1

Lock Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Operator 1

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $21/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 ...

Operator 1

Louisville, KY

$17 - $21/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 ...

Lathe Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

GENERAL This position of the Long Product Lathe Operatoris responsible for all operating functions ... Must follow all Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines7. Must follow all ...

Cold Mill Crane Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Crane Operator is responsible for operating an overhead crane to lift, move, position, and ... Must follow all Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines7. Must follow all ...

Lathe Operator

Ghent, KY

$18 - $23.50/hr

GENERAL This position of the Long Product Lathe Operatoris responsible for all operating functions ... Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines 7. Must follow all Environmental ...

Lathe Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

GENERAL This position of the Long Product Lathe Operatoris responsible for all operating functions ... Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines 7. Must follow all Environmental ...

Cold Mill Crane Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Crane Operator is responsible for operating an overhead crane to lift, move, position, and ... Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines 7. Must follow all Environmental ...

Cold Mill Crane Operator

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Crane Operator is responsible for operating an overhead crane to lift, move, position, and ... Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines 7. Must follow all Environmental ...

SP1

Ghent, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

GENERAL The Straight Polish Operator is responsible for all the functions as listed below ... Lock out tag out 4. ISO AS-4005. Crane training 6. Forklift training 7. Time sheets8. Time off ...

SP1

Ghent, KY

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

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

SP1

Ghent, KY · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

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

Entry Level Operator

Wickliffe, KY · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

This position is responsible for operating production equipment in the carbon plant. How you will ... Perform Lock Out Tag Out as necessary * Ensure environmental permits are satisfied * Keeps work ...

Entry Level Operator

Wickliffe, KY

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

This position is responsible for operating production equipment in the carbon plant. How you will ... Perform Lock Out Tag Out as necessary * Ensure environmental permits are satisfied * Keeps work ...

We're seeking a Production Forklift Operator who's ready to be part of a people-first company ... Lock-out Tag-out for specific machinery * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and ...

Compactor Operator A Compactor Operator works in a high traffic warehouse and will operate various ... Cleans fans and cobwebs above 25 feet use of aerial lifts which may require lock out-tag out.

Machine Operator II - One Step

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Understand and utilize Lock Out Tag Out * Additional Tasks: Perform other duties as assigned by ... Proficient in operating and troubleshooting relevant equipment. * Completion of 8-week training ...

Machine Operator II - One Step

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Understand and utilize Lock Out Tag Out * Additional Tasks: Perform other duties as assigned by ... Proficient in operating and troubleshooting relevant equipment. * Completion of 8-week training ...

Showing results 41-60

Lock Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$15

$20

$29

How much do lock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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:

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.

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Ring Container Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate documentation and communicate ideas and problems to appropriate staff; perform scheduled preventative maintenance and other repairs to production equipment; participate in production equipment changeovers; responsible for producing best quality product.
Safety
  • Follow all employer safety and health regulations as required by company policies, procedures and practices.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all downstream equipment to meet or exceed company established safety culture.
  • Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy.
  • Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
  • Proactive in addressing unsafe conditions and confronting unsafe behaviors in the facility.
  • Address all unsafe acts or conditions immediately and report to Shift Production Supervisor.
  • Participate and/or conduct safety training as scheduled.

Daily Operations
  • Monitor and explain deviation from expected Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. Perform necessary Operator Checklists.
  • Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.
  • Monitor and respond accordingly to any deviations within SPC charting.
  • Communicate problems, progress reports and continuous improvement ideas to management staff, maintenance and production personnel.
  • Perform maintenance tasks as outlined by Maintenance Manager and in response to machine malfunctions. Troubleshoot machine and process issues.
  • Responsible for personal development by establishing SMART goals, requesting regular meetings with their managers, volunteering for plant improvement teams, requesting additional training, requesting involvement beyond their immediate job responsibilities, seeking higher education opportunities including continuing education classes and meeting or exceeding their self-development and performance goals. Provide suggestions for training topics.
  • Ensure all daily, weekly and periodic cleaning tasks are performed as outlined in the Master Cleaning Schedule.
  • Maintain accurate production reporting documentation.
  • Responsible for active participation on plant teams and activities including safety, quality, sustainability, community involvement, OEE, maintenance, employee wellness, brainstorming and continuous improvement which are required to create and maintain a World Class environment.
  • Operate Powered Industrial Truck, Boom Lift and Scissor Lift per OSHA regulations rules and guidelines.

Quality/GMP/Food Safety
  • Responsible for producing and/or packing the best quality product at all times which meet or exceed company expectations and customer quality expectations.
  • Label and/or tag all production, and maintain raw and packaging material traceability by recording lot codes as required.
  • Isolate and track all non-conforming products and materials.
  • Perform quality and downstream testing and measurements, and record results in the specified system or form as directed.
  • Communicate out of specification conditions, food safety and food defense issues to the appropriate personnel.
  • Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), personnel practices, HACCP, and prerequisite food safety programs.
  • Ensure work is performed in a manner which prevents foreign material contamination.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area through effective housekeeping, sanitization, and waste management practices by following the master cleaning and sanitization schedule to ensure the food safety of materials, products and processes are not impacted.
  • Proactively resolve housekeeping and sanitization opportunities.

Preventive Maintenance
  • Perform scheduled production equipment changeovers as outlined by the plant production schedule. Perform changeovers with limited impact to OEE.
  • Perform scheduled Preventative Maintenance tasks as outlined by the plant PM program. Manage preventative maintenance tasks in Computerized Maintenance Management Software, as directed, including generating work orders.
  • Proactive in addressing machine inefficiencies during preventative maintenance.
  • Ensure equipment is clean and in 'showroom condition' after preventative maintenance is performed on production equipment.
  • Continually evaluate equipment for improvement areas. Tag components or parts that need repair, replacement or improvement.
  • Ensure production equipment is in safe and efficient operation after each changeover.
  • Record parts removed from inventory on appropriate documentation and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to maintain sufficient parts inventory.
  • Notify Maintenance Manager when parts inventory becomes low or reaches a reorder point.

Experience, Educational and Technical Qualifications
  • Our Operator should possess a sense of urgency, accountability, business ethics, professionalism, self-motivation and the desire and focus to improve the business.
  • Our Operator may be required to act as Person In Charge in the absence of a member of management.
  • Our Operator must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent and successfully complete the entrance examinations and interviews.

Abilities Required
  • Must be able to come to work promptly and regularly.
  • Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
  • Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines.
  • Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
  • Must be able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned.

Physical Activity Required:
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs and equipment, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Needs good body agility.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist. This requires the full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Standing: Standing for sustained periods of time.
  • Walking: Moving over long distances to accomplish tasks.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. This includes activities where detailed or important spoken instruction must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds with no less than 40 dB at 500 Hz, 100 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction. Able to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machine parts.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements of the arms, hand and/or fingers.
  • Vision: Must be able to prepare and analyze data and figures. Eye sight capable of seeing small defects at distances close to the eyes.
  • Exertion: Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Environmental Working Conditions:
  • The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
  • The worker may be subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100 for periods of more than one hour.
  • The worker is subject to noise.
  • The worker is subject to vibrations. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
  • The worker is subject to being exposed to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, etc.
  • The worker may be subject to atmospheric conditions, i.e. fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
  • The worker is subject to oils. Air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
#LI-BH1
Ring Container Technologiesis an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Ring to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or certain classifications based on genetic information.
Pay Range Minimum:
18.95

What Ring Container Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom