SummaryAbout the Position: As a journeyman lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS), operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic through the lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels. Performs other installation repair and maintenance tasks.Learn more about this agencyDutiesHelpWorks alone or as part of a two-man team during lockages.Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.Secures towlines to lock wall as required.Operates electrical or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.As necessary during operation, removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operation, and during double lockages, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable to move barges.Performs a variety of tasks in providing assistance to and/or personally performing work required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type; concrete work, etc.Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening, shoveling snow, clearing ice, as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restroom facilities, standby equipment, etc.RequirementsHelpConditions of employmentAppointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as, weekdays.This is a Mission Essential position. A Mission Essential employee is required to report for, or remain at, work in emergency situations, and dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to him/her unless his/her supervisor instructs otherwise.A pre-employment physical is required.This position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE Pamphlet 600-1-3.This position requires lifting of at least 50 lbs.TDY may be required up to 25% of the time.Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.Incumbent may be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state drivers license based on job-related, site- specific requirements.Employees are required to observe established safe working procedures.Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.QualificationsWho May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.Current USACE employees with competitive statusCurrent Civilian Employees of the CommandDomestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel WorkforceInteragency Career Transition Assistance PlanLand Management Workforce Flexibility ActMilitary Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability RetirementPriority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference EligibleVeterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.WY-5426-05 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform common lock operations tasks performing maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electrical drills, and manual wrenches.WY-5426-07 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform some lock operations tasks such as: operating chamber gates and the lock chamber emptying and filling valves; performing routine preventive maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables of lock and dam equipment, chains, and pulleys; and following specific instructions to perform assignments connected to lock operations.WY-5426-08 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform some lock operations tasks such as: operating chamber gates and the lock chamber emptying and filling valves; performing routine preventive maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables of lock and dam equipment, chains, and pulleys; following specific instructions to perform assignments connected to lock operations; and operating marine radio to communicate with traffic entering/exiting lock chamber.Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)Use of Measuring InstrumentsPHYSICAL EFFORT: Eye and hand coordination for operating various controls and handling lines while observing traffic and personnel, during crane lifting operations, lifting dam gates, etc. There is standing, stooping, bending, occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.WORKING CONDITIONS: Preponderance of work is performed outside, subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in cramped and/or uncomfortably hot or cold areas), from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools and wiring or other equipment, from working with normal manual tools, and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as result of falls while working around water, hazard is practically eliminated through observance of safety procedures and use of safety equipment. During maintenance operations, is occasionally exposed to unpleasant fumes, dust, etc.EducationThis job does not have an education qualification requirement.Additional informationMale applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.One year trial/probationary period may be required.Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.Direct deposit of pay is required.This is a Career Program (CP) #29 - Installation Management position.Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Job Title
Lock and Dam Operator