Lock And Dam Operator

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

1d

About The Position

This permanent, full-time position with the St. Paul District performs maintenance, repair, and operational duties at a navigation lock and dam. The position is a Direct Hire Authority solicitation for qualified candidates in the competitive service. The position has promotion potential to WY-09, although promotion is not automatic and depends on the employee’s qualifications, performance, and recommendation by the supervisor.

The operator assists vessels entering and moving through the lock, operates lock gates and water-control valves, and operates dam gates according to instructions. The role also includes maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical lock and dam equipment, concrete work, and operational checks to identify problems and help prevent equipment breakdowns. IMTS certification is required within one year of appointment unless the employee qualifies for a grandfathered exemption.

The position requires rotating shifts, including alternating hours on weekdays and weekends, and business travel up to 25% of the time. It is designated mission essential, so the incumbent may have to report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies. Work is predominantly outdoors and involves exposure to varied weather and temperatures, restricted or cramped areas, tools and equipment, falling objects, and work around water. Physical requirements include coordination while operating controls and handling lines; standing, stooping, bending, stretching, working in cramped spaces, maneuvering bulky equipment, and moderate to arduous physical effort, including occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds.

The incumbent must have or obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license and complete a pre-employment physical examination. The role is subject to a background investigation and random drug testing. Depending on site requirements, the incumbent may need to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED credentials and wear a prescribed uniform. Relocation/PCS costs and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work without more than normal supervision; qualifying paid or unpaid experience may be credited, and no specific length of experience is required.
• WY-05 screen-out: Ability to perform common maintenance or repair tasks using mechanical or electrical equipment and operate simple electrical or mechanical equipment under work-leader or journey-level supervision.
• WY-07 screen-out: Ability to operate lock chamber gates and filling/emptying valves manually or with simple mechanical equipment; operate radio, hydraulic pumps, air compressor, standby generators, and tow haulage equipment; and perform preventive maintenance such as oiling, greasing, cleaning, painting, sharpening, and repairing.
• WY-09 screen-out: Ability to operate electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment, gates, and valves; make minor repairs; apply procedures and rules for traffic right-of-way, operating sequences, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged craft; and follow safety practices.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds; the physical demands may include occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds.
• Must complete Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification within one year of appointment unless exempt under grandfathered-applicant provisions.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, including alternating hours across shifts on weekdays and weekends.
• Must be available to report to work or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies because the position is mission essential.
• Subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation and to random drug testing.
• May be required, based on site-specific requirements, to maintain American Red Cross Standard First Aid, CPR, and/or AED credentials and wear a prescribed uniform.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Appointment is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the applicable requirements; the agency evaluates fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Responsibilities

• Handle bow or stern lines and position and secure lines along the lock wall to assist pilots maneuvering vessels.
• Operate electrical or electronic gate controls to open and close lock chamber gates.
• Remove debris or ice from gate paths and lock wall recesses to prevent damage to equipment or machinery.
• Operate electrically, electronically, or hydraulically controlled valves to manage water flow for emptying and filling the lock chamber.
• Operate tow haulage equipment during double lockages to move barges into and out of the lock chamber.
• Operate controls to raise or lower dam gates according to instructions regarding the timing and degree of gate changes.
• Install, repair, and maintain mechanical or electrical lock and dam machinery and equipment, and perform concrete work.
• Perform routine and special operational or functional checks on machinery to help prevent untimely or dangerous equipment breakdowns.
• Perform maintenance and repair tasks using mechanical or electrical equipment, and maintain tools and equipment.
• Apply applicable locking procedures, policies, and laws concerning traffic right-of-way, operating sequence, hazardous commodities, damaged craft, and safe passage.
• Observe safety practices and procedures while performing lock and dam operations and maintenance.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific 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