Security Operations Center (SOC) Armed Specialist I, II, or III

Columbus, NE, US, 68602-0499

 

Security Operations Center (SOC) Armed Specialist I, II, or III 

 


Security Operations Center Specialist I (Armed)  
Pay Grade - 7 Hourly Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $21.97  - $26.91 per hour

 

Security Operations Center Specialist II (Armed)  Pay Grade - 8 hourly  Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $24.14  - $29.57 per hour

 

Security Operations Center Specialist III (Armed)  Pay Grade - 9 hourly  Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $26.47  - $33.09 per hour

 

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

 

Posting Date: 4/24/2026
Closing Date:
5/11/2026

 

Nebraska Public Power District is hiring! Join our team as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Armed Specialist I, II, or III and become an important part of our NPPD story.  We are proud of our history, powering every corner of Nebraska, every day, for half a century.  We recognize that it takes a diverse group of individuals to move forward in the rapidly changing energy industry, and now is the time to power our own transformation.  Come with us on our journey, walking alongside teammates and our customers, leading the way in providing safe, reliable, sustainable energy for all Nebraskans, all while protecting our environment, powering our lives, and realizing our dreams. That’s NPPD…the Power of People.

 

Get to know us more here.

 

Position Summary

Security Operations Center (SOC) Specialist work in a centralized SOC, located in 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 keep ongoing operations for the District.

Education, Training and Experience

 

SOC Specialist I (Armed)

 

High School Diploma or a GED is required.

 

Must be a minimum age of 21 and have experience working in a dispatch center, call center, alarm monitoring center or security operations center preferred.

 

Extensive firearms experience/training preferably through law enforcement, security officer, corrections or military, is preferred.

 

Knowledge of AMAG Access control and Milestone Video Management systems is preferred.

 

Knowledge of NERC procedural requirements preferred.

 

Experience making independent use of force level decisions in real life situations.

 

Ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute.

 

SOC Specialist II (Armed)

 

All requirements as listed above, AND a minimum of 2 years SOC experience, demonstrated and consistent application of policies and procedures with local supervision’s recommendation for progression.

 

SOC Specialist III (Armed)

 

All requirements as listed above, AND a minimum of 5 years SOC experience, demonstrated and consistent application of policies and procedures with local supervision’s recommendation for progression.

 

 

Licenses and/or Certifications

 

Valid Driver’s License

 

Proof of eligibility to legally carry a concealed weapon in the state of Nebraska (CCW, LEO, Retired LEO)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

SOC Specialist I (Armed)

 

Demonstrate mental alertness and the ability to exercise good judgement, implement instructions and policies, fully understand security task 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 high level of dependability and reliability. 

 

Demonstrate ability to independently and fluently operate the Districts Physical Access Control System (PACS), Video Management System (VMS), Electronic Intercom System (EIS), Incident/Maintenance reporting software, Telephone system, and Statewide Radio System within 8 weeks of hire.

 

Control access to District facilities located throughout the state using Physical Access Control Systems (PACS), cameras, and intercom systems.

 

Follow District guidelines and standards to ensure the District remains compliant with Federal (NERC), State, Local, and district security requirements.

 

Monitor, respond to, 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, and computers/servers are performing optimally.

 

Operate a state-wide radio system and 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.

 

Ability to continually display and maintain safe firearms handling practices.

 

Ability to pass District required firearms training and range qualifications program with assigned firearm.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Continued)

Ability to successfully complete Stop the Bleed training, Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT) training and/or other less than lethal training required by the district.

 

Demonstrate ability to independently and fluently operate the Districts Physical Access Control System (PACS), Video Management System (VMS), Electronic Intercom System (EIS), Incident/Maintenance reporting software, Telephone system, and Statewide Radio System within 6 weeks of hire.

 

Effectively identifies and communicates potential and problematic situations. Contact appropriate personnel to obtain assistance in problem resolution. Exercise independent judgment in a calm, collective approach during emergencies and stressful situation. Act as an on-site lead when supervision is not available. Resolve 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 Specialist.

 

Ability to immediately respond and properly address any emergency or threats within the assigned facility.  Ability to apply proper judgement when determining proper use of force during changing or escalating environments.

 

SOC Specialist II (Armed)

 

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

.

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

 

Exercise independent judgment in a calm, collective approach during emergencies and stressful situation.

 

Act as an on-site lead when supervision is not available. Resolve 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 Specialist.

 

As business dictates, Level II Specialists are eligible to be appointed by Management to a Quarterback temporary role.  Quarterbacks act in a temporary leadership role to support other specialists with issue escalation, consistency of work, and aid in building skill set, talent, experience, ownership, and accountability in the organization. Quarterback may also be assigned to temporary projects as dictated by management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Continued)

 

SOC Specialist III (Armed)

 

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

 

Demonstrate mental alertness and the ability to exercise good judgement, implement instructions and policies, fully understand security task 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 high level of dependability and reliability.

 

Demonstrate ability to independently and fluently operate the Districts 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.

 

Monitor other SOC Specialists in providing outstanding customer service, technical direction, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, quality work, and leadership of colleagues as required to provide for business need.

 

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

 

Take initiative on driving consistency 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 is documented in procedural format.

 

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

 

Provide mentoring to other SOC Specialists and will be responsible for training 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.

 

Physically respond to irate, threatening, armed, intimidating, or suspicious persons and address the situation using the minimal amount of force needed to correct the situation or until law enforcement arrives.

 

Ability to safely and efficiently handle firearms and successfully complete and follow the District's firearms policy.

 

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.

 

Security Operations Center Specialist I (Armed)  Pay Grade - 7 Hourly Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $21.97  - $26.91 per hour

Security Operations Center Specialist II (Armed)  Pay Grade - 8 hourly  Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $24.14  - $29.57 per hour

Security Operations Center Specialist III (Armed)  Pay Grade - 9 hourly  Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $26.47  - $33.09 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.