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Pit Loader Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Operate heavy equipment to load, move, and manage molten metals, including cleaning and ... Support furnace operations inside the hot pit building, working near a 2,000‑degree furnace and ...

Operator; 2nd shift Ball Mill

Crossville, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Operate heavy equipment to load weigh box and push up new incoming loads of clay. * Lifting ... Keep lump breaker area and pit free of spilled material. * Multi-task by watching belts, screens ...

Order Selector

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Sunday - Thursday; 5:30 pm until completion PIT case selection in a control temp environment ... operating an electric pallet jack or forklift, selecting the correct products from warehouse ...

Order Selector

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Sunday - Thursday; 5:30 pm until completion PIT case selection in a control temp environment ... operating an electric pallet jack or forklift, selecting the correct products from warehouse ...

Warehouse Associate

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

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Warehouse Associate, La Vergne

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

Production Inventory Technician

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The PIT employee is responsible for setting up and operating packaging and labeling equipment ... Loads and adjusts carton label printers • Maintain proper conveyance operation • Operate ...

Warehouse Associate, La Vergne

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

Warehouse Associate, La Vergne

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

Warehouse Associate, La Vergne

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

Warehouse Associate

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Load product onto truck * Unload materials from truck * Move materials to warehouse for storage ... operating procedures (SOPs) and OSHA safety standards * Operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

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Pit Loader Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do pit loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pit loader operator in Tennessee is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pit loader operator?

A pit loader operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery used to load materials such as ore, coal, or other bulk materials into trucks or conveyors in mining or construction environments. They typically operate equipment like front-end loaders or excavators and must follow safety protocols and operational procedures. This role often requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and sometimes certification in equipment operation.

What are some common challenges faced by Pit Loader Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Pit Loader Operators often work in dynamic and sometimes harsh conditions, requiring constant attention to safety and communication with team members. Challenges can include navigating uneven terrain, managing equipment maintenance, and adapting to varying materials or weather conditions. Staying vigilant, following safety protocols, and participating in regular equipment inspections can help address these issues. Effective collaboration with dispatchers and other operators also ensures smooth operations and reduces downtime.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Pit Loader Operators in the mining or construction industries can sometimes earn around $700 per day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or in high-demand environments. These roles often require safety certifications, physical stamina, and experience operating heavy equipment. Earnings vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the work schedule.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators specializing in specialized machinery such as crane, bulldozer, or excavator operators tend to earn the highest wages, especially with experience and certifications. Among these, crane operators often have the highest salaries due to the skill level and safety requirements involved. Salary can also vary based on industry, location, and union membership.

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

To thrive as a Pit Loader Operator, you need experience in heavy equipment operation, knowledge of mining or quarrying processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with loader machinery, safety protocols, and often specific certifications such as MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) are required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and reliability help operators work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are crucial for maintaining productivity, ensuring safety, and minimizing equipment downtime in demanding work environments.

What is the difference between Pit Loader Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectPit Loader OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training and equipment operation certificationsRequires similar safety training and certifications for various heavy machinery
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works in mining, quarry, or construction sites handling loadersOperates a range of heavy machinery across construction, mining, and industrial sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in mining, quarrying, and construction industriesUsed across multiple industries including construction, mining, and infrastructure projects

The Pit Loader Operator and Heavy Equipment Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, especially in mining and construction sectors. However, the Pit Loader Operator specializes in operating loaders specifically in mining or quarry sites, while the Heavy Equipment Operator has a broader scope, handling various types of heavy machinery across multiple industries.

How much do underground loader operators make?

Underground loader operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work environment. Salaries can also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, with some positions offering overtime pay for extended shifts.

What are Pit Loader Operators?

Pit Loader Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy machinery, such as loaders or front-end loaders, in mining or construction pits. Their main duties include transporting materials like earth, minerals, or debris, loading trucks, and maintaining the equipment they use. Safety is a key part of their job, as they work in challenging environments and must follow strict protocols to prevent accidents. Pit Loader Operators also inspect and perform basic maintenance on their machines to ensure efficient and safe operation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pit Loader Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Pit Loader Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Pit Loader Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Pit Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Pit Loader Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,827 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Forklift Operator I

$16.25 - $19/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Coca-Cola Consolidated rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 396 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Requisition ID: 250033

Locations: Knoxville

Pay Range: $ 19.00 - $ 20.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday 3:00pm until finished 

Part time Only

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Job Overview

The Forklift Operator I is responsible for various assignments, duties, and tasks within the Warehouse that may or may not require the use of a PIT Forklift, such as building pallets, inbound unloading, outbound loading, replenishment of the pick floor, or Vertique mezzanine areas, and, or the fulfillment of customer orders. This role will travel throughout the warehouse pick area to retrieve and stack specific products and quantities; per the Pick Ticket assigned while maintaining any determined expectations of safety, accuracy, and, or efficiency. This position performs other tasks assigned by Warehouse Management including, pallet stacking, handling damage restack and, or rework, stacking product, and picking up pallets with a Pallet Jack, when applicable.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Retrieve and place quantities of cases of product onto a pre-determined pallet(s) as instructed by the assigned pick ticket in a manner that is safe and builds a stable pallet of product, also known as Pallet Building, meeting or exceeding warehouse expectations in safety and accuracy
  • Unload inbound product, raw materials, and/or deposit Items and transports from the docks to their designated storage areas within the warehouse in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner
  • Load outbound product and/or deposit items by transporting from their assigned storage area within the warehouse to the loading docks and placing them on the appropriate trailers in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner
  • Replenish product to the warehouse pick and, or vertique mezzanine areas by transporting such from their assigned storage areas within the warehouse to their specific assigned location/bin within the pick and, or vertique mezzanine area in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety of work area and warehouse, performs other tasks including pallet building as determined and requested by management
  • May perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere while walking and repetitively lifting 30-75 lbs.
  • Ability to collaborate within a team environment
  • Ability to coordinate and organize efficient and dependable warehouse processes
  • Ability to adapt to needs of role in different work areas throughout the workday and meet minimum expectations of those different work areas
  • Ability to read and interpret instructions from a computer screen
  • Attention to detail and ability to differentiate our packages
  • Ability to work in a noisy and non-climate controlled environment including high and low-temperature environment
  • Intentional self-starter who takes initiative and proactively seeks out value-add opportunities
  • Flexibility in Scheduling is required as work hours are subject to change based on business demands
Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge acquired through 1 - 3 years of work experience

Preferred Qualifications

PIT (Powered Industrial Truck) Certification: Pallet Jack, Single Forklift, Double Forklift, Scrubber.

Work Environment

Noisy and non-temperature-controlled environment including high and low-temperature environment

Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


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About Coca-Cola Consolidated

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Coca-Cola Consolidated, based in Charlotte, NC, US, is a preeminent company in the beverage industry. The company is the largest independent bottler for The Coca-Cola Company in the United States. The company’s product portfolio includes prominent beverages such as Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and a variety of other beverages produced by The Coca-Cola Company. Founded in in 1980 after multiple expansions and mergers, the company has since gained a steadfast reputation in the industry as a leading bottler and distributor. Coca-Cola Consolidated's core values are committed to excellence, committed to service, committed to a higher calling, and committed to each other. Their mission is to share in the refreshment, fun, and fellowship of happiness found in The Coca-Cola Company’s beverages. Their notable achievements include not only market expansion but also their history of giving back to the communities where they operate, signifying their dedication to corporate social responsibility.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US