ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lock Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Skilled Workforce

Sheet Metal Helper

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50/hr

Operating: Large Brakes, Rollers, Plasma Tables and other sheet metal forming machines. Duties ... lock-formers; cleat benders; punches; pinspotters; insulation cutters; insulation adhesive ...

ABB

Maintenance Operator-17 - 2nd shift

Selmer, TN

$16 - $21.25/hr

Understand, practice, and enforce safe work practices related to respiratory protection, elevated work platforms, fall protection, lock out/tag out, electrical safety, and hoists. * Ability to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLock Operator JobsLock Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Lock Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$16

$21

$30

How much do lock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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:
Lock Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock Operator job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,268 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Senior Molder Operator (12 Hour Night Shift) $19.52 per hour

Senior Molder Operator (12 Hour Night Shift) $19.52 per hour

Westlake Corporation

Brownsville, TN • On-site

$19.52/hr

Full-time

Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Westlake Chemical rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 89 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: The Injection Molding Senior Molder Operator is responsible for the setup and operation of automated packaging equipment, setup and operation of case sealing equipment, and palletization of finished good boxes while following safe work practices, ensuring quality product, and controlling inventory within assigned area. This includes driving the output and activities of the work area as well as other priorities as set forth by the Injection Molding Supervisor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This position reports directly to the Injection Molding Supervisor or Acting Supervisor and will receive direction from the Injection Molding Group Leader.
The primary responsibility of an Injection Molding Senior Operator is to safely and efficiently perform top-quality operational duties on a daily basis which include (but are not limited to) the following:
  • Ensures correct setup of the barcode automation cells by material numbers being produced in the Injection Molding Press Machines
    • Recipe selection from HMI
    • Understanding of the theory of operation for each equipment center
    • Ability to troubleshoot setup issues
    • Ability to reset machine faults
    • Track downtime time and reasons
    • Communicates and escalates all machine related issues
  • Adjust guide rails to the size of the box running
  • Adjust case sealer settings to the size of the box running
  • Maintains established quality processes.
  • Communicates and escalates all non-conformities
  • Ensures compliance with work instructions and quality documentation
  • Communicate daily expectations, current status, and arising issues with Mold Technicians.
  • Pulls work orders and track completions
  • Capable of performing Microsoft AX transfers ensuring inventory accuracy
  • Maintains a safe, clean work area and follows all established safety guidelines and 5S
  • Cleaning (Autonomous Maintenance) of all equipment centers as defined or needed
  • Labeling of boxes or cartons
  • Communicates daily box quantity needs to box making
  • Place boxes or cartons of product on correct pallet
  • Supports Root Cause Analysis of safety incidents, quality incidents, and production inefficiencies.

Leadership Duties:
  • Supports a culture of excellence
  • Drives achievement of Daily Performance Goals
  • Supports compliance with established policies and procedures
  • Communicates effectively
  • Trains new personnel as assigned

Education and/or Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Mechanical/Technical experience in a Manufacturing environment
  • Knowledge of Molder Operator functions, expectations, practices and policies.
  • Knowledge of Barcode department functions
  • Intermediate PC Skills (ERP system (AX Preferred))

Qualifications:
  • Must be able to remain professional
  • Must possess effective communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time efficiently
  • Must possess effective problem-solving skills
  • Ability to make good decisions based on information at hand
  • Must possess good documentation practices as outlined by Westlake quality department

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend English to follow work instructions.
Mathematical Skills: Basic mathematical skills and counting ability required.
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 lift 25 pounds 3 feet high. Must be able to operate a pallet jack and remove full pallets from the area to the finished goods warehouse. Good hand and eye coordination for working on parts labeling. Ability to walk and/or stand for a twelve-hour period at a time.
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.

What Westlake Chemical employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply