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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.
• Issuing 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.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• 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 is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• 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.
• Subject to recall and required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations.
• 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 may require lifting and carrying items in excess of 50 pounds.
• This position requires to obtain American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED within 2 years.
• This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis.
• This position requires Lock and Dam certification through the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) training program within 1 year.
• This position requires to observe established safety working procedures.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) 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.

• 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.

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.