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Pile Driving Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Grinding Production

Limestone, TN · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

This can include picking debris from paper pile, dumping gaylord boxes and breaking bales. Some ... driving a forklift (training provided) and general housekeeping duties as well as giving other ...

Pile Driving Operator information

What is a pile driving operator?

Pile Driving Operators are skilled construction workers who operate machinery to drive piles—long, heavy beams of wood, steel, or concrete—into the ground to provide foundational support for buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and controlling pile-driving equipment, ensuring piles are driven to the correct depth and alignment. Their work is crucial for the stability and safety of large-scale construction projects, especially those on unstable or waterfront sites.

What are common challenges faced by pile driving operators on construction sites?

Pile Driving Operators often work in dynamic and sometimes harsh outdoor environments, which can present various challenges such as working in inclement weather, maneuvering heavy machinery in tight spaces, and adapting to different soil conditions. They must also ensure precise alignment and depth of piles, which requires careful coordination with surveyors and site supervisors. Safety is paramount, so operators need to remain vigilant about their surroundings and strictly adhere to safety protocols to protect themselves and their coworkers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pile driving operator?

To thrive as a Pile Driving Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, site safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pile driving rigs, hydraulic hammers, and GPS or laser-guided alignment systems is essential, and some employers may require OSHA safety certifications. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong teamwork skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills ensure safe, precise, and timely completion of foundational construction projects, reducing risks and costly errors.

What is the difference between Pile Driving Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectPile Driving OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, crane operation certification, specialized pile driving certificationsOSHA safety training, crane operation certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, near water or deep foundations, often outdoorsConstruction sites, lifting heavy loads, often outdoors or in industrial settings
Industry UsageHeavy construction, foundation work, infrastructure projectsGeneral construction, shipping, manufacturing, infrastructure

The Pile Driving Operator specializes in driving piles into the ground for foundation support, requiring specific certifications and working primarily on foundation and infrastructure projects. The Crane Operator focuses on lifting and moving materials using cranes, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities. Both roles are essential in construction but serve distinct functions.

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Infographic showing various Pile Driving Operator job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Structural Ironworker - (Specializing in Pile Driving)

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Brasfield & Gorrie rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Responsibilities

Brasfield & Gorrie is currently accepting applications for a Structural Ironworker - (Specializing in Pile Driving). Below are the main responsibilities for this position.  

(This description may not include all duties required of this position)

  • Develop complete understanding of contract plans and specifications and plan, lay-out, install assemble and erect steel components in accordance with those plans and specifications.
  • Read and understand plans and specifications, including steel inventories. Visualize two dimensional drawings in three dimensions.
  • Follow established jobsite safety and regulations and maintain a safe and clean work area.
  • Use appropriate hand and power tools to properly measure, cut, bend, thread, assemble, and erect steel and install all other related items in accordance with the applicable plans and specifications.
  • Shakeout steel into erectable sequence; rig steel members for crane hoisting with a thorough knowledge and use of crane signals
  • Guide steel members into position using tag line.
  • Connect steel members; bolt-up connections; rack structure; plumb and square; torque bolts to applicable specifications.
  • Pull, push, or pry steel members into approximate position while member is supported by crane.
  • Force member into final position using turnbuckle, ironbars, jacks and hand tools; align holes in member with corresponding holes in previously placed member using drift pins or handle of wrench through the holes.
  • Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of member using plumb bob and level.
  • Cut and weld members to make alterations, using oxyacetylene cutting and welding equipment.

Education - Skills - Knowledge - Qualifications & Experience
  • Communication Skills – Comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. The ability to understand information, ideas, direction and then be able to perform the task or project discussed.
  • Must have a working knowledge of structural welding, use of cutting torches, and all aspects of ironworker techniques and methods.
  • Must have thorough knowledge of crane signals and rigging procedures.
  • Experience – Minimum 3 years’ experience as an ironworker.

EOE/Vets/Disabilities

Qualifications:
  • Communication Skills – Comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. The ability to understand information, ideas, direction and then be able to perform the task or project discussed.
  • Must have a working knowledge of structural welding, use of cutting torches, and all aspects of ironworker techniques and methods.
  • Must have thorough knowledge of crane signals and rigging procedures.
  • Experience – Minimum 3 years’ experience as an ironworker.

EOE/Vets/Disabilities

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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