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Nerc Certification Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Nerc Certification information

See Iowa salary details

$47.9K

$114.4K

$176.6K

How much do nerc certification jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nerc certification in Iowa is $114,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is NERC certification and why is it important?

NERC certification refers to credentials issued by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which are required for professionals who operate and maintain the reliability of the bulk power system in North America. This certification ensures that operators have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely and effectively, helping to prevent power outages and maintain grid stability. NERC certification is crucial for compliance with regulatory standards and is often mandatory for certain roles in the energy industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NERC-certified system operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NERC-Certified System Operator, you need a strong understanding of power system operations, electrical grid reliability standards, and typically must hold a valid NERC certification. Proficiency with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA software, and outage management tools is essential for this role. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling emergency situations and coordinating with other teams. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the bulk electric system.

What are the common challenges faced by professionals preparing for NERC certification, and how can they overcome them?

One of the main challenges for professionals preparing for NERC Certification is staying up-to-date with evolving regulatory standards and ensuring comprehensive understanding of complex reliability concepts. Balancing hands-on job duties with intensive study can also be demanding. To overcome these hurdles, candidates often join study groups, utilize official NERC training resources, and participate in simulation exercises to reinforce their knowledge. Employers may also offer structured training programs or mentorship from experienced NERC-certified operators, which can be invaluable for successful preparation.

What is the difference between Nerc Certification vs Substation Technician?

AspectNerc CertificationSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsCertification from NERC, technical training, industry experienceTechnical diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPower grid control centers, compliance officesSubstations, field sites, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageUtility companies, grid operators, regulatory agenciesUtility companies, electrical contractors

While Nerc Certification focuses on compliance and reliability standards for the bulk power system, Substation Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and installation work at substations. Both roles are essential in the electric utility industry, with Nerc Certification emphasizing regulatory knowledge and Substation Technicians specializing in field operations.

Infographic showing various Nerc Certification job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,430 per year, or $55 per hour.

Assoc/Resource Manager/Senior

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This is a multi-level posting and will be filled at the appropriate level based on experience and education. 

The resource manager operates MidAmerican Energy Company's portfolio of resources (primarily, but not limited to, electric generation) in accordance with criteria and procedures established by MISO to serve MidAmerican Energy Company's native load, joint dispatch customers, municipal customers and committed wholesale sales and purchases while adhering to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved North American Electric Reliability Council Reliability Standards. The resource manager provides key resource portfolio information to manage operational parameters to maximize trading opportunities. The resource manager reports timely and accurate operational information to the balancing authorities, direct supervision, senior management, and owners.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Assoc. Resource Manager; 
Associate's, bachelor's degree in business or engineering-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to electric system operation or energy trading. 

One to three years of experience coordinating electric energy resources such as generation; load control, energy trading, supply contracts, and/or electric system operation.

After 8 -12 months as an associate resource manager, the employee's performance will be reviewed to see if he/she meets the minimum qualifications and performance standards before becoming a resource manager. The associate resource manager will be required to achieve proficiency and move to the resource manager position within 12 months of starting training. Proficiency will be determined by testing, observation, and ability to acquire NERC certification.

Resource Manager; 

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to electric system operation or energy trading. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) 

NERC Balance and Interchange certification or higher certification is required. 

Four years of control center, power plant or trading experience. Demonstrated ability to forecast electric system loads, evaluate the best options to serve the forecasted system load, evaluate economic options to serve system forecasted load, perform agency services, determine quotes for trading activities savings through purchases and sales and perform multi-task during very stressful conditions. 

Senior Resource Manager; 
Bachelor's degree in business or engineering-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to electric system operation or energy trading.(Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

NERC Balance and Interchange certification or higher certification is required. 

Six years of control center, power plant or trading experience. Demonstrated ability to forecast electric system loads, evaluate the best options to serve the forecasted system load, evaluate economic options to serve system forecasted load, perform agency services, determine quotes for trading activities savings through purchases and sales and perform multi-task during very stressful conditions.

Experience with Generation Management Systems/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. Knowledge of power system economics, especially economic dispatch and generator efficiency characteristics and energy trading. 

Technical skills and mechanical knowledge related to understanding electric generation and power system operations. 

Demonstrated problem-solving, resourcefulness and analytical skills to forecast and evaluate operational problems, energy production costs scenarios and system reliability concerns to promote continuity of service to customers at the lowest cost while assuring reliability standard and guideline compliance. 

Verbal and written communication skills. Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently. 

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. 

We celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Respond to MISO directives. Manage plant operational information and issues through communications with generation plant personnel. Oversee automatic generation control and work with traders to manage wind production. Work to achieve optimum economic resource utilization while considering plant performance, regulatory compliance, and reliability of the interconnected system. (70%) 

Effectively respond to MISO directives related to unit commitments and actions taken in abnormal and emergency operational events within the MISO footprint. Serve as point of control and communication for actions to correct capacity and energy deficiencies through active, direct control, and indirect notification. (10%)

Work with Energy Traders to create market strategy for the daily day-ahead offers and do the data entry for day-ahead offers on weekends, holidays and when needed. (10%) 

Provide joint dispatch on behalf of joint dispatch customers. (5%) 

Respond to transmission loading relief and re-dispatch events through the modification of generation patterns as directed by reliability coordinator at Midwest Independent Systems Operator-St. Paul. (5%) 

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.


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