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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Laveen, AZ

The OST will be involved in all aspects of operating a power generation facility. Various ... Distributed Control Systems, gauges, instruments, and communication facilities located in the ...

Power System Dispatcher

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$117K/yr

Power plant or control center operator experience, where normal duties include direct SCADA control ... Power system operator experience equivalent to the AD-03 level with interconnected system ...

About the role The Control Room - Operator I's is an operator in training. Their sole ... Conduct continuous monitoring of system parameters to ensure optimal performance and compliance ...

Production Technician

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

You will monitor, control, and optimize plant processes using Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations * Track operating parameters, alarms, and plant ...

Showing results 21-40

Distributed Control System Operator information

See Laveen, AZ salary details

$11

$23

$36

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Laveen, AZ is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $26.35 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 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?

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 job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Laveen, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Laveen, AZ are:
What cities near Laveen, AZ are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities near Laveen, AZ with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:

Control Room Operator Trainee (Tempe)

SRP

Tempe, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 20345

Join us in building a better future for Arizona!

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Why Work at SRP

At SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. Thatโ€™s why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power.

SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

  • Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
  • Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
  • Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
  • Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
  • Short and long-term disability plans
  • Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
  • 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking
Summary

Operations Specialist Trainee (OST) duties are: Satisfactory completion of all training objectives to develop the skills necessary for promotion to the Operations Specialist position. The OST will be involved in all aspects of operating a power generation facility. Various facilities use operating personnel to perform maintenance functions as well as operations duties. The degree of these maintenance functions will vary between facilities and are not necessarily listed in the bullets below, but are expected of this position.  Since the OST position is a training position for a specified length of time (below) it shall not be a position that an O&M 3 operator can be upgraded to.

The position is located ar our Kyrene Generating Plant in Tempe, Arizona.

What You'll Do

This position is responsible for the successful completion of the OST curriculum and promotion to the Operator Specialist classification. 

Major duties: The duties specified are only those typically required for the job. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Under limited supervision is responsible for learning the facility specific operation of coal, natural gas and fuel oil fired steam generating units and steam turbine generators, simple cycle gas turbines and combined cycle units, conventional and pumped storage hydro units, internal combustion engine units, solar powered units, wind powered units and fuel cell powered units, and their related equipment.
  • OST is responsible for learning to operate and monitor equipment and auxiliaries by remote control from the control room as well as from throughout the facility using pertinent information from Distributed Control Systems, gauges, instruments, and communication facilities located in the control room and throughout the plant.
  • OST is responsible for operation of all units in his charge with his related equipment.  In addition to his power plant duties, this may include regular O&M duties at the site, including housing areas, civil works, roadways, water or sewer systems, etc.
  • OST is responsible for learning to coordinate and maintain unit availability with AGC, which includes preparation and planning for load reductions/increases based on system demands. Duties require a complete and thorough knowledge of the entire plant operation as it relates to the generation of power.
  • OST is responsible for learning to operate units within environmental and SRP guidelines.
  • OST is responsible for learning how to direct the work of other classifications and assists as directed by others in the completion of tasks.
  • The OST will be required to train personnel in other classifications in the proper operation of plant equipment, controls, and procedures.
  • OST is responsible for learning how to evaluate plant processes and issue clearances, as needed; this requires a thorough knowledge of the clearance procedure.
     
    The typical duties are not intended to include all duties that comprise the job content but are intended to illustrate the levels of difficulty of the job. Overlapping of typical duties and responsibilities exists and may occur between classifications. Employees may be assigned to perform duties of either higher or lower classifications. Shift work, non-continuous multi-shift, and overtime may be required.
Education
A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
Experience

Must complete at least one year as an O&M Specialist III, Operations or equivalent skills and knowledge

Testing and Certifications
Must possess the appropriate valid Arizona driverโ€™s license.
Appropriate respirator medical certification, fit test and training required.
Physical Agility Test
For specific list of training certifications contact departmental manager.
Trades Assessment

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement 

To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Authorization

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.