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System Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Industries, Inc.

Control Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

Monitor plant operations using DCS systems, including fermentation, distillation, evaporation ... Communicate with field operators to coordinate equipment inspections, manual adjustments, and ...

Fineline Imprints

Master Control Operator

Medford, OR · On-site

This position monitors the station's on-air signals and technical systems, follows daily broadcast ... Technical Responsibilities The Master Control Operator should develop working knowledge of: • ...

PPL

System Operator I-Gas Control

Cumberland, RI · On-site

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 ...

DCO Energy, LLC

Control Operator

Smyrna, DE · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Control Room Operator Experienced and apprentice positions available. Job Summary: Responsible for ... Company specific software or web-based packages, such as eMaint maintenance management system ...

Hearst

Master Control Operator

Jackson, MS · On-site

Broadcast Master Control Operator WAPT, the ABC/CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS is looking for a ... Acquire content from distributors and content delivery systems * Report equipment issues and ...

Nexstar Media Group

Master Control Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$23.04/hr

The Master Control Operator performs a variety of tasks related to the preparation of material for ... Monitors and controls the automation system for proper event execution. * Prepares syndicated ...

Hearst

Master Control Operator

Jackson, MS · On-site

Broadcast Master Control Operator WAPT, the ABC/CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS is looking for a ... Acquire content from distributors and content delivery systems * Report equipment issues and ...

Tribune Media

Master Control Operator

Denver, CO

$23.04/hr

The Master Control Operator performs a variety of tasks related to the preparation of material for ... Monitors and controls the automation system for proper event execution. * Prepares syndicated ...

Hearst

Master Control Operator

Jackson, MS · On-site

Broadcast Master Control Operator WAPT, the ABC/CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS is looking for a ... Acquire content from distributors and content delivery systems * Report equipment issues and ...

Hearst Newspapers

Master Control Operator

Jackson, MS · On-site

Broadcast Master Control Operator WAPT, the ABC/CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS is looking for a ... Acquire content from distributors and content delivery systems * Report equipment issues and ...

Cordia

Control Operator III

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

The system supplies cold water to 47 buildings in the downtown area for comfort cooling. The Control Operator III will report to the Downtown Phoenix Operations Manager, will be responsible for day ...

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System Control Operator information

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$38

How much do system control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for system control 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 system control operator?

System Control Operators are professionals who monitor, operate, and control complex systems, such as electrical power grids, water treatment plants, or industrial processes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that these systems function efficiently, safely, and reliably by responding to alarms, analyzing data, and making real-time adjustments as needed. They often work in control rooms using specialized computer systems to track system performance, coordinate with field personnel, and implement emergency procedures if issues arise. System Control Operators play a critical role in the stability and safety of essential infrastructure.

How does a system control operator typically collaborate with other departments during critical events or system outages?

System Control Operators work closely with engineering, maintenance, and field operations teams during critical events or system outages. They coordinate responses by communicating real-time system status, dispatching field personnel, and implementing contingency procedures to restore normal operations safely and efficiently. Effective collaboration relies on clear protocols, regular training, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Operators also document actions and communicate updates to management, ensuring a swift, coordinated response across all departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system control operator, and why are they important?

System Control Operators require knowledge of electrical or mechanical systems, analytical problem-solving skills, and usually a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, control room software, and industry certifications such as NERC for power systems are typically needed. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These skills ensure reliable system operations, quick response to emergencies, and the safe and efficient management of complex infrastructure.

What is the difference between System Control Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSystem Control OperatorPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, possibly licensingHigh school diploma, technical training, licensing often required
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, monitoring systems, indoor settingsPower plants, outdoor and indoor environments, operational areas
Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, control centersPower generation facilities, energy sector

Both roles involve monitoring and controlling energy systems, but System Control Operators typically focus on overseeing control room operations and system stability, while Power Plant Operators are more involved in the physical operation of plant equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the energy industry.

More about System Control Operator jobs

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System Control Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Control Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Master Control Operator

Medford, OR

Marquee Broadcasting West Inc
See more jobs at Marquee Broadcasting West Incexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description

The Master Control Operator (MCO) is responsible for maintaining the accurate, uninterrupted broadcast of television programming, commercials, promotional material, station identification, and other scheduled content.

This position monitors the station's on-air signals and technical systems, follows daily broadcast logs, identifies and responds to transmission or playback problems, and works with programming, traffic, production, and engineering personnel to keep the station on the air and operating correctly.

Primary Responsibilities

Operate and monitor television Master Control systems during assigned shifts.

Monitor on-air programming and station signals for video, audio, captioning, timing, and transmission problems.

Execute daily program and commercial logs accurately.

Verify that scheduled programs, commercials, promotional announcements, station IDs, and other content air as scheduled.

Monitor automation and playout systems and respond to system alarms or failures.

Perform manual switching or playback when automation fails or operational circumstances require intervention.

Monitor incoming network and syndicated programming feeds.

Verify proper recording and/or acquisition of scheduled programming.

Monitor broadcast signal quality and immediately identify video or audio abnormalities.

Perform basic troubleshooting of automation, playback, routing, audio, video, and transmission systems.

Escalate technical problems to Engineering when they cannot be resolved at the operator level.

Maintain accurate discrepancy reports and document missed spots, incorrect content, technical interruptions, or other broadcast issues.

Coordinate with Traffic regarding commercial log discrepancies or missing commercial material.

Coordinate with Programming and Production regarding missing or incorrect program and promotional content.

Assist Engineering with basic operational checks and troubleshooting when requested.

Monitor Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment and follow station procedures for required alerts and tests.

Verify required station identification and other scheduled broadcast elements.

Follow FCC requirements and company policies applicable to television broadcast operations.

Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Master Control environment.

Communicate significant technical or programming issues to incoming operators during shift changes.

Technical Responsibilities

The Master Control Operator should develop working knowledge of:

Television automation and playout systems

Broadcast traffic logs

Video servers and content storage systems

Broadcast routing and switching systems

Program ingest and recording

Network and syndicated program feeds

Audio and video signal monitoring

Closed-caption monitoring

EAS equipment and procedures

Broadcast transmission and monitoring systems

Basic computer and IP-network troubleshooting

File-based television programming and commercial workflows

QualificationsRequired

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise operating procedures.

Comfortable working with computers and technical systems.

Ability to identify problems quickly and respond calmly during live broadcast situations.

Ability to read and accurately execute broadcast logs.

Strong communication and documentation skills.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Dependable attendance and punctuality.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other shifts as required by a 24/7 television operation.

Preferred

Previous television Master Control, broadcast operations, production, engineering, or related technical experience.

Experience with television automation or playout systems.

Familiarity with broadcast traffic systems and commercial logs.

Basic understanding of digital video, audio, networking, and broadcast signal flow.

Experience working in a local television station environment.

Critical Skills

Successful Master Control Operators must be able to:

Recognize when something is wrong on-air.

Determine whether the problem involves programming, automation, audio, video, network feeds, or transmission.

Take the appropriate immediate corrective action.

Know when a problem requires Engineering assistance.

Document exactly what occurred so the issue can be corrected and, when necessary, reconciled with Traffic or Programming.

Work Environment

This position operates in a television broadcast facility and requires extended periods working at computer workstations and monitoring multiple television and technical displays.

Because television broadcasting operates continuously, Master Control employees may be scheduled for days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Position Objective

The primary objective of the Television Master Control Operator is simple:

Keep the station on the air, ensure the correct material airs at the correct time, recognize problems quickly, and take appropriate action when something goes wrong.

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