1

Control Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$20.35 - $26.81/hr

Traffic Maintenance Operator II (may underfill) Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Operates specialized ... Installs, repairs, and maintains various traffic control devices and parking meters. May in a lead ...

POSITION SUMMARY Support Aerospace Security Control Center Operations which act as the communication and response coordination control hub at the Chantilly, VA location. Required: Secret Clearance ...

New

POSITION SUMMARY Support Aerospace Security Control Center Operations which act as the communication and response coordination control hub at the Chantilly, VA location. Required: Secret Clearance ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Control Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$24

$38

How much do control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for control operator in Virginia is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Control Operators often work in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making and attention to detail are critical. Common challenges include managing multiple systems simultaneously, responding to alarms or unexpected events, and maintaining clear communication with team members across shifts. Effective management of these challenges involves thorough training, strong situational awareness, and adherence to established protocols. Regular team briefings and ongoing skills development also help ensure operational safety and efficiency.

What do control operators do?

Control operators are responsible for managing and monitoring the operation of systems or equipment, ensuring processes run smoothly and safely. They often work with control panels, automation tools, and communication systems to respond to alarms, adjust settings, and maintain operational efficiency. This role typically requires technical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certification or training in specific control systems.

How do you become a control operator?

To become a control operator, individuals typically need to obtain an amateur radio license by passing a written exam that tests knowledge of radio regulations, operating procedures, and technical concepts. Some positions may require relevant experience, technical skills, or certifications, and operators often need to be at least 18 years old and adhere to specific regulatory requirements set by the governing authority.

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

To thrive as a Control Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control systems, mechanical or electrical troubleshooting, and generally a relevant technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required, along with any necessary industry certifications. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly and accurately to system changes or emergencies. These skills are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable operations in industrial or utility environments.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

Control operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. In some industries like finance, technology, or executive management, top-tier professionals can reach or exceed this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and high responsibility. Salary levels vary widely based on industry, experience, and location, but control operator roles generally have lower compensation at this level.

How much do control room operators get paid?

Control room operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the environment, required certifications, and shift schedules.

What are Control Operators?

Control Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of complex systems, such as machinery, power plants, or manufacturing processes. They ensure that systems run efficiently and safely by observing instruments, making necessary adjustments, and responding to alarms or system irregularities. Control Operators play a crucial role in maintaining optimal performance and preventing malfunctions by following established procedures and safety protocols. Their work often involves collaboration with other technical staff to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly.

What is the difference between Control Operator vs Control Room Operator?

AspectControl OperatorControl Room Operator
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in control systemsSimilar certifications, often with additional safety or industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power stations, manufacturing facilitiesControl rooms within industrial or utility facilities
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utilitiesPrimarily in power generation, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors
Job FocusMonitoring and adjusting control systemsOverseeing entire control room operations and coordination

Both Control Operators and Control Room Operators work in industrial environments monitoring control systems. Control Operators focus on operating specific control systems, while Control Room Operators oversee the entire control room operations, often managing multiple systems and coordinating team efforts.

Infographic showing various Control Operator job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,805 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Traffic Maintenance Operator II (may underfill)

City of Salt Lake City

$20.35 - $26.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Traffic Maintenance Operator II (may underfill)

Bargaining Unit:

AFSCME

Job Description:

Operates specialized equipment used in installing and maintaining traffic control signs and markings. Installs, repairs, and maintains various traffic control devices and parking meters. May in a lead capacity, perform general supervision to all seasonal and subordinate employees in the shop and in the field. Provides training, orientation, and general direction to subordinate workers in the use of specialized equipment.

Position Salary Range:

Traffic Maintenance Operator I: $20.35 - $26.81

Traffic Maintenance Operator II: $22.94 - $30.21

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

  • Health Insurance

  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

  • Paid vacation and personal leave

  • Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment

  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

Traffic Maintenance Operator I:

  • Safely operates specialized paint and layout equipment to mark roadway centerlines, lane lines, traffic islands, crosswalks, curb zones, bicycle lanes, and parking zones or other necessary markings according to Division policies and procedures and as required by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

  • Using hand and power tools, installs, repairs and maintains traffic signs in accordance with Division policies and procedures and as required by the MUTCD. Evaluates existing traffic signs to ensure standards are met with regard to reflectivity, visibility, safe sign sight distance, legibility and vertical/horizontal orientation to drivers. Trims trees and removes obstructions.

  • Safely operates light-to-heavy equipment and tools required for various maintenance applications to include, lift truck, 10-wheelers, sander, front end loader, snowplow, forklift, and other related equipment. Rotates from one piece of equipment to the other based on operational needs.

  • Safely operates thermoplastic and cold plastic applicators to install and maintain long term pavement markings and makes necessary repairs and field adjustments to equipment. Evaluates on-site conditions and material preparation to determine proper application of marking material.

  • Ensure the proper placement of traffic control signs and barricades for work areas according to Salt Lake City's Traffic Barricade Manual. Performs actual set up of signs and barricades.

  • Performs routine vehicle and equipment maintenance checks. Makes minor equipment repairs and adjustments in the field and overhauls equipment during routine maintenance periods or emergencies. Compiles daily reports as to what work has been completed, tabulates inventory needs and records equipment use.

  • May assist with design, layout and manufacture traffic signs using Gerber Omega sign computer, vinyl plotters, metal shears, thermal transfer image device and other specialized sign making tools.

  • Performs snow removal duties for an assigned district in accordance with the City's Snow Removal Program. Maybe responsible for snow removal on sidewalks, overpasses, stairways and other City-owned areas. Operates snow blowers, hand-operated plows or small-to-medium-sized drivable snow-removal equipment as needed.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Traffic Maintenance Operator II:

  • Operates light-to-heavy equipment and tools required for various maintenance applications to include roadway striper, lift truck, 10-wheelers, sander, plow, paint sprayer, and other related equipment. Rotates from one piece of equipment to the other based on operational needs.

  • Responding to work orders on a pre-determined route, operates traffic marking equipment to lay out and mark roadway centerlines, lane lines, traffic islands, crosswalks, curb zones, bicycle lanes and parking zones or other necessary markings according to Divisional policies and as required by the MUTCD.

  • Assures all marking and signing equipment is maintained according to manufacturer and divisional requirements and standards.

  • Ensures city parking meters are kept in optimal working condition through preventative maintenance and planned upgrade programs. Maintains accurate records of meter maintenance, inventories, and trouble calls. Coordinates with SLC Courts and Transportation Division to resolve questions about meter operation and maintenance. Test calibrates and programs parking meters according to local and national standards and ordinances.

  • Compiles reports and maintains a log of project status, inventories and equipment used. Assists in preparation of various summaries or analyses using a specialized computer system and spreadsheets. Operates sign management program to locate, identify, and research signs and make computer entries.

  • Operates thermoplastic and cold plastic applicators to install and maintain pavement markings and makes necessary repairs and field adjustments to equipment. Tracks Street Division maintenance schedules to ensure that roadway marking activities are not in conflict with street projects. Verbally informs and plots on maps Street Division's planned maintenance schedules.

  • Installs and maintains traffic signs in accordance with division policies and procedures and as required by the MUTCD. Replace damaged or missing signs as necessary.

  • May be required to serve as a back-up sign maker to manufacture and design signs using sign maker computer and make adjustments to sign making equipment.

  • Performs snow removal duties for an assigned district in accordance with the City's Snow Removal Program. Assists with snow removal by clearing sidewalks, overpasses, stairways and other city-owned areas. Operates snow blowers, hand-operated plows, small-to-medium-sized and 10-wheel snowplows as needed.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Traffic Maintenance Operator I:

  • High school graduation or equivalent and one (1) years paid work experience in construction trades, mechanical or general maintenance.

  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A or B with necessary endorsements or the ability to obtain within 90 daysof hire.

  • Must have a current Flagger certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of preventative maintenance required for the equipment which will be operated and the ability to detect the need for, as well as make, minor repairs or adjustments on tools or equipment.

  • Demonstrated ability to do data entry and retrieval from a computer terminal and to maintain and research daily work records.

  • Demonstrated ability to direct and train seasonal employees.

Traffic Maintenance Operator II:

  • High school graduate or equivalent and two (2) years paid work experience' in the field of Traffic Operations which includes highway signing, roadway and commercial painting, and construction barricading. Work experience in construction trades, mechanical, or general maintenance may be substituted for up to one (1) year experience.

  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B. May be required to possess a CDL Class A. If CDL A is required, candidates with Class B CDL will have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL with necessary endorsements within 90 days of start date. May be required to obtain additional endorsements as necessary.

  • Possession of Flagger Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

  • Working knowledge of barricading and flagging, as well as generally accepted practices, procedures, equipment and materials used in the installation and maintenance of traffic control signs and markings.

  • Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and drawings.

  • Ability to research and compile daily work records and inventory reports. Ability to do data entry and retrieval from a computer terminal.

  • Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures, preventative maintenance required for specific equipment, and the ability to maintain equipment and to make field repairs and adjustments.

  • Ability to work and relate well with co-workers, supervisors and the general public under varying circumstances.

  • Basic knowledge of DOT and ADA requirements as they related to signage and signals.

Working Conditions:

  • Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium-heavy (50-75 lbs.) weights. Exposure to heights during the placement of arterial signs, tree trimming or pole painting. Difficult working positions. Required to stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods.

  • Constant exposure to disagreeable elements such as extreme heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, airborne particles, or grease. Exposure to vehicle traffic while working in the public roadway.

  • Potential occupational hazards due to exposure to heated thermoplastic material, solvents, carcinogens and potentially explosive and flammable propane gas, paint, solvents, plastics, etc.

  • Intermittent exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior and the demands of the position.

  • Subject to call back and unconventional working hours. Unconventional working hours and will be subject to 24hour call as specified in the city snow removal program or emergency operations.

Career Ladder:

  • After successful completion of training and demonstrated ability to perform basic job requirements, including all specialized equipment, incumbents may be advanced to Traffic Maintenance Operator Il. Promotions are conditional on availability of funding and require assigned supervisor's recommendation, department director approval, and concurrence of the Department of Human Resource Management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Traffic Maintenance Operator I: $20.35 - $26.81

Traffic Maintenance Operator II: $22.94 - $30.21

DEPARTMENT

Public Services

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40