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Lock and Dam Operator

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

Summary

About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator for the Army Corps of Engineers at Re
d House, WV within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for a variety of private and commercial traffic through lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
10/03/2025 to 10/17/2025
Salary
$28.65 to - $33.36 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WY 9
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Red House, WV
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
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
Yes
Announcement number
CEDB-25-12811011-MP
Control number
847425100

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Duties

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  • Provide technical expertise to other journeyman level wage grade employees involved in the repair, maintenance, and use of a wide range of standard and complex industrial equipment that operates based on electrical/electronic systems.
  • Perform diagnosis, maintenance, repair, testing, and installation of electrical equipment and systems, including highly complex equipment and systems.
  • Responsible operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the electrical systems for operating various equipment on the floating plant.
  • Disassemble interlocking and interrelated electrical, mechanical systems, subsystems, standby and related equipment to determine extent of repairs, overhaul and/or replacement parts needed.

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.
  • Applicants for promotion or placement into a job having greater promotion potential than their current job (or one previously held) must have a rating of Fully Successful or higher on their most recent annual performance appraisal.
  • Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment will be provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory. May be required to wear a prescribed uniform, based on site-specific requirements.
  • May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card in good standing, based on site-specific requirements.
  • May be required to have a valid state driver's license, based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
  • Pre-employment physical examination is required
  • Testing Designated Position. This position meets criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army (DA) Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
  • Mission Essential. This position is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
  • Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.

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 Army Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Employee
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • 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
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • 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. At a minimum, your level of experience must show that you have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex lock operating duties as a shift head at a lock and dam project office; have been responsible for project security and use of the lock through issuance of instructions to towboat captains and other craft operators, setting precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation; have determined the specific actions to take during equipment breakdowns, delays in operations, and accidents; have relayed information or passed on instructions to shift, as appropriate; skilled in utilizing a computer to input lock usage data; considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - 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
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Physical Effort: Requires 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, 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 uncomfortable 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.

Education

IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program

  • 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(n) Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure 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.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is 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.

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