Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Lock and Dam Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This job announcement has closed

Summary

About the Position: Managers may select from any of the grades advertised but, these positions are a part of the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) which requires selectees to be certified through the Lock and Dam Operator (LDO) training and certification program prior to advancement to the intervening WY-07 grade or full performance WY-08 grade levels.

Overview

Help
Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/01/2025 to 08/15/2025
Salary
$26.87 to - $35.79 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 5 - 8
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Buffalo, NY
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
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
CERE256187274152HWR
Control number
842205100

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

U.S. CITIZENS.

Videos

Duties

Help
  • As a journeyman lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility, operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic.
  • Performs other installation repair and maintenance tasks requiring application of trade skills and knowledges.
  • Performs a variety of tasks independently or assisting the team with tasks required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type, concrete work, etc.
  • Operate electric gate controls to open or close miter gates and culvert/stone gate valves at each end of the lock chamber(s).
  • Operate electrically controlled tow haulage unit to move barges into and out of lock chambers on River projects.
  • Secure lines and slings to for materials or equipment being moved and provide hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks.
  • Perform seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, shoveling snow, clearing ice; as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restrooms, facilities, standby equipment.
  • Assist setting bulkheads; carpentry or plumbing required for major construction or repair maintenance; concrete work.
  • Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • May be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends and holidays.
  • This position requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and the ability to maintain the license for the duration of employment.
  • This position is subject to all the provisions of the Civilian Drug Testing Program. Pre- employment drug test required and enrollment in the army random drug testing program.
  • This position may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain all Corps of Engineers licenses/certifications associated with the position.
  • Required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical and bi-annually thereafter.
  • 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 has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
  • Incumbent may be required to wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
  • 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 requirements.

Qualifications

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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. Level of experience must show that you have performed various simple maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment; and operated simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as: lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electric drills, power wrenches, or hydraulic lifts. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • PHYSICAL EFFORTS: 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, occasionally 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.
  • 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.
IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program: These positions fall under the USACE Inland Marine Technology System (IMTS). Employees at WY-05 and WY-07 will participate in a formalized training and development program for Lock and Dam Operators involving on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and related correspondence courses. Trainee positions at WY-05 afford the opportunity for career progression to the intermediate grade of WY-07; and final grade of WY-08 after successful completion of training and certification requirements. Newly Appointed Lock and Dam Operators (LDOs) must successfully complete certification requirements before promotion to the full performance level may be affected. Certification is not a condition of employment. However, failing to meet certification requirements could result in adverse consequences. Certification is voluntary for Current LDOs. Although not required, current LDOs are encouraged to obtain certification as it may be helpful when seeking advancement through competitive or noncompetitive opportunities. IMTS-Certified LDOs must successfully complete refresher training, as required, to maintain certification.

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.
  • 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 Career Field (CF) 18 - Engineers and Scientists (Resources Non-Construction) 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.
  • Recruitment, Relocation or Retention incentives may be authorized.

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.

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.