Q. Why can't the Windows Server 2003 Print Operators group control the Print Spooler service?

A. In Server 2003, the Print Operators group doesn’t have permissions to control the Print Spooler service. To enable the Print Operators group to control the Print Spooler service, you need to modify the Print-Spooler-service security configuration. Group Policy is the easiest way to modify the Print-Spooler-service security configuration. Open Computer Configuration, Policies, Windows Settings, Security Settings, System Services. Then, select Print Spooler, and Edit Security. Grant start, stop, and pause permissions to any group that needs to control the Print Spooler.

The Windows IT Pro FAQ "How can I delegate permission for a user or group to control certain services?" explains this procedure in more detail.