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Plow Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Outside Technician Bucket truck operator, Underground drop bury Payrate: $21-$26 401k, Health ... MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operate a bucket truck or underground plow Run fiber drops from ...

Has performed at least 1 year of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini, plow, hydro, etc.); fully trained in all safety regulations of operating heavy equipment

Has performed at least 1 year of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini, plow, hydro, etc.); fully trained in all safety regulations of operating heavy equipment

Has performed at least 1 year of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini, plow, hydro, etc.); fully trained in all safety regulations of operating heavy equipment

Outside Technician Bucket truck operator, Underground drop bury Payrate: $21-$26401k, Health ... Operate a bucket truck or underground plow * Run fiber drops from pole to home either overhead or ...

Bucket Truck FTTH drops

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Outside Technician Bucket truck operator, Underground drop bury Payrate: $21-$26 401k, Health ... MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operate a bucket truck or underground plow Run fiber drops from ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plow Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do plow operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for plow operator in Tennessee is $17.98, 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 are the typical challenges a plow operator faces during a busy snow season?

Plow Operators often contend with long, irregular hours, especially during heavy storms when rapid response is critical. Navigating poor visibility, icy roads, and traffic while ensuring public safety can be demanding and requires strong attention to detail. Additionally, operators must routinely inspect and maintain their equipment to prevent breakdowns during critical operations. Working closely with other operators, dispatchers, and emergency services is essential to coordinate routes and respond to changing weather conditions effectively.

What is a plow operator?

Plow Operators are professionals responsible for operating snowplows and other equipment to remove snow and ice from roads, parking lots, and other surfaces during winter weather. Their main goal is to ensure safe and passable routes for vehicles and pedestrians. Plow Operators may work for municipal governments, private contractors, or transportation departments, and often work irregular hours, especially during and after snowstorms. In addition to operating plows, they may also spread salt or sand to improve traction and prevent ice formation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plow operator?

To thrive as a Plow Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), mechanical aptitude, and experience with operating heavy equipment. Familiarity with snow plows, salt spreaders, and GPS navigation systems is often required, along with knowledge of safety protocols. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help operators respond effectively to changing weather and road conditions. These skills ensure safe, efficient snow removal and maintain public safety during winter weather events.

What is the difference between Plow Operator vs Snow Plow Driver?

AspectPlow OperatorSnow Plow Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, possibly CDL; training on plow operationDriver's license, CDL often preferred; training on snow plow operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roads, parking lotsPublic roads, city streets, highways
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, municipalitiesMunicipalities, private snow removal services
Common Search/ComparisonPlow Operator vs Snow Plow Driver

Both roles involve operating snow removal equipment, but a Plow Operator may work in construction or industrial settings, while a Snow Plow Driver primarily works for municipalities or private contractors on public roads. Credentials and training are similar, focusing on safe operation of snow plows. The main difference lies in the work environment and employer type.

What are popular job titles related to Plow Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Plow Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plow Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Plow Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Plow Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,397 per year, or $18 per hour.

Motor Equipment Operator II - Public Works (Refuse/Right-of-Way Maintenance)

City of Johnson City

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$20.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is currently accepting online applications for a Motor Equipment Operator II with Public Works, Street division. This is skilled work in the operation of moderately complex specialized maintenance and construction automotive equipment (e.g., dump trucks, knuckle booms, mowing tractors, etc.). The work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment. Employees in this class must have manipulative skill of a higher degree than employees of a lower class, and work in this class differs from that of the lower class of operator in that incumbents must operate heavier, more complex and specialized equipment, and several types of equipment within this category interchangeably; does related work as required. Primary duties are associated with right-of-way maintenance on streets and highways including litter pickup and service on a brush collection route. The employee also helps with mowing, brush grinding, mulch loading, leaf collection, snow plowing and salting in the winter.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: General knowledge of traffic laws and other regulations governing automotive equipment operation; general knowledge of the operating and repair characteristics of heavy automotive and similar public works equipment; general knowledge of the component parts, operating principles, and maintenance needs of maintenance and construction equipment; general knowledge of the City, including the location and layout of streets and alleys; ability to service various types of relatively heavy equipment and to make minor running repairs; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions and to prepare required reports; skill in the operation of moderately complex construction and maintenance equipment; physical strength and agility sufficient to operate equipment over rough terrain occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
Requirements for Education and Experience: completion of high school or GED and some experience in the operation and routine maintenance of trucks, specialized automotive equipment or related automotive equipment at the level of Motor Equipment Operator I; experience driving dump trucks and other medium duty trucks; familiarity with operating hydraulic powered machinery and construction equipment; ability to walk for extended periods of time; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employee must possess a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License issued by the State of Tennessee or be able to obtain one within one hundred and twenty (120) days of employment. Pre-employment DOT physical, drug screening and background check required.
EEO
This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to pre-employment, random and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as allowed by law.