engineer License issued by Shelby County Code Enforcement.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Strong commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
  • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Computer proficiency and accurate recordkeeping skills.
  • Demonstrated attendance, dependability, and work ethic.
  • 5+ years of industrial boiler house, utility operations, or power plant experience is mandatory.

Preferred
  • Experience operating and maintaining high-pressure steam systems, compressed air systems, water treatment systems, pumps, and condensate systems.
  • Strong mechanical maintenance background in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • Experience troubleshooting utility systems and leading corrective action efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely in a fast-paced industrial operation with minimal supervision.

Why Join Kruger Products?
This is a critical, highly skilled position responsible for maintaining the utility systems that power mill operations. We are looking for a dependable professional who takes ownership, leads by example in safety, and brings expert-level boiler house knowledge to ensure reliable, efficient plant performance.
Why This Role Matters
This position is critical to the reliability of our operation. We are looking for a skilled utility professional who takes ownership, leads by example, and ensures our facility's utility systems perform safely and reliably every day.
If you're a licensed boiler operator who thrives in a challenging industrial environment and takes pride in keeping essential systems running at peak performance, we want to hear from you.