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Lock and Dam Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New York Operations Division, Albany Field Office, Operations and Maintenance Section
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: Lock & Dam Operator at a USACE facility in Troy, NY. Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock & dam gates, control valves and other equipment required for passage of a variety of private & commercial traffic through the lock.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
08/12/2025 to 08/21/2025
Salary
$29.99 to - $34.99 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 9
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Troy, NY
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 25% for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
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
Yes
Announcement number
CERD259469031412HW
Control number
843047600

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Duties

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  • 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.
  • Installs, repairs, and maintains lock and dam machinery, and equipment of mechanical or electrical type.
  • Performs carpentry or plumbing required for minor construction or repair and maintenance; concrete work, welding, painting, cleaning, etc.
  • Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening; snow shoveling, clearing ice, etc.
  • Operates smaller crane/bulkhead hoist/etc. for placing bulkheads.
  • Operates equipment such as but not limited to: pick-up truck, dump truck, forklift, front-end loader, bulldozer, tractor, motorboat, and pontoon boat.
  • Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
  • Issues instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
  • Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • The position is designated mission essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other emergency situations (natural or man-made) the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work to support mission operations.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
  • This position requires certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation with Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training within 2 years of appointment.
  • This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 25% of the time.
  • Position requires Lock and Dam certification through the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) training program within 1 year.
  • This position requires the incumbent to comply with all safety rules, regulations, and directives applicable to the work assignments.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.

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.



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 an Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Performing operations, maintenance, and repair activities that requires construction and/or mechanical skills acquired from working on navigation locks, facilities, grounds, and/or equipment - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

To meet the basic eligibility, you must receive at least two points on the screen-out element indicated above and must have an average of two points on all the job elements listed below. Your application will be further evaluated to determine if you meet the best qualified cut-off for referral to the selecting official. 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 (Screen-out Element)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment and Machinery
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • 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

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

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.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

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