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Lock and Dam Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
St. Louis District, Operations Division, Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Is immediately responsible for site installation operations during second, third or swing shift or on leave days.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/01/2025 to 08/15/2025
Salary
$32.18 to - $37.60 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 9
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Modoc, IL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 25% of the time for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - NTE 6 Years
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
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
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CERG259698307784HW
Control number
842258500

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Duties

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  • During shift operation exercises primary authority over use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
  • Serves alone or as responsible lead man of two-man crew responsible for making lockages.
  • Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
  • Secures lines on wall.
  • Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
  • As necessary during operation removes debris or ice in path of moving gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
  • Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations.
  • Takes steps to remedy and/or reports it to supervisor.
  • Personally performs, assists in and/or directs journeyman or sub-journeyman work accomplishment.

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.
  • This position is located at an IMTS facility. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays.
  • 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.
  • This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate..
  • A pre-employment physical is required.
  • Incumbent may be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
  • Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state drivers license based on job-related, site- specific requirements.
  • Employees are required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
  • Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
  • TDY may be required up to 25%.
  • This position requires lifting of at least 50 lbs.

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 Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform the full range of lock operations tasks such as: operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, providing locking instructions to others when needed, determining whether craft desiring lockage can be locked safely. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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 and spaces, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical effort required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Preponderance of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure to injuries associated with working in restricted areas, occasionally 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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Position may be filled as a term appointment NTE 6 Years. Term appointments may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years. If you're a current Army employee and selected for this position you will be converted to a term appointment.
  • 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.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • 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.
  • This is a(n) #29 - Installation Management position Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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, 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.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

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

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