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Operator Jobs in Athens, TN (NOW HIRING)

Thompson Pipe Group

Machine Operator

Sale Creek, TN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Machine Operator Job Type: Full-time Pay: $17.00+ DOE 1st Shift Mon-Thurs. 6 am to 4:30 pm. Who We Are Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held family business of engineers, contractors, and ...

AtWork!

Forklift Operator

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Kilift Operator Atwork is now hiring experienced for kilift operator in Madisonville, TN. 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 12 hour rotating shifts. Pay: $15.00/hr. - $16.00/hr. DOE. Experience is ...

AtWork!

Forklift Operator

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Kilift Operator Atwork is now hiring experienced for kilift operator in Madisonville, TN. 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 12 hour rotating shifts. Pay: $15.00/hr. - $16.00/hr. DOE. Experience is ...

Wise Staffing Group

Forklift Operator

Athens, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Forklift Operators Salary: $15+ an hour, weekly pay Type: Full-time Responsibilities: Unloading & Loading: Unload materials and merchandise from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places.

AtWork!

Forklift Operator

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Kilift Operator Atwork is now hiring experienced for kilift operator in Madisonville, TN. 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 12 hour rotating shifts. Pay: $15.00/hr. - $16.00/hr. DOE. Experience is ...

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN · On-site

$19.55/hr

Introductory role involves operating a double pallet jack to build a pallet of mixed products. This requires being on your feet the entirety of the shift and repetitive lifting up to 40 lbs.

DHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN · On-site

$19.55/hr

Introductory role involves operating a double pallet jack to build a pallet of mixed products. This requires being on your feet the entirety of the shift and repetitive lifting up to 40 lbs.

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Charleston, TN · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking a motivated Forklift Operator to join our warehouse team. The primary responsibility will be case picking orders to pallet using an electric pallet jack in a fast-paced environment.

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN

$19.55/hr

Introductory role involves operating a double pallet jack to build a pallet of mixed products. This requires being on your feet the entirety of the shift and repetitive lifting up to 40 lbs.

DHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN · On-site

$19.55/hr

Introductory role involves operating a double pallet jack to build a pallet of mixed products. This requires being on your feet the entirety of the shift and repetitive lifting up to 40 lbs.

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN · On-site

$19.55/hr

Forklift Operator Shift: 1st shift, Monday - Friday 8am-4pm Pay: $19.55 per hour Additional Incentives: Attendance incentive In addition to the general below, the ideal candidate will also possess ...

DPDHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN

$19.55/hr

Introductory role involves operating a double pallet jack to build a pallet of mixed products. This requires being on your feet the entirety of the shift and repetitive lifting up to 40 lbs.

DHL

Forklift Operator

Vonore, TN · On-site

$19.55/hr

Forklift Operator Shift: 1st shift, Monday - Friday 8am-4pm Pay: $19.55 per hour Additional Incentives: Attendance incentive In addition to the general below, the ideal candidate will also possess ...

Del Conca USA Inc

Kiln Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

$17 - $18.60/hr

Position Summary The Kiln Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining production equipment in the tile manufacturing process, including the kiln entrance, kiln exit, and ...

Del Conca USA Inc

Kiln Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

$17 - $18.60/hr

Position Summary The Kiln Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining production equipment in the tile manufacturing process, including the kiln entrance, kiln exit, and ...

Action Usa

Equipment Operator

Athens, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Equipment Operator The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating commercial motor vehicles and specialized industrial cleaning equipment to perform environmental and industrial cleaning ...

AtWork - Sweetwater

Forklift Operator

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Atwork is now hiring experienced forkilift operator in Madisonville, TN. 1st shift from 7: 00 a.M. - 7: 00 p.M. 12 hour rotating shiftsPay: $15.00/hr. - $ 16.00/hr. DOEExperience is not required!

Aerotek

Pulp Operator

Vonore, TN

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Production Operator - 3rd Shift This role focuses on safely operating production equipment and supporting maintenance activities in a process-oriented plant environment. You will feed raw materials ...

Action Usa

Equipment Operator

Athens, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Equipment Operator The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating commercial motor vehicles and specialized industrial cleaning equipment to perform environmental and industrial cleaning ...

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All JobsOperator JobsOperator Jobs in Athens, TN

Operator information

See Athens, TN salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator in Athens, TN is $16.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operator?

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 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.

More about Operator jobs
What cities near Athens, TN are hiring for Operator jobs? Cities near Athens, TN with the most Operator job openings:
Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator job openings in Athens, TN 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 $34,965 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Machine Operator

Thompson Pipe Group

Sale Creek, TN • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Thompson Pipe Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Machine Operator

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00+ DOE

1st Shift Mon-Thurs. 6 am to 4:30 pm.


Who We Are

Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held family business of engineers, contractors, and manufacturers based in Rialto, California. From the humble beginnings, we built a family of products to meet the needs of all kinds of infrastructure. Each generation of products is better than the previous.

Thompson Pipe Group is now the largest and most diverse drainage, sanitary, pressure and trench-less pipe provider, with manufacturing locations across the country and serving not just the US but all of North America. Please visit our website at www.thompsonpipegroup.com

Thompson Pipe Group is currently looking for a Machine Operator.


The Machine Operator is responsible for running various types of equipment. This operator will be the main crane operator for the steel plant liner. He/She will press rings of different sizes and thicknesses. The operator is to follow the schedule which is produced by his supervisor. The operator will know how and will be responsible for setting up and changing over the ring press. The operator will also check all quality measurements and values on the rings and make adjustments to the machines or perform repairs as necessary.

Essential Functions

  • Cut/shear metal to correct size
  • Use welder to tack metal strips together
  • Use various metal rolling machines to roll metal to correct roundness
  • Operate grinders to smooth out metal welds
  • Operate flash welder and trimmer
  • Operate presses to enlarge or shrink metal rings
  • Load and unload materials on and off production line
  • Perform handling in such a manner not to incur damage to product or equipment
  • Operates forklift to move various products
  • Responsible for the organization and housekeeping of designated station as well as performing pre-operationsinspections.

Required Qualifications

  • Must have a safety-first attitude.
  • Be respectful to all persons.
  • Be responsible, dependable and trustworthy.
  • Must pass a forklift safety course and demonstrate safe practices.
  • Must be able to pass practical and written overhead crane training course.
  • Must be familiar with machinery and possess a basic mechanical aptitude.
  • Flexible for non-standard working hours.
  • Must have good organizational/housekeeping skills and problem resolution skills.
  • Required to lift and move objects up to 75lbs.

Schedule:

  • 10-hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Thursday
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

Experience:

  • Machine Operators: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Manufacturing: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Forklift: 2 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

  • Day Shift

What We Offer

  • Top-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Life and Supplement Life
  • Company Matched 401K Retirement Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Fun Events
  • Training and Development
  • Employee Discounts
  • Career Opportunity!

Work Location: 550 Industrial Blvd. Bakewell, TN 37304.

EOE/AA – M/F/Vet/Disability

What Thompson Pipe Group employees say

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