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Lock and Dam Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Operations Division, Locks and Dams
This job announcement has closed

Summary

About the Position: This permanent position is with the St. Paul District. The position performs a variety of maintenance, repair, and operational duties at a navigation lock and dam.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/29/2025 to 09/12/2025
Salary
$25.71 to - $35.66 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 5 - 8
Locations
3 vacancies in the following locations:
Red Wing, MN
Alma, WI
Genoa, WI
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - Overnight business travel may be required up to 25% of the time.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Multiple
Work schedule
Full-time - Seasonal
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
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CERG259397030343HWR
Control number
844324700

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Duties

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  • Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
  • Operates electrical or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
  • Removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
  • Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying landfilling operation.
  • During double lockages, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable to move barges into and out of lock chamber.
  • Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions regarding time and degree of gate change.
  • Performs 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.
  • Performs continuing and special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • This is a seasonal position. Seasonal employment means annually recurring periods of work for eight months.
  • This position requires rotating shift work, operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts to include weekdays and weekends.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination.
  • This position requires the incumbent to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • The position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work.
  • Incumbent may be required to have 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.
  • 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.
  • This position requires Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification within 1 year of appointment.
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.

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.

Minimum Qualifications at WY-05 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common tasks including various maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment. Operate simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as lawn mower, hedge clippers, floor buffer, jackhammer, power threader, or power wrench. Work is under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews work for completion. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications at WY-07 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common tasks including operating lock chamber gates and lock chamber emptying and filling valves manually or by using simple mechanical equipment. Operate radio, hydraulic pumps, air compressor, standby generators and tow haulage equipment. Perform preventative maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables, chains, and pulleys; cleaning and painting lock fixtures or other appurtenances; cleaning, sharpening and repairing tools and equipment. Work is under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews work for completion. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications at WY-08 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common lock operations tasks such as: operating electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment, gates and valves. Make minor repairs to lock and dam equipment; apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; and comply with governing safety practices and procedures. Work is under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - 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 or uncomfortably hot or cold areas, from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools, and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as a 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.

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 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 an Engineers and Scientists Career Field 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.
  • 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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