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Lock Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Wood

Plant Operator ll

Louisville, KY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Able to understand and verify adherence to Contractor's Lock out/Tag out operation and procedures ... Ability to read and interpret power plant process flow diagrams and operating procedures.

North American Stainless

CL 3/5 Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

GENERAL The CL 3 Operator is responsible for all the functions as listed below. Operation of this ... Lock out tag out 4. ISO 5. AS-4006. Crane training 7. Forklift training8. Time sheets 9. Time off ...

Wood

Plant Operator ll

Louisville, KY

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Able to understand and verify adherence to Contractor's Lock out/Tag out operation and procedures ... Ability to read and interpret power plant process flow diagrams and operating procedures.

North American Stainless

WWT Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

GENERAL The WWT Operator is responsible for all the functions as listed below. Operation of this ... Lock out tag out ISO AS-400 Forklift training Time sheets Time off requests Accident/incident ...

North American Stainless

CL 3/5 Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

GENERAL The CL 3 Operator is responsible for all the functions as listed below. Operation of this ... ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. General overview of the LP 2. General safety 3. Lock out tag out 4. ISO ...

North American Stainless

CL 3/5 Operator

Ghent, KY

$16 - $19.25/hr

GENERAL The CL 3 Operator is responsible for all the functions as listed below. Operation of this ... ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. General overview of the LP 2. General safety 3. Lock out tag out 4. ISO ...

3A Composites USA

Extrusion Operator

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Extrusion Operator 7:50pm-8am 12 hour 4 star Rotation Shift: 7:50pm-8am 12 hour 4 star Rotation ... Understanding of lock-out/tag-out procedures: ZES, IES, etc. * Ability to operate a fork lift in a ...

Ring Container Technologies

Operator

Louisville, KY

$16.75 - $22/hr

Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy. * Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Ring Container Technologies

Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy. * Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Ring Container Technologies

Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy. * Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

North American Stainless

RG Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

GENERAL The Z-Mill Roll Grinder Operator is responsible for all operating functions of the roll ... Must follow all Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines7. Must follow all ...

3A Composites

Extrusion Operator

Glasgow, KY

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Extrusion Operator ID: 1393 Location: Glasgow, KY Department: Operations Job Type: Non-exempt ... Understanding of lock-out/tag-out procedures: ZES, IES, etc. * Ability to operate a fork lift in a ...

North American Stainless

AP1 Exit Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

GENERAL The position of AP1 exit operator is responsible for all operating functions as listed ... Must follow all Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines7. Must follow all ...

North American Stainless

AP1 Exit Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

GENERAL The position of AP1 exit operator is responsible for all operating functions as listed ... Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines 7. Must follow all Environmental ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLock Operator JobsLock Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Lock Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$15

$20

$29

How much do lock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock operator in Kentucky is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lock Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waterway operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lock control systems, communication radios, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in responding to emergencies and coordinating with vessel crews. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and timely passage of vessels through locks, minimizing risks and maintaining smooth waterway operations.

How does a lock operator typically collaborate with other team members and vessel crews during daily operations?

Lock Operators work closely with a team, including other operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors, to ensure the safe and efficient passage of vessels through locks. They frequently communicate with vessel crews via radio or signal systems to coordinate entry, mooring, and exit procedures. Teamwork is essential, especially during high-traffic periods or when handling emergency situations, as operators must synchronize their actions and follow established protocols. Regular collaboration and clear communication help maintain safety, minimize delays, and ensure smooth operations along the waterway.

What is a lock operator?

Lock operators are responsible for operating and maintaining canal locks, which help boats and ships move between different water levels on rivers and canals. Their duties include opening and closing lock gates, controlling water levels, monitoring vessel traffic, and ensuring the safe and efficient passage of vessels through the lock system. Lock operators also handle routine maintenance, communicate with boat crews, and respond to emergencies or equipment malfunctions. This role is critical for supporting safe and efficient waterway transportation.

What does a lock operator do?

A lock operator controls the movement of boats through locks on waterways, opening and closing gates and operating machinery to raise or lower vessels to different water levels. They monitor safety procedures, communicate with boat crews, and may use tools or equipment to ensure smooth transit. The role often requires knowledge of waterway operations and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Lock Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectLock OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsLock operation license, safety trainingCrane operation certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentLocks, waterways, transportation hubsConstruction sites, industrial settings
Industry UsageMaritime, transportation, infrastructureConstruction, shipping, manufacturing

While both Lock Operators and Crane Operators work in industrial environments requiring safety certifications, Lock Operators primarily manage waterway locks and transportation infrastructure, whereas Crane Operators handle heavy lifting on construction sites. Their roles differ in environment and specific skills, but both are essential for infrastructure and transportation industries.

What are popular job titles related to Lock Operator jobs in Kentucky?

For Lock Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lock Operator jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Lock Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

Lock Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,362 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

CNC Setup/Operator

Sargent & Greenleaf Inc

Nicholasville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description:

Job Title: CNC Machine Operator Department: Manufacturing

FLSA Status: Not-Exempt Hourly Travel: None

Reports to: Manufacturing Supervisor Location: Nicholasville, KY

The Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G) Lock Solutions Group delivers proven lock and door solutions that protect people and assets at home, at work, and in communities around the world. With trusted brands such as Sargent & Greenleaf, Delaney Hardware, Premier Steel Doors & Frames and MegaMet Industries, we can provide businesses and consumers high-security safe locks and locking systems, high-quality door hardware and fixtures, commercial-grade steel doors and frames, as well as multi-family and commercial security solutions.

Our unique portfolio of lock and door solution brands serves a wide range of our customers’ security needs across industries and applications. Together, we are on a mission to make the world more secure today and in the future.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a skilled Machine Operator to set up, maintain and operate machinery. You’ll ensure the interminable and efficient running of production.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Set up machines (calibration, cleaning etc.) to start a production cycle
  • Control and adjust machine settings (e.g. speed)
  • Feed raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
  • Inspect parts with precision and measuring tools
  • Test operation of machines periodically
  • Fix issues that might occur during the shift
  • Check output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws
  • Keep records of approved and defective units or final products
  • Maintain activity logs



Requirements:

Position Qualifications:

  • Proven experience as a machine operator
  • Working knowledge of diverse high-speed machinery and measurement tools (caliper, micrometer etc.)
  • Understanding of production procedures
  • Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g., constant use of protective gear)
  • Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and manuals
  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree is a plus



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