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Senior Control Room Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Control Room Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$47.18 - $58.04/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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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 Aug 18, 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 a senior control room operator?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior control room operator?

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Senior Control Room Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,046 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

$47.18 - $58.04/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


DTE Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

DTE is one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer's homes and Michigan's progress for more than a century. And as Michigan's largest source of renewable energy, we're creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We're also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.  But we're more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you'll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone's health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.  The pay range for this position is $47.18  -  $58.04.

Job Summary

Location: Stockton, CA

The person holding this position is responsible during his/her shift for all personnel and equipment involved in the safe and efficient production of steam and electricity. He or she leads in the coordination, monitoring and controlling all on-shift operations. As the senior individual on duty, he or she has the responsibility and authority to take whatever action may be necessary to protect people, environment, and equipment.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a $7,500.00 signing bonus.

Key Accountabilities
  • Ensures that all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures are followed and takes corrective actions as necessary
  • Assists the Operations Supervisor to plan, direct and perform housekeeping duties. Ensures housekeeping standards are maintained or initiates corrective action, as required
  • Oversees all station operations, including startup, shutdown, inspection, routine chemical testing, all switching and tagging, equipment troubleshooting, writes, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures
  • Assists the Operations Supervisor in maintaining administrative documents, generating reports and initiates action to replenish consumables
  • Provides feedback to the Operations Supervisor regarding the technical and administrative conduct of shift operations
  • Assists in the development and implementation of the planned daily operations schedule
  • Assists in the orientation, training, development of O&M Technicians to assure high work quality
  • Assists the Operation Supervisor in the planning of routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment.  Supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment
  • Communicates with other company personnel on-site and at other locations. Represents the company in dealing with the public, steam and power customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and other non-company personnel
  • Maximizes plant efficiency and shareholder value without compromising personnel and equipment safety, environmental compliance, or the long-term commercial viability of the facility
  • Available for scheduled and unscheduled shift coverage, performs tasks that require physical exertion and is expected to respond to off-hour call-ins when contacted by phone or company furnished pager or cell phone
  • Establishes and maintains high personal and professional standards of safety and environmental conscientiousness and compliance
  • Supports all departments and performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements
  •  Perform all other duties as assigned
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Three (3) years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance, including experience as a qualified O&M Tech III
Other Qualifications

Preferred:
*Experience with wood fired steam turbine electrical generation

Other Requirements:  
*Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license
*Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, and first aid
*Basic knowledge of or ability to understand fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, chemistry, water treatment process, thermal dynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow
*Knowledge of and experience in at least four (4) of the following skill areas: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, electrical theory, electrical safety, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment, basic electrical trouble-shooting, and high- and low-voltage systems, equipment, and components
*Demonstrated knowledge regarding operation of valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants
*Working knowledge of maintenance management systems
*Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams and schematics) to problem-solving situations and troubleshooting
*Ability to locate, trouble-shoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and trouble-shoot plant electrical systems and equipment without "tripping" equipment (with supervision, if necessary)
*Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English and perform basic mathematical calculations
*Ability to communicate and coordinate work on technical subjects with others across job families and with outside vendors
*Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment
*Demonstrated knowledge, skill and prior hands-on operational experience relating to instrumentation and control systems used in modern power stations, including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, machine condition monitoring and continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS)
*Demonstrated knowledge, skill and prior hands-on operational experience relating to electrical systems used in modern power stations, including 13.8KV switchgear and motors, 4160-volt switchgear and motors, 480-volt motors and control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters and chargers, main generator, and excitation equipment
*Outstanding skill in leadership and interpersonal relationships

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:

  • Sit, stand, or walk for a minimum of 8-hour shifts, including walking long distances, up and down stairs and on uneven ground
  • Frequently lift objects of up to 75 pounds in weight and carry objects of up to 35 pounds in weight. Occasionally the employee will have to push or pull objects of up to 70 pounds in weight
  • Frequently climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or occasionally, crawl
  • Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms extensively
  • Frequent operations of controls with occasional driving and fine hand function manipulations of tools and equipment
  • Vision requirements for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and extreme heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery and burns. Exposed to protected and unprotected heights, which requires the use of a personal fall protection system (harness/lifeline). Occasionally exposed to vibration and fumes or airborne particles which will require the use of personal protective equipment including respirators; flame retardant clothing; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), etc. Enter and work in confined space areas.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.


PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS 
 

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.


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