Engineering Equipment Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers•Fountain City, WI

About The Position

This seasonal position is located in the St. Paul District, with the official duty station on the Dredge Goetz. The operator is assigned to a large self-propelled hydraulic pipeline dredge with a 20-inch discharge, performing dredging operations in channels and harbors on the Mississippi River. Seasonal employment consists of annually recurring periods of work that typically last eight months, although the duration may vary based on management needs. The operator runs heavy equipment and dredge-related machinery, performs routine preventive maintenance and inspections, and assists with pipeline, pontoon, towing, and mooring operations. The position requires rotating shifts, including coverage on evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as planned and unscheduled overtime. It is designated mission essential, and the incumbent may be required to report to or remain at work during emergencies or severe weather.

Requirements

Meet the minimum qualification screen-out requirement: ability to perform common equipment-operator duties without more than normal supervision, including operating bulldozers, excavators, crawler machines, front-end loaders, outboard motors, power hoists, capstans, and winches.
Have the ability to make minor equipment repairs and perform preventive maintenance, including checking oils and fluids, air filters, batteries, gauges, and track condition and tension.
Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to demonstrate continued physical fitness for the duties.
Be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Work rotating shifts that provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
Work planned and unscheduled overtime.
Report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergency situations as a mission-essential employee.
Successfully complete the USACE Small Boat Safety Course within six months of starting.
Successfully complete the USACE Heavy Equipment Operating course.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Meet any suitability or fitness determination resulting from a background investigation.

Responsibilities

Operate D5, D-6, D-7, and D-8 bulldozers, front-end loaders, bucket crawlers, and excavators to unload, place, move, and break up shore pipe and to move or level sand and other dredged material.
Perform preventive maintenance, including checking oil, water, batteries, gauges, and track condition; oil and grease machinery; and perform routine operating maintenance.
Inspect and document assigned equipment, notify the supervisor of mechanical failures, and recommend repairs.
Operate powered hoists, capstans, winches, and outboard motors on the dredge and attendant plant.
Handle and fasten mooring lines and towing cables when making up or breaking tows, securing attendant plant, and mooring barges.
Connect, disconnect, repair, and replace pipeline and shifting pontoons when assigned to a hydraulic dredge.
Remove obstructions from the suction head and pipeline.
Straighten and replace walkways and lines on pontoons.
Use wrenches, power tools, and other hand tools to dismantle pipeline after dredging and load it onto barges.