Security Operations Specialist - Ops Center

AbilityLinks; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi Power in Gulfport, MS is seeking a security professional to oversee contract guard operations and strengthen protection of personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure. The role supports corporate security programs, NERC CIP physical security requirements, and site procedures, while providing project support.

You will manage projects, serve as corporate security representative for the facility, and report updates to leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years' experience in security at various agencies or related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of physical security operations (patrol, access control, CCTV).
• Familiarity with electronic security systems (CCURE, Avigilon).

Responsibilities

• Lead physical security projects and oversee complex assignments.
• Support security leadership with incident management and site operations.
• Prepare incident reports, logs, and documentation; conduct patrols and monitor access.
• Enforce NERC CIP physical security requirements and site rules.
• Be the primary liaison with law enforcement and emergency responders; after-hours contact for security incidents.

Skills

Customer service

Incident response

Security operations

Policy knowledge

Communication

Judgment under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or security management

Tools

CCURE

Avigilon

Job description

Job Summary

This role is responsible for providing oversight of contract guard operations while strengthening the protection of company personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure. It will support implementation of Corporate Security programs, NERC CIP physical security requirements, and site-specific procedures, while providing project support. Additionally, this role will serve as a project manager in varying tasks as directed and be the Corporate Security representative for the generation or corporate facility they support, providing updates to leadership as needed and serve as a developmental role for future leadership opportunities.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for providing oversight of contract guard operations while strengthening the protection of company personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure. It will support implementation of Corporate Security programs, NERC CIP physical security requirements, and site-specific procedures, while providing project support. Additionally, this role will serve as a project manager in varying tasks as directed and be the Corporate Security representative for the generation or corporate facility they support, providing updates to leadership as needed and serve as a developmental role for future leadership opportunities.

This position is located in Gulfport, MS.

If you are selected as the successful candidate, you acknowledge that storm support is a requirement for all roles at Mississippi Power. This includes working during storm restoration efforts and outside of normal business hours as needed.

Job Requirements: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field preferred.
• 3 or more years' experience in security, local, state, military, or federal agencies is required.
• Demonstrated competency consistent with Security Officer positions.
• Working knowledge of physical security operations, including patrol, access control, alarm response, and CCTV monitoring.
• Familiarity with electronic security systems (e.g., CCURE, Avigilon) and ability to operate systems in accordance with policy.
• Understanding of Corporate Security policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws applicable to security operations.
• Ability to appropriately manage, protect, store, and transmit sensitive information in accordance with company policy.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally with employees, contractors, and visitors at all levels.
• Ability to follow post orders, emergency response procedures, and site-specific security plans.
• Ability to respond effectively to incidents, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and elevate issues appropriately.
• Ability to obtain and maintain compliance with OPCO-specific licensing requirements and maintain firearm qualifications, when required.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Lead physical security projects and oversee complex assignments while serving as the site’s corporate security subject matter expert.
• Support security leadership by maintaining situational awareness, managing incidents effectively, and contributing to safe, secure, and professional site operations.
• Prepare accurate and timely incident reports, logs, and documentation; conduct patrols; monitor access; and enforce NERC CIP physical security requirements.
• Review contract guard reports and documentation to ensure consistent enforcement of company policies, procedures, and site rules. Support and oversee access management, visitor processing, and badging.
• Lead and support special security events and heightened operations; plan, coordinate, and participate in drills, training, and continuous improvement initiatives; and provide contract guard training to ensure readiness and effective performance.
• Serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement, emergency responders, and internal stakeholders; represent Corporate Security in meetings with site leadership; and act as the site’s primary after-hours contact for security incidents.

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.

Job Identification: 22550

Job Category: Security

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Mississippi Power