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Lock Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Follow all company safety rules and lock-out tag-out procedures. Maintain shop and shop equipment per 5S Standards. Other duties as assigned. May be required to stack parts up to 30 lbs.for a period ...

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Lock Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$16

$21

$30

How much do lock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock operator in Tennessee is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $23.80 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 are lock operators and what do they do?

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 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 Tennessee? For Lock Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lock Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Lock Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
Relief Operator (12 Hour Night Shift) - $21.49 per hour

Relief Operator (12 Hour Night Shift) - $21.49 per hour

Westlake

Brownsville, TN

$21.49/hr

Full-time

Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Westlake Chemical rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 91 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

About Westlake Pipe and Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SO WHY WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS?

We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers and encourages our associates to succeed through individual achievement and teamwork. A career at Westlake Pipe & Fittings, is enriched with an innovative spirit, high work ethic, and rewarding experiences. We foster a culture that supports professional development, personal growth, and opportunities for advancement.

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS

  • Benefits Effective Day 1
  • Med, Den, Vision, 401k (4% match), Annual Retirement Contribution (3%), Life & AD&D
  • Paid Vacation
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Fitness Reimbursement Program
  • Opportunity for Advancement

Summary: Responsible for relieving Molder Operators for breaks & lunches and covering absences, if needed. Also responsible for assisting Molder Operators with erecting finished product cases/cartons and/or applying labels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position reports directly to the Production Supervisor and will receive direction from the Injection Molding Manager or Acting Supervisor in the absence of or in conjunction with the Production Supervisor.

The primary responsibility of the Relief Operator is to safely and efficiently perform top-quality operational duties on a daily basis which include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Checking status of types and quantities of cases/cartons needed in assigned areas of Injection Molding at the beginning of each shift.
  • Checking with Group Leaders to be informed of any lines or machines that will changeover during the shift.
  • Providing full racks of erected cases/cartons to the designated locations for ease of retrieval by the Molder Operators.
  • Relieving Molder Operators for breaks, lunches, and covering absences:
    • Knowledge and recognition of plastic fittings by name, shape, and dimension.
    • Knowledge of daily performance goals and working to achieve 100% of targeted output.
    • Completion of production line paperwork accurately and in real time.
    • Assuring quality of work through the proper labeling and verification of correctness for all types of molded fittings and their associated packaging (i.e.: labels, cartons/cases, case count, and pallet configuration)
    • Set-up and verification of weight scales.
    • Detection, segregation, and isolation of non-conforming quality defects and notifying Mold Technician, Supervisor, Manager, and/or QA Department
      • Able to identify various types of quality defects based on appearance, fit, form, and function (Ex: short shots, burn, weld lines, watermarks, defective threads, etc.).
    • Minimizing downtime by escalating to Mold Technician for machine-related problems.
  • Proper organization and cleanliness of assigned work area to highest level of standards (5S).
    • Perform 5S Audit for each work area assigned on a daily basis
  • Training of new Relief Operator personnel (both full-time and temporary) as needed and assigned.
  • Performing the above-mentioned functions with minimum supervision
  • Any other duties as assigned by supervision or management.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent. Previous work in a manufacturing environment preferred (not required).

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend sufficient English to follow work instructions.

Mathematical Skills: Basic mathematical skills and counting ability required.

Reasoning Ability: Must be able to take complex and diverse information or situations which have several probable correct paths and compile information in a manner that allows problems to be solved in a reasonable fashion.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to cut and trim parts for long periods of time while standing for extended periods of time. Lift up to 35 pounds on occasion (some stations may require lifting up to 50 pounds). Minimal equipment - pruning shears, cutting shears, knife, air sander, air saws, tape gun, code stamp.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. General factory. Exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust, oil/grease and traveling powered industrial vehicles.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.


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