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Crane Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Little Goose Lock and Dam, Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Summary

About the Position: This position is located at Little Goose Dam, Starbuck, WA. The Dam is operated by USACE and is situated on the Snake River, 65-river miles downstream from Clarkston, WA and 70-river miles upstream from the Tri-Cities, WA. Work duties will be performed inside and outside the hydroelectric (powerhouse) facility. This is a fast paced and multifaceted working environment. Little Goose Dam is near Starbuck, WA and close to Dayton, WA.

Overview

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Open & closing dates
04/22/2026 to 05/05/2026
Salary
$64.68 - $64.68 per hour

Incentives May be Authorized

Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Starbuck, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel 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
No
Announcement number
CEDE-26-129433246-MP
Control number
866141300

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Duties

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  • Responsible for the safe operation of any and all of the cranes located at the project for construction, operational maintenance, and repair purposes.
  • Maneuvers levers for control of crane from cab or carriage located 10 - 90 ft above the work, assuring that the moving load will not collide with personnel, machinery, structures or materials; and that precision placement of load is accomplished.
  • Performs preventive maintenance check of machines prior to operation and makes minor operation adjustments, reporting repairs required to worker in charge or repair shop.
  • Performs rigging as needed in changing booms, lines, chokers, slings, etc.
  • Prepares hazard control plans, critical lift plans, drafts safe clearance orders, and attends and participates in regularly scheduled safety meetings.
  • Performs other sub-journey level mechanical, electrical, or general maintenance duties such as assisting with routine maintenance and repair, assembly or clean-up, welding, cutting, air-arcing, grinding, carpentry, painting, etc.

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.
  • A pre-employment physical is required.
  • Pre-employment and random drug testing required IAW EP 600-1-3.
  • Valid state driver’s license required.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain/maintain NWD Crane Operator Class I Cert.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain w/in 90 days a valid state CDL

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 USACE employees with competitive status.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


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) Crane Operator without more than normal supervision. Experience operating bridge, boom, and/or gantry of cranes, reading and understanding load charts and conducting maintenance checks on cranes - 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.
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Ability to perform Motor Vehicle Operator duties w/o more than normal supervision
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability And Dependability
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: The operator pushes, pulls, and depresses levers, brakes, clutches, etc. requiring considerable strength and keen hand/eye/foot coordination. Climbs ladders and regularly lifts and carries supplies, hooks, cables, and rigging weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. The operator is subject to constant vibration while the crane is in operation. Must have normal vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed both inside and outside the powerhouse. Exposed to high noise levels, dust fumes, heat, cold, and climate extremes. There is danger of serious injury or death from improperly operated cranes, contact with high voltage electricity and the danger of drowning when working above swift moving water. Spends long periods in cramped quarters and is exposed to possible injury from swinging loads or crane overturning. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • This position is covered by the NWD Regional Power Rate Schedule: TC-H
  • Position requires employee to wear uniform and or/ protective clothing.
  • Position is eligible for situational telework only.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1-year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • 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(n) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) 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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

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.

You may claim Military Spouse preference.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

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.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Looking for a great place to work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the best! In 2020, USACE ranked #2 of government large-agency subcomponent! USACE is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. We serve the American people, striving to provide the most effective engineering and environmental science solutions to the nation's complex problems affecting national security, the economy and the environment in which we live.

USACE offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment; providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines. We rely on leaders with vision, creativity, and programmatic and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Align your talents with your passion and find out why the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is a great place to work!

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RH-W2SJ03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-WALLA WALLA
DO NOT MAIL
Walla Walla, WA 99362
US

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https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

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