How to Apply for a Control Room Operator Job
Control room operators are the eyes and ears of security operations. They monitor CCTV cameras, respond to alarms, and coordinate emergency responses from a central control room . The job often involves 12-hour shifts, including night shift rotations . If you are detail-oriented, computer literate, and can stay alert during overnight hours, this could be the right career for you.
This guide covers the requirements, salary expectations, and how to apply for control room operator jobs in South Africa in 2026.
What the Job Involves – Control Room Operator Duties
A control room operator monitors security systems, responds to incidents, and coordinates with field teams. You are responsible for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety and security around the clock.
Key duties include :
Monitoring live CCTV feeds and alarm systems
Responding to suspicious or unauthorized activities promptly
Communicating with armed response teams and field supervisors
Recording and documenting incidents in logbooks
Conducting daily system checks
Operating access control systems
Coordinating with law enforcement during emergencies
Maintaining strict confidentiality
Completing incident reports and follow-ups
Reporting system defects and failures
Salary Guide – Control Room Operator (2026)
Salaries for control room operators vary by experience, employer, and location. The role can pay well, especially when factoring in shift allowances.
Entry-level / Junior (0–1 year experience) :
R92,000 – R143,000 per year
R21.59 – R25.43 per hour
Experienced (1–4 years experience) :
R143,000 – R200,000 per year
Up to R11,000 per month
Senior / Specialised (with SCADA skills) :
Average R314,000 per year
R54k – R570k per year
Examples of advertised salaries :
Springs, Gauteng: R8,000 – R11,000 per month
Scorpion Security, Cape Town: R36.57 – R54.85 per hour
Pretoria: R8,184 per month
Johannesburg: R6,800 per month
Note: With SCADA skills, control room operators can earn up to R570,000+ per year, more than double the average for the role .
Requirements for Control Room Operato
Requirements for Control Room Operator Jobs
Minimum Requirements
Education:
Matric / Grade 12 is essential
Basic computer literacy and report writing skills
PSIRA Registration:
PSIRA Grade A mandatory for some positions
PSIRA Grade B advantageous for others
Some entry-level roles accept Grade C
Experience:
1–2 years control room experience required
Proven experience in CCTV monitoring and surveillance
Control room/surveillance environment experience advantageous
Skills:
Advanced computer literacy
Strong attention to detail and multitasking abilities
Good communication skills (verbal and written)
Report writing skills
Ability to work under pressure
Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
Ability to detect problems and report to appropriate personnel
Ability to remain calm during emergencies
Availability:
Availability for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays
12-hour shift availability (e.g., 2 days day shift, 2 days night shift, 4 days off)
Willing to work rotational shifts
Other Requirements:
Firearm competency for handgun (business purposes)
Sober habits (no drugs or alcohol)
Problem-solving ability
Own transport
Documents You Need
✅ Updated CV (tailored to security/surveillance)
✅ Certified copy of ID
✅ Certified copy of Matric certificate
✅ Certified copy of PSIRA certificate
✅ Certified copy of Firearm Competency (if applicable)
✅ Proof of address
✅ Contactable references
Where to Find Control Room Operator Jobs
Job Portals
JoblySA – search "control room operator" or "CCTV operator"
Indeed – numerous control room operator listings in Gauteng and Western Cape
SimplyHired – CCTV operator positions
JobSpire – control room operator vacancies
Industries Hiring
Private security companies
Mining and industrial sectors (e.g., Glencore Boshoek Smelter)
Manufacturing plants
Retail and shopping centres
Government and municipalities
Event venues and stadiums
How to Apply for Control Room Operator Jobs – Step by Step
Step 1: Check That You Meet the Requirements
Before applying, ensure you have:
Matric certificate
PSIRA registration (Grade A preferred, B/C accepted for entry-level)
1–2 years control room experience
Basic computer literacy
Availability for night shifts and weekends
Step 2: Get Certified
If you do not already have PSIRA registration or firearm competency, you must obtain them before applying.
How to get PSIRA registration :
Find a PSIRA-accredited training provider
Complete the required training (Grade C, B, or A)
Register with PSIRA and receive your certificate
Firearm competency : Complete SAPS firearm competency training for business purposes .
Step 3: Prepare Your CV
Your CV must highlight your security and surveillance experience.
Include:
Full name and contact details
Professional summary: "Experienced Control Room Operator with 2+ years in CCTV monitoring and alarm response. PSIRA Grade A registered. Available for night shifts."
Work experience (list from most recent)
Job title, company name, dates
Key duties and achievements (e.g., "Monitored 200+ CCTV cameras daily")
Certifications – PSIRA Grade, Firearm Competency
Skills – CCTV surveillance, alarm monitoring, incident reporting, report writing
Shift availability – state you are available for night shifts
References
Step 4: Register on Job Portals
Go to JoblySA, Indeed, or JobSpire. Click Register or Sign Up. Enter your name, email address, and create a password. Verify your email. Complete your profile – add your location, job preferences (Security / Control Room), and upload your CV.
Set up job alerts for:
"Control room operator"
"CCTV operator"
"Control room night shift"
"Security control room"
Step 5: Submit Your Application
For job portal listings:
Click "Apply" on the relevant listing
Complete the application form
Upload your CV and supporting documents
Submit before the closing date
Example application email (Scorpion Security Technologies) :
Email: employ@sstsa.co.za
Subject line: "control room operator"
Attach your CV and supporting documents
For Glencore mining position :
Apply online at www.glencore.com/careers
Reference number: BHK2026/27
Closing date: 29 May 2026
For other positions:
Send your CV to the email address in the advert
Use a clear subject line: "Application – Control Room Operator – [Your Name]"
Step 6: Prepare for the Interview
If shortlisted, you can expect:
Interview questions may cover :
Your surveillance and alarm monitoring experience
Handling of emergency situations
Report writing and documentation
Computer literacy and software proficiency
Availability for night shifts and weekends
Ability to work under pressure
Assessments may include :
Computer literacy test
Report writing assessment
Situational judgement scenarios
Step 7: Follow Up
If you have not heard back within 2–4 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful for that vacancy. Many positions are filled quickly.
Tips for Getting Hired
Get your PSIRA certification – This is a non-negotiable requirement for most control room operator jobs
Highlight your computer skills – Advanced computer literacy and report writing are essential
Be available for night shifts – Control room operators often work 12-hour night shifts
Emphasise your attention to detail – Employers value accuracy in incident reporting
Mention your ability to stay calm – The role involves high-pressure emergencies
Apply for roles that match your PSIRA grade – Grade A is preferred for senior roles; Grade C is acceptable for entry-level
Get firearm competency – This is an advantage for many roles
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying without PSIRA registration – You will not be considered
❌ No computer literacy – Advanced computer skills are required
❌ Not having report writing skills – Essential for documentation
❌ No control room experience – Most positions require 1–2 years experience
❌ Not being available for night shifts – This is a key requirement
❌ Criminal record – This may disqualify you
❌ Poor communication skills – Verbal and written communication is essential
Control Room Operator Scam Warning – Protect Yourself
Fake job adverts are common on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram.
Red flags:
🚩 Someone asks for money to help you get a job – legitimate applications are FREE
🚩 The "application" is only on WhatsApp with no official website
🚩 They ask for your banking password – never share this
🚩 The salary is unusually high for the experience level
Protect yourself:
Only apply through verified job portals (JoblySA, Indeed) or company websites
Never pay for a job application
Verify the employer exists before sharing personal documents
FAQ: Control Room Operator Jobs
Q: What qualifications do I need to become a control room operator?
A: Matric (Grade 12), PSIRA registration (Grade A preferred, B/C accepted), computer literacy, and 1–2 years of control room experience .
Q: How much does a control room operator earn in South Africa?
A: Entry-level: R8,000 – R11,000 per month . Experienced: R143,000 – R213,000+ per year . With SCADA skills: Up to R314,000+ per year .
Q: Do I need PSIRA registration for control room jobs?
A: Yes. PSIRA registration is essential. Grade A is mandatory for some positions .
Q: Can I apply for control room jobs without experience?
A: Entry-level roles may accept less experience, but most require 1–2 years in a control room or surveillance environment .
Q: What are the typical shift hours?
A: 12-hour shifts, often rotating between day and night shifts (e.g., 2 days day shift, 2 days night shift, 4 days off) .
Q: Do control room operators work weekends?
A: Yes. Rotational shifts include weekends and public holidays .
Q: What skills do I need for control room work?
A: Computer literacy, report writing, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and good communication skills .
Q: How do I get PSIRA certification?
A: Find a PSIRA-accredited training provider. Complete the required training and register with PSIRA.
Conclusion
Control room operator jobs with night shift opportunities are available in South Africa. The role involves monitoring CCTV, responding to alarms, and coordinating security responses. You need Matric, PSIRA registration, computer literacy, and 1–2 years of control room experience. Salaries range from R8,000 to R11,000+ per month.
Apply online through verified job portals. Ensure your PSIRA registration is current. Highlight your computer skills and availability for night shifts.
👉 Browse more control room operator jobs on JoblySA – find security and surveillance positions updated daily
👉 Check PSIRA training providers near you – get certified and start applying
👉 Join our WhatsApp group for daily job alerts – be the first to know when new control room vacancies open