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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC

Operator

West Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The Operator operates multiple production units, monitor control systems, and troubleshoots basic process issues with limited supervision. U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals ...

Operator

West Columbia, SC

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The Operator operates multiple production units, monitor control systems, and troubleshoots basic process issues with limited supervision. U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals ...

Operator

West Columbia, SC

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The Operator operates multiple production units, monitor control systems, and troubleshoots basic process issues with limited supervision. U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals ...

Forklift Operator

West Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... distribution, replenishment, and tracking of materials, parts, and supplies throughout the ... Perform inventory transactions and inquiries using inventory management systems. * Move materials ...

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Distributed Control System Operator information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$22

$35

How much do distributed control system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Columbia, SC is $22.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Distributed Control System Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to system alarms, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring continuous, safe plant operations. Rapid decision-making and effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams are crucial to minimize downtime and safety risks. Staying updated with system upgrades and participating in regular training also help operators manage new technologies and evolving procedures. Collaboration and strong attention to detail are key to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is a Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator?

A Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator is a professional responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes using a distributed control system. They ensure that manufacturing plants or industrial facilities run efficiently, safely, and within set parameters by managing process variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow. DCS Operators respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with other team members to maintain smooth operations. Their role is crucial in industries like oil and gas, power generation, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment.

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

AspectDistributed Control System OperatorControl Room Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications in control systems, process operationsBasic operational training, sometimes technical certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, energy plantsControl rooms, monitoring stations across various industries
Industry UsagePower plants, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, transportation, manufacturing

The Distributed Control System Operator focuses on managing and monitoring complex control systems within industrial environments, often requiring technical certifications. Control Room Operators oversee plant operations from control rooms, ensuring safety and efficiency. While both roles involve monitoring equipment, the DCS Operator specializes in control system management, whereas the Control Room Operator handles overall plant operations.

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

To thrive as a Distributed Control System (DCS) Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control, instrumentation, and industrial automation, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with DCS platforms such as Honeywell, Siemens, or Emerson, as well as relevant safety certifications and SCADA systems, is usually required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators manage complex systems and respond quickly to issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations in highly regulated industrial environments.
What are popular job titles related to Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Columbia, SC? For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:
System Administrator II

System Administrator II

Agile Defense

Shaw Air Force Base, SC โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Agile Defense
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.
Requisition #: 1690
Job Title: System Administrator II
Location: Shaw AFB, SC
Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start
Required Certification(s): DoD 8140 DCWF 411, Intermediate Level; and - Citrix Certified Associate -Virtualization (CCA-V) or Citrix Certified Associate -Networking (CCA-N), or equivalent certification;
Job Description
The employee shall perform system administration support tasks and activities for the Trusted Thin Client (TTC) server and client hardware, software, applications and services as support to the USAFCENT Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC). Will also perform technical support and O&M activities for TTC systems and infrastructure, and support cross domain solutions as required.
Education and Background
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems Management, Computer Engineering or related field and 4 years' software development / engineering experience;

OR
  • Associate's degree in computer science, Information Systems Management, Computer Engineering or related field, and 6 years' software development/engineering experience;

OR
  • 8 years' experience software development/engineering experience

Years of Experience
Depends on experience and education level
Required Skills
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design, write, modify and implement software programs/applications.
  • Develop "glue-ware" to support operational client applications and security patches.
  • Provide Tier 2 technical support.
  • Install, configure, operate, manage, troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, inspect and maintain server systems (physical and virtual), including administration of core and functional services.
  • Manage and administer user accounts, profiles and access.
  • Monitoring user access and adherence to established policies and procedures to ensure a secure operating environment.
  • Monitor workstation and server logs for errors and failures and perform appropriate troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Provide technical assistance for assigned projects.
  • Provide desktop, server and software application integration support.
  • Operate and maintain monitoring and analysis tools; including but not limited to Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and Host Based Security System (HBSS); and detect, analyze and resolve platform, infrastructure and system problems.
  • Monitor and control system performance, utilization and capacity to ensure optimal performance, availability, serviceability and recoverability; and report any vulnerabilities or deficiencies to government technical representatives.
  • Evaluate current architecture, research current technologies/solutions; and provide systems hardware/software upgrade and replacement recommendations for end-of life/end-of-support COTS products to government technical representatives.
  • Update and maintain as-built TTC systems/server configuration and connectivity drawings, diagrams and documentation.

Preferred Skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • Ability to brief colleagues and leadership
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability and willingness to learn
  • Ability to work in a high energy environment

Working Conditions
Environmental Conditions
  • Contractor site with 0%-10% travel possible. Possible off-hours work to support releases and outages. General office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking for up to 10% of the time. The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are not hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.

Strength Demands
  • Sedentary - 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles. Some occasional walking or standing may be required. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Requirements
  • Stand or Sit; Walk; Repetitive Motion; Use Hands / Fingers to Handle or Feel; Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl; See; Climb (stairs, ladders) or Balance (ascend / descend, work atop, traverse).

Our Core Values
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.