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Control Center Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Children's Land

Center Director

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Ensure classrooms remain fully staffed and operating efficiently. * Monitor classroom quality ... Control center expenses while maintaining quality. * Ensure timely completion of reports and ...

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All JobsControl Center Operator JobsControl Center Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Control Center Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$28

$59

How much do control center operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for control center operator in Chicago, IL is $28.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $35.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 communication tools, monitoring equipment, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or industry-specific safety standards. On-the-job training is common, and strong attention to detail and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Control Center Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Control Center Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control Center Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Center Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Control Center Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Center Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,223 per year, or $29 per hour.

Manager, Control Center

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL

$126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

648th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

SALARY

$126,576.04

POSITION SUMMARY

Directs, manages, coordinates and integrates the functions and activities of Control Center Bus, Rail, Power, Rail Customer Service Representative/Security Controllers, and Communication Coordinators for efficiency of departmental operations. Supervises, coordinates and directs the restoration and issuance of communication directives to assure the successful operation of planned and unplanned incidents and service disruptions. Verifies prompt contact is initiated with internal and external customers of pertinent details relating to disruptions at the onset, and during a delay.  Monitors the performance of Controllers and Coordinators for compliance with Authority programs and policies and attainment of goals and objectives.  Monitors the performance of Controllers, Coordinators, and bus/rail operations to assure safety procedures and guidelines are adhered to at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

           Directs, manages and monitors the management of the communication and interaction of Controllers, Coordinators and the field when the Authority's service and passenger safety are affected by bus or train delays.

o          Interacts with public utility and city services as needed. 

o          Assists with providing customer communication during major service delays and disruptions (such as pages, e-mails, telephone communications, radio communication, etc.). 

o          Also helps to synthesizes complex information and details into meaningful information to be communicated to CTA senior executive staff.

           Manages and coordinates the daily activities and responsibilities of Control Center operations, programs, projects and assignments in accordance to the specific objectives, goals and procedures.  Communicates directives regarding service during severe weather.

           Identifies and responds to performance deviations and determines appropriate courses of actions to correct problem area, including progressive disciplinary actions.  Assists in response to routine union issues.  Interfaces with the administrative staff in the researching and implementation of internal technological enhancements for tracking performance and absenteeism in accordance with Control Center and Authority policies and procedures.

           Assists with special and emergency services by interfacing with other departments: such as Bus and Rail Operations, and the Law Department. Assist in the coordinating activities with CFD, CPD, RTA (Regional Transportation Authority), IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation), CCDOT (City of Chicago Department of Transportation), OEMC (Office of Emergency Management and Communication), CTAN (Chicago Transit Alert Network) and other city, state and federal agencies.

           Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.

           Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:

Job Title

           Bus Controller

           Rail Controller

           Power Controller

           Rail Customer Service Representative/Security/Controller

           Control Center Communications Coordinator

CHALLENGES

           Ensuring that the Control Center's goals and objectives are accomplished by providing high quality transportation throughout the service area, in accordance with the Authority's standards.

           Staying abreast of changes in technology and processes in the transit industry.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

           Minimum of three (3) years of CTA experience in Control Center, Bus Operations Management, and/or Rail Operations Management, or five (5) years of external control center experience and/or a combination of control center and bus/rail operations management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

           Control Center experience preferred.

           Bachelor's degree in Transportation or a related field preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

           Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

           Rearranging or lifting of equipment, materials and supplies.

           Visits to various sites such as accident or other related locations affecting service operation.

           Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

           Working knowledge of Bus/Rail vehicle operations, including restoration of service, Bus/Rail garage/terminal operations, administration and vehicle maintenance as they relate to Bus/Rail operations.

           Working knowledge of the methods and practices in interviewing employees regarding accidents, complaints, grievances and disciplinary actions.

           General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and labor relations pertaining to government agency and transportation industry.

           Strong conflict resolution and customer service skills.

           Strong verbal and written communication skills.

           Intermediate computer skills.

           Intermediate analytic and problem-solving skills.

           Ability to remain calm and respond quickly during emergencies or abnormal situations.

           Ability to provide effective solutions to organizational issues with integrity, initiative, and creativity.

WORKING CONDITIONS

           General office environment.

           Eight (8) hours or longer period normally spent in the Control Center.

           Required to travel to various locations throughout the system to maintain a high degree of familiarity with facilities, routes, street patterns, etc.

           Must be available to work seven days per week, 24 hours per day, including holidays. Subject to 24 hour call.

           Working hours subject to change based upon departmental requirements.

           Stressful working conditions during emergencies.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

           Standard office equipment.

           Personal computer, pager, telephone system with multiple extensions and functions, CleverCAD, SCADA, Windows 2000, IRM Paging software, QuickTrak, FileMaker Pro, Outlook, CTA radio systems, web mail, CTAN message systems, station/row camera software, MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Authority Standard Operating Procedures and Guideline Manuals. General Bulletins.

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