Distribution System Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

System Operator II

(Energy Services Department)

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, headquartered in Andalusia, AL, is a generation and transmission (G&T) electric cooperative with 22 distribution members - 18 electric distribution systems and four municipal electric systems - in Alabama and northwest Florida. PowerSouth's member systems provide power to end-use consumers across 51 counties in Alabama and 10 counties in Florida.

PowerSouth's most important asset is a workforce of more than 560 men and women at nine PowerSouth locations. Safety is PowerSouth's number one core value, and its employees set the bar for safety excellence and have achieved an impressive safety record.

JOB SUMMARY & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The purpose of this position is to assist in operating PowerSouth's electric system in a safe, reliable and economic manner in accordance with NERC reliability standards and requirements. This includes: real-time continuous monitoring of the bulk electric system (BES) to maintain system frequency, voltage, and power flows within established limits. This position is responsible for maintaining situational awareness and taking emergency actions to maintain reliability as well as respond immediately to abnormal and emergency conditions such as equipment failures, voltage instability, generation capacity shortages, severe weather events, and cyber and physical threats, utilizing EMS/SCADA and other real-time tools to support decision making. In addition, this position develops and executes switching orders safely and accurately, dispatches personnel, coordinates generation resources, and adjusts system topology to mitigate transmission constraints and congestion. Additionally, this position is responsible for coordinating and communicating system conditions with the Reliability Coordinator and neighboring systems, including issuing and receiving operating instructions as well as participating in drills and training exercises, accurately logging system conditions, and providing detailed documentation for audits and post-event analysis. This position will assist the lead Operator on shift in real-time operation of PowerSouth's bulk electric system. This position works rotating 12-hour shifts in a control room environment. This position requires a Bachelor's degree preferably in a technical related field, such as but not limited to Engineering, Mathematical Science or other comparable curriculum, but certain business-focused degrees may be considered. In lieu of the Bachelor's degree requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of appropriate experience in the following areas will be considered: substation operations, system protection, or power plant operations. The incumbent must successfully complete a placement exercise. The incumbent should have the ability to direct the actions of exempt and non-exempt personnel as well as the ability to communicate with public and cooperative personnel effectively during emergency and routine operations. The incumbent is required to implement emergency procedures as necessary. In addition, the incumbent must be able to achieve NERC System Operator Certification within a maximum of three (3) attempts, maintain certification through the Continuing Education Program, and comply with NERC Reliability Standards.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains technical training in continuous monitoring of system frequency, voltage, and power flows on PowerSouth's bulk electric system in real-time to ensure system reliability.
• Develops and issues transmission and distribution switching to safely isolate equipment during normal and emergency conditions with a focus on personnel and equipment safety; maintain records of switching operations, clearances, and hotline permits; provide documentation of system disturbances, including equipment failures, outages, and abnormal operating conditions to provide records for maintenance personnel, member systems, and others as determined.
• Responsible for operating the electric system as required to ensure system reliability according to the North American Electric Reliability Cooperation (NERC) Operating Standards and Requirements.
• Coordinates and communicates system conditions with the Southeastern Reliability Coordinator (SeRC) and neighboring systems, including issuing and receiving operating instructions.
• Responsible for ensuring the success of PowerSouth by promoting teamwork, group goals and objectives, properly communicating and cooperating within the PowerSouth organization and with member systems as well as demonstrating and promoting standards of respect and dignity, accountability, integrity, and trustworthiness.

BENEFITS:

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan funded 100% by the company
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% employer match
• Group Life Benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Personal and Sick Leave
• Educational Assistance

Employment is subject to a negative drug screen, background check, and completion of a comprehensive application for employment.

Interested persons who meet the above qualifications may apply on PowerSouth's website at www.powersouth.com/careers by July 1, 2026.

EOE, including disability/vets