Operations Assistant (Birmingham, AL)
This position is based in Birmingham, AL and provides support to Power Delivery Distribution Operations, Customer Service Centers, and Business Offices across Alabama Power Company’s service territory on a 365/24/7 basis.
About the role
The Operations Assistant (OA) is a vital member of the Distribution Control Center (DCC) and supports the Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in the effective monitoring and operation of the electric distribution system. Responsibilities include managing workload for Local Operations Linemen (LOLs), timely dispatch and follow-up of service and trouble orders, and assisting with power restoration efforts.
Various applications used include customer service/accounting systems, outage management for dispatching, workforce management for resource service and outage tickets, automated on-call response, handling telephone calls into the Distribution Control Center, and the Microsoft Office suite.
Responsibilities
- Efficient dispatching of customer service and trouble orders
- Managing workload for Local Operations Linemen (LOLs)
- Timely dispatch and follow-up of service and trouble orders
- Assisting with power restoration efforts
- Effectively monitoring and operating the electric distribution system
- Handling telephone calls into the Distribution Control Center
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED (College degree a plus)
- Customer Service experience required
- Experience as a dispatcher in a State, County, City, or local EMA type center or closely related experience (e.g., logistics, banking) strongly preferred
- Utility experience in Power Delivery, Marketing, Customer Operations, Customer Service, and/or Business Office Operations a plus
- Must pass SHL and SkillCheck tests
- Willing and able to work 8-hour, 10-hour, 12-hour, or rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, callouts, filling shifts, and holdover extra time
- Must live within 50 miles of the Birmingham, AL work location
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to learn, navigate, and effectively utilize complex computer systems and applications
- Ability to effectively coordinate and direct the work of others
- Ability to establish work priorities and plan work to meet established timeframes
- Exceptional attention to detail while following established policies and procedures
- Excellent ability to work effectively under pressure and stress
- Positive influence on others and display a positive attitude
- Effectively interacting with others as part of a team effort and gaining cooperation
- Demonstrated ability to effectively navigate through change
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Training
This position requires participation and progression in an OA Training Program (approximately 4-6 months) consisting of on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom training. OAs are required to pass a shift readiness assessment and successfully pass a Board Review prior to being moved into a permanent shift.
Schedule
Shift assignments are awarded based on seniority and business need. Current Operations Assistant shifts are as follows:
- Day Shift: 6 am – 2 pm (M-F), 7 am – 5 pm (M-Th or Tu-F), 8 am – 4 pm (M-F), or 9 am – 5 pm (M-F)
- Evening Shift: 2 pm – 10 pm (M-F)
- Weekend Shift: 8 am – 4 pm (M-Tu) and 6 am – 6 pm (Sat & Sun)
Benefits
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes:
- Competitive base salary
- Annual incentive awards for eligible employees
- Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
- Eligibility for additional compensation such as incentive programs
A summary of benefits can be found here. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.