Lock and Dam Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers•Morris, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

This position operates and maintains lock and dam equipment at Dresden Island Lock and Dam in Morris, Illinois. The position may be filled at the WY-05, WY-07, or WY-08 level. A WY-05 or WY-07 appointment has noncompetitive promotional potential to WY-08. The position is being filled under Direct Hiring Authority. The operator manages electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam gates, control valves, and related equipment to facilitate traffic passage and maintain pool levels. Work is performed using oral, written, or radio instructions. The operator performs or directs maintenance and repair tasks using craft or trade skills, instructions, and hand and power tools; checks machinery to help prevent breakdowns and identify unsafe conditions; and may work alone or lead a two-person crew making lockages. Seasonal groundskeeping, snow and ice removal, and janitorial duties are also part of the position. The role normally works rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. It is mission essential, and employees may be required to work during emergencies and inclement weather. A background investigation, medical examination, and random drug testing may apply. Depending on site requirements, the incumbent may need to maintain current First Aid, CPR, and/or AED credentials and wear a prescribed uniform. Safe work procedures and required protective equipment must be used. Work is predominantly outdoors and involves exposure to varying temperatures and weather, restricted or cramped spaces, falling objects, tools and electrical equipment, and fall hazards around lock walls, bridges, and water. Maintenance work may occasionally involve unpleasant fumes and dust. The job entails substantial physical activity, including standing, bending, stooping, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling bulky equipment, and occasionally lifting more than 50 pounds.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Demonstrated ability to perform the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision; no specific length of training or experience is required.
For WY-05, demonstrate ability to perform common lock-operation tasks and maintenance or repair using mechanical or electrical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electrical drills, and manual wrenches, under close supervision.
For WY-07 or WY-08, demonstrate ability to perform lock operations such as operating chamber gates and emptying and filling valves, and routine preventive maintenance such as oiling and greasing equipment cables, chains, and pulleys, following specific instructions under supervision.
Ability to interpret instructions and specifications.
Dexterity and knowledge of safety practices.
Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair.
Ability to operate equipment and machinery and apply technical practices.
Ability to use measuring instruments.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including occasionally lifting more than 50 pounds and performing continuous moderate to arduous activity.
Satisfactory completion of a medical examination before assignment, if selected.
Comply with random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
Maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing if required by site-specific requirements.
Wear a prescribed uniform if required by site-specific requirements.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Complete a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Use Direct Deposit of Pay.

Responsibilities

Operate electrically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and related equipment to pass traffic and maintain pool levels, following oral, written, or radio instructions.
Perform or direct installation, repair, and maintenance tasks using trade knowledge and skills, instructions or sketches, and appropriate hand and power tools.
Conduct routine and special operational or functional checks on machinery to help prevent breakdowns and identify unsafe conditions.
Work alone or act as lead person for a two-person crew making lockages.
Perform seasonal groundskeeping, including grass cutting, trimming, gardening, snow shoveling, and ice clearing.
Perform janitorial duties, including cleaning the control house, lock building, restrooms, and standby equipment.
Observe established safe working procedures and use required protective clothing and equipment.