Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Operations Division

Summary

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).

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/10/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 10, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$27.64 - $32.27 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 9
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CEDB-26-12949825-MP
Control number
873949900

Videos

Duties

Help
  • Exercises primary authority overuse 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 for making lockage's.
  • 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, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
  • 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.
  • Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operations.
  • Operates controls necessary to provide for by-pass of defective circuits controlling lock operation.

Requirements

Help

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 requirement.
  • Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state driver's license based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
  • Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
  • 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.
  • IMTS (Inland Marine Transportation System) Certification within 1 year

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 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) Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common tasks associated with the operations of lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and control valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled; or where the dam is a movable wicket-type structure. I have made minor repairs to lock and dam equipment. I have applied locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damage crafts. I have complied with governing safety practices and procedures. I work 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.

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, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.

Working Conditions - The majority of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in 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. During maintenance operations is occasionally exposed to unpleasant fumes, dust, etc.

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.

Drug Testing: 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. Performance of the duties of your position is sufficiently critical that screening to detect the presence of drugs is warranted as a requirement of your position. It is mandatory for your continued employment in this position that you refrain from the use of illegal drugs and submit to drug testing when directed.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment and Machinery
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments

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.
  • This position may require 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 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.
  • This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations (natural or man-made disaster) the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.

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
RL-W2SR04 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-MOBILE
DO NOT MAIL
Mobile, AL 36628
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

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

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.