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LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This job announcement has closed

Summary

About the Position:
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is actively seeking applications to fill multiple Lock and Dam Operator vacancies throughout the District. These positions will be filled the WY-05; WY-07; or WY-08 grade levels.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/27/2019 to 04/15/2019
Salary
$24.15 to - $32.44 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 5 - 8
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position 10% of the time.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Seasonal
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
8
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
SWGJ194183408088
Control number
528601200

Duties

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  • Performs a variety of tasks in providing assistance to and/or personally performing work required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type; concrete work, etc.
  • Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operation, and during double lockage?s, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable.
  • Operates a variety of equipment such as pick-up truck, dump truck, forklift, front-end loader, bulldozer, tractor, bridge crane, motor boat and/or pontoon boat.
  • Operates electrical or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber. As necessary during operation, removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
  • May perform various sub-journeyman work such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, etc.
  • Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening, shoveling snow, clearing ice, as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restroom facilities, standby equipment, etc.
  • Operates a variety of power driven hand tools and uses a variety of hand/mechanical tools to accomplish the maintenance tasks.
  • Understanding instructions or as directed, contacts boat pilots to obtain data such as number of passengers, tonnage and commodities being transported, point of origin and destination, etc.
  • Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions regarding time and degree of gate change.
  • Secures lines and slings to materials or equipment being moved and provides hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks, for placing bulkheads, etc.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Drug Testing Designated Position. This position meets criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army (DA) Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program, as supplemented by USACE Pamphlet 600-1-3.
  • Mission Essential. This position is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
  • Work Schedules. Days of operations and typical daily schedules will vary based on site-specific work requirements. Sites with limited commercial use may operate on reduced work schedules.
  • Required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment will be provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
  • May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card in good standing, based on site-specific requirements.
  • May be required to wear a prescribed uniform, based on site-specific requirements.
  • May be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends.
  • Pre-employment physical examination is required and subsequent annual physicals may be required.
  • Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP), Program S (Military Spouse) registrant
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998



Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

These positions fall under the USACE Inland Marine Technology System (IMTS).

Employees at WY-05 and WY-07 will participate in a formalized training and development program for Lock and Dam Operators involving on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and related correspondence courses. Trainee positions at WY-05 afford the opportunity for career progression to the intermediate grade of WY-07; and final grade of WY-08 after successful completion of training and certification requirements.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR without more than normal supervision. At a minimum, your level of experience must show that you have performed various simple maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment; and operated simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as: lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electric drills, power wrenches, and hydraulic lifts. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment and Machinery
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Physical Effort: Eye and hand coordination for operating various controls and handling lines while observing traffic and personnel, during crane lifting operations, lifting dam gates, etc. There is standing, stooping, bending, occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.
  • Working Conditions: Preponderance of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather, There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in cramped and/or uncomfortably hot or cold areas), from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools and wiring or other equipment, from working with normal manual tools, and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as result of falls while working around water, hazard is practically eliminated through observance of safety procedures and use of safety equipment. During maintenance operations is occasionally exposed to unpleasant fumes, dust, etc.

Education

IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program

Newly-Appointed Lock and Dam Operators (LDOs) must successfully complete certification requirements before promotion to the full performance level may be effected.

Certification is not a condition of employment. However, failing to meet certification requirements could result in adverse consequences.

Certification is voluntary for Current LDOs. Although not required, current LDOs are encouraged to obtain certification as it may be helpful when seeking advancement through competitive or noncompetitive opportunities. IMTS-Certified LDOs must successfully complete refresher training, as required, to maintain certification.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • Two year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a Career Program (CP) 18 - position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Seasonal employment means annually recurring periods of work of less than 12 months each year. Seasonal employees are permanent employees who are placed in non-duty/non-pay status and recalled to duty in accordance with pre-established conditions of employment. Seasonal employees are eligible for the same benefits offered to full-time employees. If interested in and selected for a Seasonal position, an employment agreement must be executed between the agency and the employee prior to the employee's first day on duty.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

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