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Senior Control Room Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Semiserve

Control Room Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

PTS Advance is looking for control room operators for position in Bakersfield, CA. Renewable Diesel Refining Experience preferred. The Operator will support current plant operations of utilities and ...

DTE Energy

Control Room Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$47.67 - $58.65/hr

As the senior individual on duty, he or she has the responsibility and authority to take whatever ... Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment *Demonstrated ...

Franchise Tax Board

Control Room Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$4.9K - $8.7K/mo

Control Room Operator Classification: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE $4,935.00 - $6,614.00 A $5,424.00 - $7,270.00 B $5,930.00 - $7,947.00 C $6,521.00 - $8,740.00 D New to State candidates will be ...

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DTE Energy

Control Room Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$47.67 - $58.65/hr

As the senior individual on duty, he or she has the responsibility and authority to take whatever ... Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment *Demonstrated ...

DTE Energy

Control Room Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$47.67 - $58.65/hr

As the senior individual on duty, he or she has the responsibility and authority to take whatever ... Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment *Demonstrated ...

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All JobsControl Room Operator JobsSenior Control Room Operator JobsSenior Control Room Operator Jobs in California

Senior Control Room Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$29

$64

How much do senior control room operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior control room operator in California is $29.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $37.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Control Room Operator vs Control Room Operator?

AspectSenior Control Room OperatorControl Room Operator
CertificationsTypically required to have advanced certifications or licensesBasic certifications often sufficient
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple control rooms or complex systemsOperates a single control room
ResponsibilitiesSupervises team, handles complex issues, and makes critical decisionsMonitors systems, responds to alarms, and reports issues

The main difference between a Senior Control Room Operator and a Control Room Operator lies in experience, scope of responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior operators typically oversee more complex systems and may supervise teams, while control room operators focus on daily monitoring and operational tasks.

What are Senior Control Room Operators?

Senior Control Room Operators are experienced professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of complex industrial or utility systems, such as power plants, manufacturing facilities, or oil and gas operations. They oversee real-time processes, respond to alarms or irregularities, coordinate with field personnel, and ensure safety and efficiency. Their role often includes supervising junior operators, troubleshooting issues, and making critical decisions to maintain smooth and safe operations. Strong technical knowledge and leadership skills are essential for this position.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Control Room Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Senior Control Room Operators often encounter challenges such as handling high-pressure situations during equipment malfunctions or process upsets, maintaining clear communication across multiple departments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols. Managing these challenges effectively involves staying calm under pressure, leveraging experience to quickly troubleshoot issues, and fostering strong teamwork with field operators and engineers. Proactive participation in regular training and drills can also help operators stay prepared for unexpected scenarios, ensuring smooth and safe operations.

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

To excel as a Senior Control Room Operator, you need strong technical knowledge of plant operations, process control, and safety procedures, often backed by relevant industry certifications or a technical diploma. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, and other real-time monitoring software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure are standout soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations in critical industrial environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Room Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Control Room Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Control Room Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Control Room Operator job openings:
Senior Control Room Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Control Room Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,046 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Control Room Operator

Semiserve

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

PTS Advance is looking for control room operators for position in Bakersfield, CA.   Renewable Diesel Refining Experience preferred.
The Operator will support current plant operations of utilities and logistics; support maintenance, construction, commissioning activities for the conversion of the site to renewable fuels production; and post startup operations of the facility in a safe, efficient and environmentally compliant manner in accordance with procedures and objectives. (4-5 positions available)
This facility has capital projects and expansion planned for the site.  So it is a growing opportunity. 

  1. Start date: ASAP
  2. Location: Bakersfield, Ca.
  3. Direct hire
  4. Pay: 49.00 hr


Essential Functions:
    Monitor and operate process and utility units, tank farms/logistics utilizing a wide range of control systems and equipment that includes pressure vessels, reactors, tanks, mixers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, boilers and furnaces  
    Perform and document unit rounds in accordance with round sheets/calling cards      
    Employ standard operating procedures to adjust, maintain, start, stop production equipment
    Monitor and make needed adjustments to keep system processes, including flows, temperatures, and pressures, based on targets and within operating limits
    Safely collect samples to identify product quality issues
    Read unit gauges to determine the flow rate of product into and from tanks and the amount of product in tanks
    Communicate with the other Unit Operators, Maintenance, and Supervisor to make field adjustments in response to changing process conditions to address or prevent issues
    Operation of manual and automatic valves, meters, pumps and transfer systems that move product between tanks and process units
    Report safety deficiencies and takes appropriate corrective or mitigating action
    Participate in all health, safety, and environmental programs
    Perform housekeeping to maintain a clean work environment and clean equipment such as filters, tanks, exchangers and other equipment
    Available to work varied schedules and take on call
    Comply with all Company safety and environmental practices  
    Perform other tasks as assigned
Required Skills/Abilities:  
    Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record, and be able to pass pre-employment background screening and drug screen
    Ability to qualify on multiple jobs including console (board) position
    Able to perform rounds on shift with minimal supervision
    Proficient computer skills, specifically with Google G Suite and Microsoft Office  
    Be able to respond to emergency calls as needed
    Good verbal and written communication skills
    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
    Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
    Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Education and Experience:
    Must be certified on 3 plant jobs
    High school diploma or GED required
    5 year minimum experience in refining or chemical plant operations required
    Associates degree or higher and Honeywell DCS experience preferred
    Honeywell DCS board operation preferred
    Two (2) years of experience in mechanical maintenance position preferred
    Associate or technology degree in process technology or science discipline preferred
Physical Requirements:  
    Must be able to pass a physical test of pushing, pulling, and lifting a minimum of 50 lbs
    Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus
    Must be able to climb ladders and or stairs on tanks, vessels and structures; wear respirator; work around equipment containing high pressures and temperatures and various chemicals
    Prolonged periods of standing and walking
    Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods of time
    Requires frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
    Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring equipment and materials

#INDW

Education:High SchoolEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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