Distribution System Operator

About the role

This position is based in Gulfport, Mississippi. This position is responsible for the effective operation of the company's electric distribution system. This is accomplished through: monitoring and operating the distribution system through the current and future systems used in the Customer Operations Department; dispatching employees appropriately for restoration and daily work; preparing and instructing switching; and informing the appropriate departments, employees, and customers on the condition of the electrical and/or customer accounting issues.

Job Requirements

• 3 or more years’ experience in the electrical utility field, such as dispatching, electric utility, or military (electrical or Control Center) experience preferred.
• Engineering degree may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Successful completion of the Pre-Screening test for DCC Operators.
• Thorough knowledge of the Southern Company Distribution Operating Procedures (SDOP) to aid employees in working safely and efficiently in the operation of SOCO's distribution system.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, ability to work effectively under varying levels of stress and pressure, and good interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical/thinking skills to be able to quickly analyze information and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work alone and be self-directed.
• Working knowledge of electrical theory for the purpose of operating SOCO's distribution system.
• Working knowledge of line construction to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service.
• Working knowledge of the company's Customer Service Organization and processes that affect the distribution electric system and customer accounting.
• Ability to provide direct feedback in a positive manner on the day-to-day operation of the system.
• Understanding of the impact the Distribution System Operator has on the success of other departments, inside and outside of Customer Operations Department.
• Significant commitment as an after-hours resource who will be readily available as required.

Job Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate the distribution system through the current and future systems provided in Customer Operations.
• Write and execute switching orders for routine activities and emergency restoration. This includes coordinating the various switching clearances in compliance with the SDOP and all other procedures pertaining to switching of the Distribution system.
• Direct service restoration efforts for distribution outages through effective direction of SOCO and contract employees familiar with distribution restoration. This will also include effective switching through automated and manual devices.
• Direct routine work and restoration through ARMS for the Electric Servicemen, Customer Servicemen, Local Town Personnel and other departments/employees that utilize ARMS.
• Communicate outage information and take in the big picture to notify appropriate employees and management, including Distribution Operations, Divisions, and Corporate Communications of restoration progress and needs.
• Ensure daily activities and procedures are completed in a safe, timely, and correct manner. This includes activities and procedures for Switching, TCMS, EMS, ARMS III, Daily Reports, Switch Board, Switching Calendar, and DMIR.
• Ensure all Compliance and Security measures are maintained.
• The incumbent is required to work a rotating shift and report to work outside of normal shift hours as needed.

Additional Information

Please provide an updated resume with your job submission. This position has the potential to be a hybrid work arrangement based upon experience where work duties are performed from a combination of remote (telework/work from home) and company work locations. Typically, onsite work expectations are 2 - 3 days per week. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST PASS THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT TEST. IF YOU QUALIFY FOR TESTING YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state’s first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state’s first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country’s largest Domino’s franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power’s mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service.

To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.