
Lock and Dam Operator
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At a glance
Job overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks a shift‑head Lock and Dam Operator to manage lock operations at a navigation facility, overseeing equipment, directing vessel operators, handling lines, and performing safety and maintenance tasks during second, third, or swing shifts.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Is immediately responsible for site installation operations during second, third or swing shift or on leave days.
Duties
- During shift operation exercises primary authority over use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
- Serves alone or as responsible lead man of two-man crew responsible for making 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 lines on wall.
- Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
- As necessary during operation removes debris or ice in path of moving gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
- Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations.
- Takes steps to remedy and/or reports it to supervisor.
- Personally performs, assists in and/or directs journeyman or sub-journeyman work accomplishment.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens Experience 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. Ability to perform the full range of lock operations tasks such as: operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, providing locking instructions to others when needed, determining whether craft desiring lockage can be locked safely. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Operation of Equipment and Machinery Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments PHYSICAL 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, occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions and spaces, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical effort required. WORKING CONDITIONS: Preponderance of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure to injuries associated with working in restricted areas, occasionally 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. You may claim Military Spouse preference. You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference. Other Information
This position is being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel within the DoD. Male 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. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. 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. This is a(n) 29 Career Field position. 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.
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