Lock And Dam Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Minneapolis, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a permanent, full-time shift Head Lock and Dam Operator position at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation facilities in the St. Paul District. The selected applicant directs employees in operating lock and dam equipment and exercises primary authority over lock use, including issuing instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting entry precedence, and maintaining proper procedures. The operator handles lines, operates electrically, electronically, or hydraulically controlled gates, assesses craft and weather conditions for safe entry, and checks machinery to prevent breakdowns and identify unsafe conditions.

The role involves rotating shift work, including possible weekday and weekend shifts. Work is predominantly outdoors and requires physical effort, safe operation of equipment, and compliance with established safety procedures. Inland Marine Transportation System certification is required unless the applicant qualifies for a grandfathering exemption. The position is designated mission essential and may require reporting to or remaining at work during severe weather or emergencies. Business travel may be required up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to perform common lock and dam operations without more than normal supervision.
• Experience operating lock and dam equipment with electrically or hydraulically controlled gates and valves.
• Ability to make minor repairs to lock and dam equipment.
• Ability to apply locking procedures, policies, and laws related to traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged craft.
• Ability to provide locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators.
• Ability to determine actions to take during equipment breakdowns, operational delays, and accidents.
• Ability to recognize and avoid potential work hazards and comply with safety procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; the physical demands section also describes occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds.
• Possess or obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
• Meet Inland Marine Transportation System certification requirements unless exempt under provisions for grandfathered applicants.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Complete a suitability or fitness determination based on a background investigation.
• Work rotating shifts, which may include weekdays and weekends.
• Be available to report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies as a mission-essential employee.
• Possibly obtain and maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED credentials in good standing, and/or wear a prescribed uniform, depending on site-specific requirements.
• Observe established safe working procedures and use required protective clothing and equipment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Responsibilities

• Direct employees in the operation of lock and dam equipment.
• Exercise primary authority over lock use by issuing instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting precedence of entry, and maintaining proper procedures.
• Handle bow or stern lines, walk lines to appropriate locations along the wall, and snub lines to assist pilots in maneuvering craft into position.
• Operate electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open or close gates.
• Observe weather and the condition of craft seeking entry to determine whether entry is safe.
• Perform operational or functional machinery checks to prevent untimely or dangerous breakdowns and identify unsafe conditions.
• Apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged craft.
• Determine appropriate actions during equipment breakdowns, operational delays, and accidents, and perform repairs necessary to keep the lock operating.
• Comply with established safety practices and procedures.
• Report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies when required.
• Travel for business as required, up to 25% of the time.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed