Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public. If you are a current or former federal permanent status employee or a veteran, apply to announcement number RECE249849235415.

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• 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.

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: US Citizens

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(n) 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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of 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.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

NOTE: Managers may select from any of the grades advertised.

You may claim Military Spouse preference.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) applicants will receive preference consideration and will be placed (if selected) at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined best qualified, up to and including the full performance level.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicants will receive preference consideration at the full-performance grade level only.

Only MSP/PPP applicants currently occupying a formal training program position are entitled to exercise their priority status.

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.