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Pump Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

City of Columbia

Plant Operator

Columbia, TN · On-site

Assists in operating, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting all wastewater plant process equipment ... Operates valves, gates and pumps to adjust water flows and chemical injection rates; performs ...

Stella-Jones

Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Operator performs operational work related to loading/unloading tank trucks and railcars; bulk liquid transfer within the facility; performing basic tank, pipe and pumping system maintenance; and ...

City of Columbia

Plant Operator

Columbia, TN · On-site

$21.93/hr

Assists in operating, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting all wastewater plant process equipment ... Operates valves, gates and pumps to adjust water flows and chemical injection rates; performs ...

Kruger, Inc.

Boiler Room Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

Monitor steam, condensate, compressed air, water treatment, and pumping systems. * Troubleshoot and ... Experience operating and maintaining high-pressure steam systems, compressed air systems, water ...

City of Columbia

Plant Operator

Columbia, TN

Assists in operating, maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting all wastewater plant process equipment ... Operates valves, gates and pumps to adjust water flows and chemical injection rates; performs ...

US Department of War

Crane Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

... pumps, and allied equipment used in levee and earthwork construction and other flood control ... May be the shift operator of the Whirley mat loading crane which is the primary piece of operating ...

Civil Constructors

Equipment Operator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Bobcat, Concrete Pump, Concrete Saw, Curb Machine (Auto/Manual), Dozer or Loader (Stockpile), Drill ... Operator, Ditch Paving Machine. 1 year experience preferred - willing to train with prior highway ...

Darling Ingredients

Wastewater Operator

Strawberry Plains, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

Job Summary The Wastewater Operator controls water flows and processes through plant equipment and ... Service and Lube pumps and gear boxes as needed. * Help maintenance with projects or work in area ...

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All JobsPump Operator JobsPump Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Pump Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$25K

$47.3K

$67.2K

How much do pump operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for pump operator in Tennessee is $47,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pump operator?

Pump operators handle pumps and manifold systems that transfer liquids, gases, and powdered material at a variety of utility and manufacturing plants. As a pump operator, you monitor pressure and temperature gauges to ensure that there are no abnormalities with the transfer of the materials. Your responsibilities include keeping a careful record of all the data you observe and paying attention to any discrepancies that might indicate a safety or operational problem. Pump operators also tend to the vessels that contain the materials they are pumping. For a career as a pump operator, you need strong mechanical skills, the ability to read gauges, and be able to perform simple math and data analysis.

What is the difference between Pump Operator vs Well Pump Technician?

AspectPump OperatorWell Pump Technician
CertificationsMay require OSHA safety training, CDL in some casesOften requires specialized certifications in well and pump systems
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, water treatment facilitiesWell sites, water systems, rural and urban water supply locations
Industry UsageWater, oil, and gas industries, constructionWater supply, municipal, and private well systems

While both Pump Operators and Well Pump Technicians work with pumps, Pump Operators typically focus on operating and maintaining pumps in industrial or construction settings, often requiring safety certifications. Well Pump Technicians specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining well pumps used in water supply systems, often needing specialized technical certifications. The roles overlap in work environment and industry but differ in technical focus and certification requirements.

What are some common challenges pump operators face during shift work, and how can they manage them effectively?

Pump Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, which can lead to fatigue and disrupt personal routines. Managing these challenges involves maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and communicating proactively with team members to ensure smooth handovers between shifts. Additionally, being vigilant about equipment monitoring and troubleshooting under varying conditions is crucial for operational safety and efficiency.

What does a pump operator do?

A Pump Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining pumps and related equipment used to move liquids, such as water, chemicals, oil, or gas, through pipelines or other systems. Their duties include starting and stopping pumps, monitoring gauges and flow meters, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Pump Operators often work in industries like water treatment, oil and gas, manufacturing, or construction, ensuring that the flow of materials is consistent and meets operational requirements. Safety and adherence to regulations are also important aspects of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pump operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pump Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment maintenance, and basic math, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pump control systems, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operation of pumping equipment and help prevent costly downtime or accidents.
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Pump Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pump 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 $47,278 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Water Plant Operator I

City of Johnson City

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$19.76/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is currently accepting applications for a Water Plant Operator I with Water & Sewer Services. The employee performs responsible semiskilled work in a trainee capacity, operates water treatment plant equipment and facilities on an assigned shift; does related work as required. Employees in this class are responsible for the operation of water filters and chemical feeders used in the treatment of water. Duties include the taking of samples for laboratory analysis, and the reading and recording of meters at regular intervals. The work is supervised by the Water Plant Operator III or Chief Water Plant Operator through inspection, and by observing the effectiveness of plant operation through the analysis of shift reports and chemical laboratory test.Essential Functions of Position:periodically checks chemical feeders, pumps, filters and other equipment to ascertain it is operating properly;operates, oils and adjusts pumps and machinery;starts and stops pumps;regulates valves and observes flow dials;keeps daily log of shift operations, reads logs of previous shifts and makes reports;reads gauges and transmits information to supervisor;draws samples of water and makes routine laboratory tests and analysis;adds chemicals to water system in accordance with prescribed standards;determines the correct amounts of chemical to be added to the raw water to achieve the most efficient and economic type of treatment;records amounts of chemicals used, and amounts of raw water and finished water pumped in last 24 hours;washes filters periodically;makes visual inspection of working apparatus and grounds;keeps water plant building and grounds in clean condition;takes telephone calls of complaints and reports nature of complaints to supervisor;inspects reservoirs and records water levels;performs facility and grounds maintenance;performs related tasks as required.Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Some knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery; willingness and ability to learn the processes involved in the purification of water including routine chemical tests; ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment in operation, and to detect flaws and defects in operation; ability to read simple meters and charts accurately, and to maintain simple records of shift operation; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; mechanical aptitude. Dexterity to operate machinery.Acceptable Experience and Training: Completion of high school or trade school including or supplemented by courses in chemistry or related subjects and some experience as a skilled laborer in maintenance work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform in this position. Pre-employment physical, drug screening and background check required.EEO 
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