Water Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Details:

Position Summary

The 3rd Shift Wastewater & Drinking Water Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment and drinking water systems during overnight hours. This position supports safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations by performing routine inspections, collecting samples, documenting readings, responding to alarms, and completing general maintenance duties. The operator will work independently during the assigned shift and must be able to make sound decisions while following established procedures, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations.

Work Schedule:

• Regular shift hours are 9:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., including weekends and holidays.
• The operator will work solo for the duration of the shift.
• Overtime may be required as needed to cover absences, vacations, call-ins, or staffing needs for other team members.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to maintain consistent attendance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment and drinking water systems to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations.
• Perform routine inspections of pumps, tanks, valves, chemical feed systems, piping, meters, controls, and related equipment.
• Monitor operating conditions, gauges, meters, control panels, and alarms; respond promptly to abnormal conditions or equipment issues.
• Adjust equipment or chemical feed systems as directed by procedures, supervision, or operating requirements.
• Collect required wastewater and drinking water samples and complete routine field or laboratory testing as assigned.
• Record operational data, meter readings, sample results, chemical usage, maintenance activities, and shift notes accurately and completely.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and notify appropriate personnel when equipment, process, or compliance concerns arise.
• Follow all safety, environmental, regulatory, and company procedures while performing assigned work.
• Communicate shift status, issues, and follow-up needs clearly to supervision and incoming team members.

Grounds and General Maintenance Duties:

• Perform lawn maintenance, including weed eating, groundskeeping, general housekeeping, and other routine maintenance duties as assigned.
• Maintain work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous wastewater, drinking water, utilities, manufacturing, and/or maintenance experience preferred.
• Must acquire and maintain both a drinking water license and a wastewater license within 2.5 years of hire or assignment to the position in order to fully qualify as an operator and secure the operator position.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision during overnight hours.
• Ability to follow written procedures, complete logs accurately, and communicate issues clearly.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn treatment system operations.
• Ability to respond appropriately to alarms, process changes, equipment issues, and emergency situations.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime as needed to support team coverage.
• Must comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required HAZ-MAT and Confined Space training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb hills and climb and/or descend stairs and ladders.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment as required by the job.
• Ability to physically lift heavy objects weighing 50-75 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat and extreme cold.
• Ability to work around pumps, tanks, chemicals, wastewater, drinking water systems, uneven surfaces, wet surfaces, and operating equipment.
• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals in accordance with required safety procedures, training, labeling, storage, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to work on or inside a wastewater lagoon while operating from a boat or floating work platform.

Work Environment

This position works in a plant environment and will involve exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, wastewater, outdoor weather conditions, extreme heat, extreme cold, wet surfaces, confined areas, and operating equipment. The operator must remain alert and safety-focused at all times.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Work Shift:

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

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Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.