Security Operations Center Specialist/Dispatcher-Night Shift

Location - Columbus, NE; Columbus General Office Employment Type: Full-time, Night Shift

Posting Date: 6/16/2025 Closing Date: Open until filled (applicant review will begin 6/30/2025)

Are you hard-working and eager to make a meaningful impact in the ever-emerging energy industry? Come join us!

By joining the Nebraska Public Power District team, you’re becoming part of a close-knit community that embodies the values and traditions of the state. More than generating and delivering power, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With safety at the helm, we have created a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Here, you’re not just an employee; you're a valued member of a family that respects and supports each other.

Our power grid has been consistently ranked one of the most reliable and resilient, but our reputation for excellence extends beyond our customer service to our employee satisfaction. Many of our team members have built lifelong careers here, advancing through the ranks thanks to our robust training programs and opportunities for professional development. With us, you’ll find a place where your efforts are recognized and rewarded, where you’re making a deep impact on the communities around you, and where you can truly power a career that you can be proud of.

Get to know us more here

Position Summary

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Specialist works in a centralized Security Operations Center located in the Columbus General Office to provide security related services, control site access, and respond to actual or potential security threats and violations at District sites. This is an essential position in order to maintain ongoing operations across the District. This position will primarily work 12-hour shifts, 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m., that will include weekend and holiday hours on a rotational basis. Specialists must possess strong computer skills and an ability to multitask while using a wide variety of technology platforms.

Education, Training and Experience

SOC Specialist I, II, or III: High school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) is required. Must be a minimum of 19 years of age. Experience working in a dispatch center, call center, alarm monitoring center, or security operations center is preferred. Knowledge of Access control and Video Management systems is preferred. Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute is required.

SOC Specialist II: Requires a minimum of two (2) years SOC experience, with demonstrated and consistent application of policies and procedures in a security setting.

SOC Specialist III: Requires a minimum of five (5) years SOC experience, with demonstrated and consistent application of policies and procedures in a security setting.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Valid Driver’s License

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

SOC Specialist I

Demonstrate mental alertness and the ability to multitask, exercise good judgement, implement instructions and policies, fully understand security tasks and processes, and possess the acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to permit accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals required by assigned job duties.

Demonstrate ability to quickly, independently, and fluently operate the District's Physical Access Control System (PACS), Video Management System (VMS), Electronic Intercom System (EIS), Incident/Maintenance reporting software, Telephone System, and Statewide Radio System within six weeks of hire.

Demonstrate ability to independently assess actual and potential security risks, violations, and incidents and take appropriate action to minimize or prevent further violations or risks to District assets which includes teammates and property.

Control access to District facilities located throughout the state using PACS, cameras, and the intercom system.

Follow District guidelines and standards to ensure the District remains compliant with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), as well as State, Local, and District security requirements.

Monitor, coordinate, and document a response to alarms (fire, intrusion, robbery, panic, motion) that are routed into the SOC.

Ensure all cameras, PACS, intercoms, doors, gates, motion detection devices, radios, and computers/servers are performing optimally.

Operate a State-Wide Radio System or long-range walkie talkies to communicate with District employees and emergency personnel.

Manage accountability at select District facilities to ensure accurate list of persons onsite during site emergencies.

Assist in training and evaluating new operators and documenting their performance as instructed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

SOC Specialist II

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Specialist II must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities as described in the Security Operations Center (SOC) Specialist I position.

Achievement of Level II is a progression based on performance and tenure. This level works independently with minimum supervision.

Effectively identifies and communicates potential and problematic situations. Contacts appropriate personnel to obtain assistance in problem resolution.

Exercises independent judgment with a calm, collective approach during emergencies and stressful situations.

Acts as an on-site lead when supervision is not available. Resolves questions, complaints, and requests that may involve policy interpretation.

Follow-up on customer inquiries and perform research to assure satisfactory resolution.

Assist with the training program by developing training material and training new Specialists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

SOC Specialist III

The SOC Specialist, Level III must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities as described in the SOC Specialist Level I and Level II position.

Mentor other Specialists in providing outstanding customer service, technical direction, problem solving, decision-making, teamwork, quality work, and leadership of colleagues as required to meet business needs.

Provide input regarding the work performance of a Specialist to the assigned supervisor.

Take initiative on driving consistency and improvement throughout the SOC Specialist organization in regard to technical policies and procedures impacting daily work.

Ensure all policies and procedures impacting the SOC Specialist's work are documented in procedural format.

Drive quality call and alarm audits and coach SOC Specialists on standards that are required to ensure consistent and accurate support from the SOC.

Provide mentoring to other SOC Specialists and train new employees on various policies and procedures upon completion of new hire training. This includes alarm responses and access control process audits, procedure training as the new incumbent becomes more familiar with the multitude of processes that must be followed in any given situation, and efficient processing of alarms and request for assistance.

Assist with scheduling of SOC Specialist shifts and will be responsible for filling any unfilled shifts when needed.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus

Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion

Integrity/Excellence

Public Service/Environmental Stewardship

Safety

Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

SOC Specialist I - Pay Grade - 6 Non-Exempt Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $19.43 - $23.81 per hour

SOC Specialist II - Pay Grade - 7 Non-Exempt Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $21.33 - $26.13 per hour

SOC Specialist III - Pay Grade - 8 Non-Exempt Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $23.44 - $28.71 per hour

Travel Required: None Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD — quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.

Salary

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.

Retirement Savings

NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options – a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee’s hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.

Health & Wellness

At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.

Other Benefits

Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.

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