Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Lock and Dam Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Louisville District Operations Division
This job announcement has closed

Summary

About the Position: Managers may select from any of the grades advertised but, these positions are a part of the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) which requires selectees to be certified through the Lock and Dam Operator (LDO) training and certification program prior to advancement to the intervening WY-07 grade or full performance WY-08 grade levels.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications received on or before 22 MAY 2023 will receive first consideration for current vacancies.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/12/2023 to 11/03/2023
Salary
$21.87 to - $31.08 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 5 - 8
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Brookport, IL
Olmsted, IL
Cannelton, IN
Mount Vernon, IN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position up to 10% of the time.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
8
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
SWGJ231734050600S
Control number
725628300

Videos

Duties

Help
  • As a journeyman lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility, operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic.
  • Performs other installation repair and maintenance tasks requiring application of trade skills and knowledges.
  • Performs a variety of tasks independently or assisting the team with tasks required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type, concrete work, etc.
  • Operate electric gate controls to open or close miter gates and culvert/stone gate valves at each end of the lock chamber(s).
  • Operate electrically controlled tow haulage unit to move barges into and out of lock chambers on River projects.
  • Secure lines and slings to for materials or equipment being moved and provide hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks.
  • Perform seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, shoveling snow, clearing ice; as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restrooms, facilities, standby equipment.
  • Assist setting bulkheads; carpentry or plumbing required for major construction or repair maintenance; concrete work.
  • Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE Pamphlet 600-1-3.
  • Pre-employment physical required: Exerts heavy physical effort in doing such tasks, frequently lifting and moving objects weighing over 50 pounds, running power mowers on grades or pushing heavy wheelbarrow loads of concrete.
  • Must complete required refresher training to maintain Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification.
  • Must observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
  • Requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and maintain the license for the duration of employment.
  • May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.

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
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications received on or before 22 MAY 2023 will receive first consideration for current vacancies. Additional cut offs are established as additional vacancies occur. Applications remain active for 3 months (90 days) from initial date applicants apply, if remain interested and available must re-apply once initial 90 days has passed.

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.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. 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, or 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 EFFORTS: 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, occasionally 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.

WORK SCHEDULES: This position is located at an IMTS facility. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements. Typical schedules may consist of 1, 2, or 3 specific shift schedules. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays. Sites with limited commercial use may operate on reduced work schedules. In all cases, work schedules and hours of operation are locally determined based on work requirements.

This is a Mission Essential position and not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations. A Mission Essential employee is required to report for, or remain at, work in emergency situations; dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to him/her unless his/her supervisor instructs otherwise.

IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program: 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. Newly Appointed Lock and Dam Operators (LDOs) must successfully complete certification requirements before promotion to the full performance level may be affected. 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
  • One 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 Field (CF) 18 - Engineers and Scientists (Resources Non-Construction) 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.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • You may claim military spouse preference (MSP).
  • If a MSP applicant is determined best qualified and selected, placement must be at the full performance level for priority consideration.
  • 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.
  • Recruitment, Relocation or Retention incentives are not authorized.
  • Applicant may be required to participate in the Louisville District Lock and Dam Operator Training Program which may involve change in duty location.
  • Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within a designated time frame identified by the organization. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency's telework policy.
  • To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to

    Executive Order 14043

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 resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume 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.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.