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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Aqua

System Operator I

Willow Grove, PA · On-site

$36.73/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... control wiring, and test basic electrical and electronic components of a system. * Monitor ...

Aquaamerica

System Operator I

Willow Grove, PA · On-site

$36.73/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... control wiring, and test basic electrical and electronic components of a system. * Monitor ...

Trinseo

Production Operator, Union

Bristol, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

The Production Operator is responsible for the production of acrylic resin via bulk polymerization ... through distributed control systems (DCS). • Perform manual tasks associated with maintaining ...

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All JobsDistributed Control System Operator JobsDistributed Control System Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Distributed Control System Operator information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

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$38

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

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in Philadelphia, PA is $24.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.12 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Distributed Control System Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Distributed Control System Operator jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Distributed Control System Operator job openings:
Distributed Control System Operator jobs near you
System Operator I

System Operator I

Essential Utilities, Inc.

Willow Grove, PA • On-site

$36.73/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!
About Essential Utilities
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.
We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.
Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.
An opening currently exists for a Wastewater Operator-Willow Grove
Essential Duties:
  • Be knowledgeable of maintenance work related to mechanical equipment and minor electrical equipment associated with wastewater treatment plants and pump stations.
  • Must be capable of performing plumbing and piping work with all types of materials including PVC, PE, copper, steel, and cast iron.
  • Position requires good mechanical skills as required in the repair/replacement of all plant equipment, including but not limited to pumps, instruments, chemical feed equipment, etc .
  • Must be capable of operating all tools and equipment necessary for the completion of all plant and pump station related work.
  • Must be able to work on electrical components up to 240 volt including wiring power to motors, control wiring, and test basic electrical and electronic components of a system.
  • Monitor Operations of assigned wastewater facilities. Conduct testing and analysis required for proper operation and reporting for the facilities and to maintain compliance with regulatory permits.
  • Responsible for making and implementing recommendations regarding process changes and adjustments at facilities to improve operational performance.
  • Monitor collection system performance and pump stations. Make recommendations on improvements and upgrades as needed.
  • Coordinate of all chemicals, fuel, parts and supplies necessary for proper operation of the facilities.
  • Maintain facility records, prints, equipment manufacture manuals as well as all operating data.
  • Accurately and timely generate and complete work orders using company software platform.
  • Assist management and supervisors in developing and administering applicable safety procedures at facilities, as required.
  • Monitoring PLC network to review automated operation of wastewater facilities.
  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

*The hourly rate of pay is $36.73 per hour*. All employees hired or entering the bargaining unit on or after April 1, 2021 will receive three dollars ($3.00) per hour less than the classification wage rate. The wage reduction will be returned in one-dollar ($1.00) increases once a year over a three (3) year period. Employee will receive annual contract increases.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid US driver's license required
  • Required Licensing: Wastewater Class E collection system license.
  • Five (5) years of maintaining equipment and systems in an industrial environment is preferred.
  • An Associate's degree or certification in mechanical or electrical competency is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Proficient in MS office or related software required; daily use of computer, data entry
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely, and professionally) with internal customers
  • Required to meet and follow all Aqua safety requirements dealing with any hazards including chemical, electrical, and PPE requirements, and follow lock-out and tag-out instructions.
  • Must be willing to be trained and able to provide additional operational support to other water/wastewater systems.
  • A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Required to be on-call on a weekly rotational basis. In addition, must be available to assist with afterhours emergencies at all other times as needed.
  • Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
  • This position may operate in several areas including Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Berks, and Montgomery counties which includes the geographic areas of West Grove, Cochranville, Kennett Square, East Bradford Township, Thornbury Township, Willistown Township, East Whiteland Township, Tredyffrin Township East Brandywine Township, Chester Springs, Solebury Township, Worcester Township, Upper Merion Township, Limerick Township, Gilbertsville, Douglas Township, New Garden Township, and North Heidelberg.
  • Company vehicle will be provided

Interested applicants apply online on Workday on or before Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:
  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.

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