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Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Operator may perform functions of a laborer as required. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING * Backfilling the ditch properly after the pipe is laid * Do the backfill in a safe manner as part of a crew

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The Operator I maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The Operator I maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

A. O. Smith Corporation

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A. O. Smith Corporation

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A. O. Smith Corporation

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A. O. Smith Corporation

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A.O. Smith

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A.O. Smith

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

Pavement Restorations Inc.

Operator

Milan, TN · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

A minimum 1 year experience operating and a thorough knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and safety features of the respective equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here ...

A. O. Smith Corporation

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

A.O. Smith

Operator-Direct

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Primary Function Operator will initiate operations in accordance with customer requirements and monitor performance to optimize production processes Responsibilities * Complete training and perform ...

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All JobsOperator JobsOperator Jobs in Tennessee

Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator in Tennessee is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator's job salary?

An operator's salary varies depending on the industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled operators who work with specialized equipment or hold certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits. Salary can also be influenced by shift work, union membership, and company size.

What are some common challenges faced by Operators in a manufacturing environment and how can they be addressed?

Operators in manufacturing often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine downtime, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To address these issues, operators must stay vigilant with regular equipment checks, promptly report malfunctions, and follow established standard operating procedures. Continuous training and collaboration with maintenance and quality teams also help operators quickly resolve issues and improve overall efficiency.

What are Operators?

Operators are professionals who control and monitor machinery, equipment, or production processes in various industries, such as manufacturing, utilities, and transportation. Their main responsibilities include ensuring the smooth operation of machines, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety standards. Operators may work with highly specialized machinery or more general equipment, depending on the industry. They play a crucial role in keeping production lines running efficiently and safely.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Operator jobs that can pay $700 a day typically include specialized roles such as heavy equipment operators, crane operators, or industrial machinery operators, often requiring certifications and experience. These positions are usually found in construction, manufacturing, or energy sectors and may involve overtime or shift work to reach higher daily earnings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent are typically required. Familiarity with machinery, control systems, and safety protocols, as well as certifications such as OSHA or equipment-specific licenses, are often necessary. Dependability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help Operators excel in dynamic and safety-conscious environments. These skills ensure efficient, safe operations and minimize downtime in manufacturing or industrial settings.

What is the job of an operator?

An operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery, equipment, or systems in various industries such as manufacturing, transportation, or utilities. They perform tasks like starting, stopping, adjusting, and troubleshooting equipment, often requiring technical skills and safety training. Operators ensure smooth operation and may use tools like control panels or computer systems to perform their duties.

What is the difference between Operator vs Technician?

AspectOperatorTechnician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factories, or industrial sitesMaintenance workshops, repair facilities, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, production, and industrial sectorsMaintenance, repair, and technical support roles in similar industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched with similar operational rolesCompared for technical skills and troubleshooting abilities

In summary, Operators primarily focus on running machinery and ensuring production processes run smoothly, often with minimal technical training. Technicians, on the other hand, typically have more technical skills, perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in their responsibilities and required credentials.

What Is the Job Description for an Operator?

There are many kinds of operators, but generally, the duties for this position entail working with various types of machinery to produce goods and make repairs when necessary. On-the-job training is very common. Aside from a high school degree or GED certificate, there are not many educational requirements, unless you are looking for an advanced position. However, many employers expect you to have completed an apprenticeship, which is the best way to gain experience and hone the necessary skills. The ability to focus closely on your work is critical while operating hazardous equipment. Other qualifications include hand-eye coordination, a steady hand, and mechanical aptitude.

What operator makes the most money?

In the operator job field, specialized roles such as nuclear power plant operators and airline pilots tend to have the highest salaries due to the technical skills and certifications required. These positions often require extensive training, licensing, and experience, which contribute to their higher earning potential compared to other operator roles.
More about Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Operator jobs in TN? For Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,882 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Backfill Operator

Backfill Operator

Garney Construction

Nashville, TN • On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GARNEY
A Backfill Operatorjobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As a Backfill Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may perform functions of a laborer as required.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Backfilling the ditch properly after the pipe is laid
  • Do the backfill in a safe manner as part of a crew
  • Perform operator level maintenance on the machine
  • Move the trench boxes from the ditch

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Two to five years in construction experience
  • Utility work experience preferred
  • Firm Knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance
  • Must be willing to work overtime and travel

LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
  • Student loan resources
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
  • Free life insurance and disability policy
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store

CONTACT US
If you are interested in the Backfill Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visit careers.garney.com
If you have questions or would like more information, please call Alondra Dominguez at (615) 266-6156 or by email alondra.dominguez@garney.comand include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates.
Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace.
Agency Disclaimer: All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING AT GARNEY
Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
Student loan resources
Weekly paychecks
Paid time off
8 paid holidays
Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
Free life insurance & disability policy
Free access to healthcare coordinators
Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
Access to consultations with legal/financial professionals at no cost
Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES WITH THE WORLD'S MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES-WATER AND PEOPLE.™
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