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Distributed Control System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gas Control Operators recently voted to join UWUA Local 310B, and negotiations between the union ... Provides oversight for the natural gas distribution system ensuring safe and reliable flows ...

Acts as control authority for the entire distribution system. Must be able to monitor multiple ... System Operator/Power Dispatching Selection System (SO/PD II) Education : High School or equivalent.

Acts as control authority for the entire distribution system. Must be able to monitor multiple ... System Operator/Power Dispatching Selection System (SO/PD II) Education : High School or equivalent.

Acts as control authority for the entire distribution system. Must be able to monitor multiple ... System Operator/Power Dispatching Selection System (SO/PD II) Education : High School or equivalent.

System Operator Build the future of food Join the team transforming food logistics. Be part of a ... DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and operate automated material flow control systems and related ...

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Distributed Control System Operator information

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for distributed control system operator in the United States is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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What states have the most Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Distributed Control System Operator jobs?

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Infographic showing various Distributed Control System Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

System Operator I-Gas Control

Cumberland, RI

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor the Rhode Island natural gas distribution system using SCADA and manual input.

  • Monitor system supply requirements, advise internal departments of load and weather changes, and respond to SCADA alarms.

  • Recognize and respond to emergency and abnormal operating conditions to ensure safety and system reliability.


PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Summary Statement
Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity or natural gas. Our team is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.
Overview

The Rhode Island Energy Gas Control Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow rates of natural gas into the Rhode Island Energy gas distribution system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of adequate customer supplies. This position utilizes the Gas Control Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and manual input to ensure that the system's gas demand requirements are balanced with adequate supplies from available resources and that the gas system can be operated safely, reliably, and efficiently. This position is responsible for ensuring that proper system pressures are consistently maintained and always optimized to meet operational requirements throughout the gas distribution system. This position directly reports to the Supervisor, Gas Control Operations.

Gas Control Operators recently voted to join UWUA Local 310B, and negotiations between the union and the Company are pending. Accordingly, the responsibilities, rate of pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to change.


Responsibilities

- The Gas Control System Operator operates and monitors the Rhode Island natural gas distribution system.
 - Provides oversight for the natural gas distribution system ensuring safe and reliable flows utilizing a SCADA.
 - Monitors daily system supply operational requirements and advises other internal departments (Gas Supply, Gas Planning, Engineering, etc.) of load and weather changes.
 - Communicates and coordinates field personnel to respond to SCADA Alarms.
 - Logs all pertinent shift activities in the Electronic Logging System.
 - Responsible for contacting after hours support such as Instrumentation and Regulation (I&R), SCADA Team, IT, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), and Gas Supply Teams.
 - Participates in field training opportunities when available.
 - Recognizes and responds to emergency and abnormal operating conditions on the distribution system in a manner that protects life, limb, and property and minimizes any potential impact to the distribution system .
 - Maintains a working knowledge of the Gas Emergency Operating Procedures, Control Room Management plan, and facility locations using electronic GIS and facility record-keeping systems.
 - Monitors system gas quality to ensure compliance and reports any issues to Chief Gas Control Operator and /or Supervisor Gas Control Operations.
 - Confirms and dispatches natural gas supplies from physical interconnecting interstate pipeline suppliers and peak shaving facilities.
 - Monitors and controls gas odorization equipment to ensure proper odorization at all times of gas supplied to the distribution systems.
 - Follows all relevant Rhode Island Energy processes and procedures associated with the Control Room activities.
 - Assists in preparing and distributing daily game plan.
 - Performs other duties as assigned.
 - Complies with all policies and standards.


Qualifications

Please note: The successful candidate will be placed in the appropriate career level based on their qualifications and experience. 

Gas Control System Operator I: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education or experience. 

Required experience:

 - Ability to assimilate data from a variety of sources and quickly formulate and execute action plans during periods of high stress.
 - Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations.
 - Excellent written communication, oral communication and inquiry resolutions skills.
 - Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.
 - Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.
 - The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.
 - Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.
 - Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

 - Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.
 - Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

Gas Control System Operator II: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis and Ability to assimilate data from a variety of sources and quickly formulate and execute action plans during periods of high stress minimum of 2 years’ experience working with current SCADA systems. 

Required experience:

-2+ years in gas system operations or comparable technical operations experience.

-Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

-Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.

-Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.

-The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.

-Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.

-Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Licenses/certifications/other qualifications:

-The three required National Gas Association’s Operator Qualifications.

Preferred qualifications:

-Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.

-Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

Gas Control System Operator III: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis and,

Required experience:

-3+ years of gas system operations or comparable technical operations experience including at least 2 years of successful performance in an RIE system operator gas control role.

-Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

-Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.

-Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.

-The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.

-Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.

-Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Licenses/certifications/other qualifications:

-Successful completion of the three required National Gas Associations Operator Qualifications exams is required for entry into this role.

Preferred qualifications:

-Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.

-Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

#RIE #INDRIE

Qualifications:

Please note: The successful candidate will be placed in the appropriate career level based on their qualifications and experience. 

Gas Control System Operator I: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education or experience. 

Required experience:

 - Ability to assimilate data from a variety of sources and quickly formulate and execute action plans during periods of high stress.
 - Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations.
 - Excellent written communication, oral communication and inquiry resolutions skills.
 - Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.
 - Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.
 - The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.
 - Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.
 - Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

 - Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.
 - Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

Gas Control System Operator II: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis and Ability to assimilate data from a variety of sources and quickly formulate and execute action plans during periods of high stress minimum of 2 years’ experience working with current SCADA systems. 

Required experience:

-2+ years in gas system operations or comparable technical operations experience.

-Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

-Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.

-Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.

-The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.

-Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.

-Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Licenses/certifications/other qualifications:

-The three required National Gas Association’s Operator Qualifications.

Preferred qualifications:

-Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.

-Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

Gas Control System Operator III: 

Required education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis and,

Required experience:

-3+ years of gas system operations or comparable technical operations experience including at least 2 years of successful performance in an RIE system operator gas control role.

-Ability to understand technical concepts of gas operations

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

-Ability to achieve and maintain industry related certification(s) including Operator Qualifications.

-Analytical skills required to correctly evaluate relevant data and demonstrate logical decision-making capability with the ability to manage and analyze risks.

-The ability to assess and analyze weather forecasts and patterns is required.

-Ability to work rotating shifts coping with minimal change of schedule notice.

-Ability to perform job tasks without direct supervision.

Licenses/certifications/other qualifications:

-Successful completion of the three required National Gas Associations Operator Qualifications exams is required for entry into this role.

Preferred qualifications:

-Associate’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics or business is preferred.

-Working knowledge and experience in natural gas regulation, instrumentation, and gas conditioning equipment.

#RIE #INDRIE

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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