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FREE JOB DESCRIPTION Last updated 28 June 2026

Control room operator job description

A comprehensive job description template for control room operator positions in Australian security businesses. Covers monitoring duties, technical requirements and conditions aligned with the Security Services Industry Award 2020.

Control room operator job description

PDF format • Ready to download

Security monitoring duties and responsibilities
Required skills and technical qualifications
Aligned with Security Services Industry Award 2020
Ready to customise for your business

By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer

This control room operator job description template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and security industry practices at the time of publication. Confirm the applicable modern award for your business, verify state security licence requirements and ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

Bank of CCTV surveillance cameras monitoring a site

What does a control room operator do?

A control room operator monitors and manages critical security systems from a centralised monitoring centre — operating integrated security management systems including CCTV, alarms and access control. They are the central nerve centre of a security operation, observing live feeds, coordinating responses to incidents and dispatching field personnel in real time. The role requires technical competency, multitasking abilities and sound decision-making under pressure to coordinate responses to security incidents and emergencies.

In Australia, control room operators are classified under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). Classification levels depend on the complexity of systems managed and level of responsibility — operators are typically classified at Level 3 or higher. Operators usually work 24/7 rotating shifts with applicable penalty rates for nights, weekends and public holidays.

This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract qualified security professionals. Once hired, manage your control room team efficiently with security services rostering software.

Key responsibilities

Core duties included in this job description template

Security system monitoring

Operating integrated security management systems, monitoring CCTV feeds, alarm systems and access control across multiple sites simultaneously.

Alarm response coordination

Processing alarm activations, determining appropriate response levels, and dispatching security personnel or emergency services as required.

Radio communications

Managing two-way radio communications with field officers, providing updates, coordinating responses and maintaining communication protocols.

Incident management

Recording and managing security incidents, maintaining detailed logs of all activities, and preparing incident reports for clients and management.

Access control

Managing visitor and contractor access remotely, verifying identities, issuing temporary access credentials and monitoring entry/exit points.

Emergency procedures

Coordinating emergency response procedures, liaising with emergency services, and implementing evacuation or lockdown protocols when required.

Skills and attributes

What to look for in candidates

Attention to detail

Vigilant monitoring of multiple screens and systems, detecting anomalies and maintaining focus during extended observation periods.

Multitasking ability

Capability to monitor multiple systems simultaneously, prioritise tasks and respond to multiple incidents concurrently.

Decision-making

Sound judgment in assessing threats, determining appropriate responses and escalating incidents based on severity and protocols.

Communication skills

Clear and concise radio communication, accurate incident reporting and ability to liaise with emergency services professionally.

Technical aptitude

Competency with security management systems, CCTV platforms, alarm monitoring software and multiple computer applications.

Stress management

Ability to remain calm under pressure, manage high-stress situations effectively and maintain composure during critical incidents.

Qualifications and requirements

Control room operator positions require a valid security licence, strong technical literacy and the ability to operate complex security management systems. Experience in security monitoring or control room operations is highly valued, along with formal qualifications in security operations.

  • Security licence (Required)

    Current security licence valid in your state/territory

  • Police Check (Required)

    Current National Police Check (typically valid for 12 months)

  • Working rights (Required)

    Eligibility to work in Australia

  • Computer literacy (Required)

    Strong computer and technical skills for operating security systems

  • Control room experience

    Previous experience in security monitoring or control room operations

  • First Aid certificate

    Current First Aid certificate preferred

  • Certificate in Security Operations

    Certificate II or III in Security Operations highly regarded

Padlock representing the access control and security systems a control room operator monitors

Working conditions

Set clear expectations for candidates about the control room work environment

  • Control room environment with multiple screens and monitoring systems
  • 24/7 rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and public holidays
  • Sedentary work requiring extended periods of concentration and screen monitoring
  • High-pressure decision making during incidents and emergencies
  • Climate-controlled indoor environment
  • Shift penalties apply for nights, weekends and public holidays

Award coverage

Understanding award coverage for control room operators

Security services industry award 2020

Control room operators working in security monitoring centres are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for security industry employees including monitoring and control room staff.

Under the award, control room operators are typically classified at Level 3 or higher depending on their responsibilities and the complexity of systems they manage. Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately.

Penalty rates and shift work

Control room operations typically run 24/7, requiring rotating shifts including nights, weekends and public holidays. Penalty rates apply for work performed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, as well as for shift work penalties under the Security Services Industry Award 2020.

Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements. Part-time and full-time employees accrue leave and receive penalty rates on top of their base rate. Ensure your payroll system correctly applies all applicable loadings and penalties for 24/7 operations.

Who should use this template?

This job description template is designed for Australian security businesses

Security services
Facilities management
Corporate security
Government security
Industrial security
Retail security

Whether you operate a security monitoring service or facilities management business, clear job descriptions help attract qualified control room operators.

How to use this template

Tips for customising the job description for your security business

1

Add your company details

Include your business name, location, types of clients serviced (corporate, retail, industrial) and a brief description of your monitoring services.

2

Specify systems and technology

Detail the specific security management systems, CCTV platforms and monitoring software your control room uses.

3

Define shift patterns

Be clear about rotating shift requirements including 12-hour shifts, night shifts and weekend/public holiday roster expectations.

4

Include clearance requirements

Specify any additional security clearances required for government or high-security clients you service.

5

Add training opportunities

Highlight training provided in your specific systems and opportunities for professional development in security operations.

6

Review regularly

Update the job description when you implement new security systems or expand your monitoring capabilities.

Ready to hire your next control room operator?

Once your team is in place, build compliant 24/7 rosters in minutes, track hours and apply award penalty rates automatically with RosterElf security rostering software.

Start free trial See security rostering software

Regulatory sources

This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • A control room operator monitors and manages critical security systems from a centralised monitoring centre — operating CCTV, alarms and access control, coordinating emergency responses and dispatching field personnel in real time. They act as the central nerve centre of a security operation, recording incidents, maintaining detailed logs and liaising with on-ground staff, management and emergency services. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016) the role requires specialised technical skills and is typically classified at Level 3 or higher.

  • Control room operators work in a centralised monitoring facility, managing CCTV systems, alarms and dispatching security personnel. Security guards patrol sites and respond to incidents in person. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), control room operators require specialised technical skills and typically work in climate-controlled indoor environments.

  • Control room operators are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in security services including monitoring and control room operations. Always verify which award applies to your specific security business.

  • Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, control room operators are typically classified at Level 3 or higher depending on their responsibilities and the complexity of systems they manage. See our Security Services Award rates guide for current classifications.

  • While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like ‘Award rates plus penalties’ or ‘Competitive rates based on experience.’ Check the Security Services Industry Award 2020 for current rates.