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Control Center Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Control Center Operator Shift Opening(s): * Full-Time Monday - Sunday Various Days/ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. * Must be available to work morning, evening, and night shifts on a 3-to-4-month rotation.

Control Center Operator

Buffalo, NY ยท On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

About us: National Grid is hiring a System Operator for our Distribution Electric Control Center department in Buffalo, NY. In addition to a starting wage of $47.23 per hour (determined by ...

Control Center Operator

Buffalo, NY ยท On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

About us: National Grid is hiring a System Operator for our Distribution Electric Control Center department in Buffalo, NY. In addition to a starting wage of $47.23 per hour (determined by ...

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Control Center Operator information

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$5

$28

$57

How much do control center operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for control center operator in the United States is $28.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a control center operator do?

A Control Center Operator is responsible for monitoring and managing operations from a centralized location, often using specialized software and communication tools. Their duties typically include overseeing system performance, responding to alarms or emergencies, coordinating with field personnel, and maintaining detailed logs. These operators play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe functioning of facilities such as power plants, transportation networks, or security systems. Strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication skills are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Control Center Operator, you need strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical training or experience in related fields. Familiarity with SCADA systems, communication networks, and monitoring software is crucial, along with any relevant certifications such as NERC for energy sectors. Excellent communication, multitasking, and stress management skills help operators effectively coordinate responses and relay information in high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and quick decision-making in environments where real-time oversight and rapid response are critical.

What are some common challenges faced by control center operators and how can they be managed?

Control Center Operators often face challenges such as managing high-pressure situations, responding quickly to critical incidents, and handling multiple systems simultaneously. Staying calm and organized is key, as is maintaining clear communication with team members and other departments. Regular training, following established protocols, and using technology effectively can help operators manage these challenges efficiently and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Control Center Operator vs Dispatch Coordinator?

AspectControl Center OperatorDispatch Coordinator
CertificationsOften requires safety and communication certificationsMay require logistics or transportation certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor control rooms, monitoring systemsFieldwork, coordinating with drivers or field staff
Industry UsageUtilities, transportation, securityLogistics, transportation, emergency services

Control Center Operators primarily monitor and manage operations from a centralized location, focusing on safety and system performance. Dispatch Coordinators, on the other hand, coordinate field personnel and manage logistics. While both roles require communication skills and industry-specific certifications, Control Center Operators tend to work indoors in control rooms, whereas Dispatch Coordinators often work in the field or in offices coordinating activities.

How to become a control center operator?

To become a control center operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in operations, safety procedures, or technical systems. Many roles require knowledge of monitoring equipment, communication skills, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or industry-specific safety training. On-the-job training is common, and strong attention to detail and the ability to respond quickly are essential skills for this role.
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Infographic showing various Control Center Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,414 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Control Center Operator I

New Braunfels, TX โ€ข On-site

New Braunfels Utilities
Utilitiesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$24.86 - $31.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

 

Position Summary

The Control Center Operator I is an entry level position responsible for overseeing and participating in routine activities for the dispatch, emergency, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) operations providing 24 hour services. The Control Center Operator I must learn to monitor and operate SCADA Systems, GIS, outage management systems, and control and maintain the integrity of electric, water distribution systems, and wastewater treatment systems.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

- Monitor all systems and equipment in the Control Center

- Monitor weather and operating conditions affecting the safe and reliable operations of NBU electrical and water/wastewater systems

- Alert other Control Center operators of all conditions, alarms and advisories affecting service operations

- Notify and assist appropriate response personnel as directed

- Notify Communications Manager and Key Accounts Manager, or designees, as directed

- Perform reclose monitoring, operation and testing through SCADA system and equipment

- Knowledgeable of NBU safety and switching procedures

- Assist in entering real time events into all event and daily logs

- Appropriately handle all customer interactions calmly and professionally

- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

- Assist in the creation & execution of electric switching orders

- Complete Control Center career path training within the given time restriction to graduate to Control Center Operator II

- Responsible for any other duties as assigned by Operational Technology Supervisor or Systems Control Manager

- Critical decision-making skills

- Assist internal and external customers with troubleshooting

- Use multiple systems to dispatch crews

- Ability to decipher critical vs. non-critical outages and prioritize work

- Analyze and monitor data to ensure systems are running smoothly

- Analyze AMI data to solve service related issues


GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines

- Adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times and in all situations

- Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable

- Develop & maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general

- Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents

- Adhere to NBU policies and procedures

- Exemplifies NBU Core Values of Integrity, Stewardship, Team, Culture and Safety

- Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures


Formal Education and Work Experience Requirements

Degree/Diploma Obtained: High School Diploma/GED

Work Experience Time Frame: Three Years or More

Field of Study: General Studies


Certification and Licensures Requirements

System Operator certification a plus


Other Minimum Qualifications

- Utility industry experience preferred

- Experience in real-time operations, dispatch, control center atmosphere, electric or water distribution field operations preferred

- Must complete all training requirements to promote to a Control Center Operator II, within 18 months of hire to maintain employment

- Must have 24 hour availability

- Flexibility to work rotating shifts including holidays and weekends