--- title: "Assign an operator" source: /gc-surge/new-admin-quick-start/assign-an-operator locale: en updated: 2026-10-08 --- A Super Admin can assign an active operator to a site from the Alarm Center. Operators can also take an available site themselves after starting their shift. ## Before you begin - The operator must have an active account. - The operator must click **Start Shift** in the Alarm Center. A configured schedule does not make the operator active. - The site must appear in **Sites Unassigned to Operators**, meaning it has open alarms and no operator currently assigned. ## Assign from the Alarm Center 1. Open **Alarm Center**. 2. Find the site in **Sites Unassigned to Operators**. 3. In **Assigned to**, select an operator who has started their shift. 4. The site moves to **Sites with Assigned Operators** with status **Queued**. 5. The operator selects **Assign to me** to begin processing the site in ZenMode. If no operator can be selected, ask the operator to click **Start Shift**. Inactive operators cannot be assigned. To release a site, use the unassign action in **Sites with Assigned Operators**. ![image-20260726-084313.png](/api/media/file/image-20260726-084313.png) ## Self-assign as an Operator 1. Click **Start Shift** in Alarm Center. 2. Find an **Available** site in **Sites Unassigned to Operators**. 3. Click **Assign to me** to claim the site and enter ZenMode. The eye icon opens a view-only preview without claiming the site. 4. The site becomes **In Progress** while you process its alarms. 5. Use **Unassign** to return it to **Sites Unassigned to Operators**. ![image-20260721-093100.png](/api/media/file/image-20260721-093100.png) ## Configured schedules and active shifts Assigning an operator to a configured shift records their schedule for administration and reporting. It does not start their live shift and does not assign or route sites. **Start Shift** and site assignment are separate actions performed in the Alarm Center.