Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in Tampa, FL

DCS Maintenance Specialist - Power Plant (Big Bend)
Employment Type: Direct Hire (Full-Time Permanent Position)
Location: North Ruskin, FL (Zip Code: 33572) - Onsite
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (9/80 schedule - every other Friday off)
Position Overview
• This is a direct hire opportunity with our utilities client supporting critical power generation operations at the Big Bend Power Plant.
• The DCS Maintenance Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the plant's Distributed Control System (DCS), ensuring the reliability, integrity, and performance of all control system hardware, software, and associated instrumentation.
• This is a highly critical, plant-facing role that supports real-time operations. The individual will work closely with control room operators, maintenance teams, and IT to troubleshoot issues, implement control logic changes, and maintain continuous, safe plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Distributed Control System (DCS) and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems to ensure safe and reliable plant operations
• Serve as a primary point of contact for control room operators, diagnosing and resolving real-time system, process, and equipment issues
• Maintain and support DCS hardware, software, and control logic, including system backups, modifications, upgrades, and performance optimization
• Perform routine system backups and ensure overall system health, integrity, and reliability of control system environments
• Implement, modify, and document DCS logic and plant communications in alignment with operational and cybersecurity requirements
• Administer user access, domains, and permissions within plant control system networks
• Partner with IT and security teams to ensure cybersecurity compliance, including adherence to standards such as NERC CIP
• Troubleshoot plant instrumentation and sensors, ensuring proper integration with control systems and accurate process monitoring
• Maintain and support third-party process monitoring and control applications (e.g., Asset Centre, RSLogix, and similar tools)
• Engage with equipment manufacturers and external vendors to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues
• Support plant modifications, outages, and improvement initiatives by implementing or adjusting control system logic and configurations
• Participate in predictive maintenance efforts (e.g., vibration analysis, condition monitoring, oil analysis) to proactively identify and prevent equipment failures
• Assist with maintenance planning, outage coordination, and forecasting to support reliable plant operations
• Provide technical guidance and support to plant personnel, maintenance staff, and contractors; contribute to small projects as needed
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and optimize operational efficiency
Day-to-Day Environment
• Approximately 70-75% control room/desk work (system monitoring, troubleshooting, operator support)
• Approximately 25-30% field work, including inspecting and troubleshooting instrumentation and control system components throughout the plant
• Frequent interaction with operations, maintenance, engineering, and vendor teams
• Participation in an on-call rotation supporting plant operations during off-hours, emergencies, and storm response events
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in a process plant or industrial control environment (power generation strongly preferred)
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) (Emerson Ovation, ABB, GE, or similar)
• Experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting DCS logic and control systems
• Experience maintaining, repairing, and supporting DCS hardware and associated systems
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, plant processes, and instrumentation
• Ability to troubleshoot across control systems, hardware, and field instrumentation
• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, IT, and vendors
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in a power generation or regulated utility environment
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Familiarity with control network communications and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NERC CIP)
• Experience with PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and industrial automation systems
• ISA or Instrumentation & Controls certifications
• Experience with predictive maintenance programs and condition-based monitoring
Key Traits for Success
• Strong process-oriented mindset with an understanding of how plant systems operate end-to-end
• High ownership and accountability in resolving critical, real-time issues
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical teams
Additional Details
• Fully onsite role in an industrial plant environment (heat, noise, dust, confined spaces, etc.)
• Must be comfortable performing fieldwork and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to work at heights, climb ladders, and navigate industrial structures
• Participation in on-call rotation is required, including emergency and storm response support
• Pre-employment requirements include background check, drug screening, and physical/medical evaluation as required
• This role requires participation in emergency and storm response activities as needed to support critical utility operations
Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company matching
• Pension plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness programs and on-site fitness centers
• Bonus eligibility and additional incentive programs
Equal Employment Opportunity
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.
• We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Disclaimer: Brooksource, Medasource, and Calculated Hire are part of the Eight Eleven Group family of companies and operate under Eight Eleven Group, LLC. All employees receive the same benefits, policies, and terms of employment.
EEO:
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Benefits & Perks:
Brooksource offers competitive medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care FSA, and supplemental coverage with plans that can fit each employee's needs. We offer a 401k plan that includes a company match and is fully vested after you become eligible, paid time off, sick time, and paid company holidays. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides services like virtual counseling, financial services, legal services, life coaching, etc.
Pay Disclaimer:
The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.