Lock And Dam Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers•Troy, NY

About The Position

The Lock and Dam Operator works as a shift head at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation facility in the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). The operator controls electrically, electronically, or hydraulically operated lock and dam gates, valves, and related equipment to support the passage of private and commercial traffic. The position exercises primary authority over lock use by instructing tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting entry precedence, and ensuring procedural operations are followed. The operator assists with positioning vessels by handling bow or stern lines, walking lines to designated locations along the wall, and snubbing lines to help pilots maneuver craft. The operator observes weather and vessel conditions to assess whether entry is safe, performs operational and functional checks on machinery to prevent dangerous or untimely failures, and identifies developing unsafe conditions. The role requires shift coverage, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special situations, and may require reporting or remaining at work during emergencies. The job requires a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations, pre-employment screening and subsequent random testing, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of regular duties. The incumbent must hold or obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license, use employer-provided personal protective equipment, obtain CPR certification with AED training, and complete IMTS Lock and Dam certification within one year. Travel of up to 25% may be required. Work is predominantly outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather, with exposure to hazards associated with restricted spaces, tools and electrical equipment, falling objects, falls near lock structures and water, and occasional fumes and dust during maintenance.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to perform Lock and Dam Operator work without more than normal supervision; no specific length of training or experience is required.
Experience applying locking procedures, policies, and laws concerning traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged craft.
Experience providing locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators.
Experience operating electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment.
Ability to determine actions during equipment breakdowns, operational delays, and accidents; recognize and avoid hazards; and perform repairs needed to keep the lock operating.
Ability to interpret instructions and specifications, including blueprint reading; dexterity and safety knowledge; knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair; technical practices; and use of measuring instruments.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations to demonstrate continued fitness for the duties.
Meet pre-employment screening and random testing requirements, including testing based on reasonable suspicion or direct involvement in an on-duty accident.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in regular performance of duties; physical demands also include standing, stooping, bending, stretching, working in cramped spaces, handling bulky items, and moderate to arduous physical effort.
Possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued by one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
Obtain CPR certification with Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training.
Obtain Lock and Dam certification through the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) training program within one year.
Complete a one-year probationary period unless previously meeting the applicable requirements.
Be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship.
For male applicants born after December 31, 1959, complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Meet suitability or fitness requirements based on a background investigation.
Education cannot be substituted for the required experience.

Responsibilities

Operate electrically, electronically, or hydraulically controlled lock and dam gates, valves, and other equipment to facilitate passage of private and commercial traffic.
Exercise primary authority over lock use by issuing instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting precedence of entry, and maintaining proper operating 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.
Observe weather and the condition of vessels seeking entry to assess whether entry is safe.
Perform operational and functional machinery checks to prevent untimely or dangerous equipment breakdowns and identify developing unsafe conditions.
Determine actions to take during equipment breakdowns, operational delays, and accidents.
Perform repairs necessary to keep the lock operating.
Report to work or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies as needed to support mission operations.
Use employer-provided personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures.