Power System Coordinator

Socket.dev; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, seeks a seasoned Power Dispatcher to monitor and control transmission operations and direct field crews during switching and restoration efforts.

You will ensure reliable service, coordinate generation resources including hydro, and uphold NERC standards while working in a fast-paced control center environment. The role requires leadership, safety mindset, and the ability to work rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in transmission or distribution operations.
• Experience in control center operations or rotating shift environments.
• NERC Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator certification within one year.
• EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher II Test or grandfathered.
• Internal training and qualification for operational shift within one year.
• Must obtain CIP and Insider Threat Program security clearance.
• Must adhere to FERC Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the bulk electric power system under normal and abnormal conditions.
• Manage and direct field employees in performing switching operations.
• Write and issue switching instructions and track clearances on transmission lines and equipment.
• Assess operating situations and determine restoration actions.
• Coordinate generation resources and operate hydro resources.
• Maintain system voltages and respond to system events to isolate faults and restore service.
• Notify stakeholders during system events and maintain accurate records of outages and switching.
• Ensure compliance with NERC standards and internal protocols.
• Participate in major event response including hurricanes and ice storms.
• Maintain dispatch protocols including personnel, equipment, and systems.
• Develop real-time restoration plans and document equipment discrepancies.

Skills

Electric system operation

Power systems knowledge

Problem solving under pressure

Multitasking

Communication skills

Computer systems/software

Teamwork

Shift work adaptability

Safety focus

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Control center software

ITS Redbook knowledge

Hydro generation operations knowledge

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the bulk electric power system under normal and abnormal conditions.
• Manage and direct field employees in performing switching operations.
• Write and issue switching instructions and track clearances on transmission lines and equipment.
• Assess operating situations and determine restoration actions.
• Coordinate generation resources and operate hydro resources.
• Maintain system voltages and respond to system events to isolate faults and restore service.
• Notify stakeholders during system events and maintain accurate records of outages and switching.
• Ensure compliance with NERC standards and internal protocols.
• Participate in major event response including hurricanes and ice storms.
• Maintain dispatch protocols including personnel, equipment, and systems.
• Develop real-time restoration plans and document equipment discrepancies.

Requirements

• High School diploma required
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience
• Extensive experience in transmission or distribution system operations including construction, maintenance, and protection & control.
• Experience in control center operations or rotating shift environments.
• Must possess or obtain NERC Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator certification within one year.
• Must pass EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher II Test or be grandfathered.
• Must complete internal training and be qualified for operational shift within one year.
• Must obtain CIP and Insider Threat Program security clearance.
• Must adhere to FERC Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Engineering or technical certifications related to power systems.
• Knowledge of ITS “Redbook” and Georgia Integrated Transmission System operations.
• Experience with hydro generation plant operations and reservoir management.

Skills and Competencies

• Thorough understanding of electric system operation, theory, and practices.
• Knowledge of interconnected power systems and substation equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under time pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple inputs and tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications and system control software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and adapt to shift work.
• Commitment to safety, customer focus, and continuous personal development.
• Demonstrated leadership and initiative in developing solutions.

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 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 and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).
• A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf.
• Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

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.

Mississippi Power