HEAD DAM OPERATOR.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Covington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Virginia’s Covington area is seeking a Head Dam Operator to manage hydraulic gates, monitor reservoir levels, and supervise electrical and mechanical systems involved in dam operations.

Requirements include ability to work nights/weekends, operate heavy equipment, and pass background checks; a valid license may be required. This is a full-time, onsite federal position with strict safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform the work of a Head Dam Operator with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and electronically controlled dam gates and control valves.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and data collection systems.

Responsibilities

• Control gate settings to maintain proper lake/pool levels.
• Ensure reservoir temperature recorders are operational and downstream temperature is maintained.
• Prepare daily reports with climatological, reservoir, and stream data.
• Inspect and maintain intake tower and associated equipment; establish maintenance schedules.
• Operate and maintain motors and hydraulic systems; troubleshoot gate operations.
• Inspect bridge crane and maintain related equipment; record maintenance checks.

Skills

Head Dam Operator

Hydraulic systems

Electrical systems

Measuring instruments

Safety

Equipment repair

Tools

SCBA gear

Atmospheric monitoring

Fall protection

Job description

• Controls gate settings accordingly to maintain proper lake elevation.
• Insures reservoir temperature recorders are operational and downstream temperature is maintained for that day.
• Prepares a daily report which tabulates climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.
• Establishes, supervises, and performs short and long range electrical, mechanical and data collection system inspection requirements to assure that equipment is in proper working condition and that deficiencies are immediately reported
• Maintains all of the intake tower and all equipment and systems within tower. Plans and establishes maintenance guidelines, procedures, and work schedules for the intake tower equipment and systems.
• Performs operation maintenance on 50 H.P., 10 H.P. and 2 H.P. electric motors. Operate-s and troubleshoots hydraulic system for 17.8 ft and 5.86 ft gates in tower.
• Operates two ton bridge crane and inspects and maintains bridge assembly, Check differential pressure alarm system, keeps inspection and maintenance records on all equipment.

Duties

• Controls gate settings accordingly to maintain proper lake elevation.
• Insures reservoir temperature recorders are operational and downstream temperature is maintained for that day.
• Prepares a daily report which tabulates climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.
• Establishes, supervises, and performs short and long range electrical, mechanical and data collection system inspection requirements to assure that equipment is in proper working condition and that deficiencies are immediately reported
• Maintains all of the intake tower and all equipment and systems within tower. Plans and establishes maintenance guidelines, procedures, and work schedules for the intake tower equipment and systems.
• Performs operation maintenance on 50 H.P., 10 H.P. and 2 H.P. electric motors. Operate-s and troubleshoots hydraulic system for 17.8 ft and 5.86 ft gates in tower.
• Operates two ton bridge crane and inspects and maintains bridge assembly, Check differential pressure alarm system, keeps inspection and maintenance records on all equipment.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Required to obtain a Small Craft Operator License.
• Pre-employment and biennial (every 2 years) physical are required.
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Testing Program. Incumbent is required to take a pass a pre-employment drug test and random drug tests thereafter.
• Possession of or the ability to acquire a state driver's license.
• Possession of or the ability to acquire a Corps of Engineers and Virginia boat operator's license.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends depending on the needs of the project to which the employee is assigned.
• Incumbent is required to work in adverse weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.).
• May be required to obtain and maintain a valid CPR certificate and first responder (or equivalent) certificate.
• May be required to work in both non-permit and permit required confined space and implement proper rescue and entry techniques.
• May be required to be properly trained and/or operate the following equipment: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA's), escape packs, atmospheric monitoring devices and fall protection equipment.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.

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

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element)

Ability to do the work of a Head Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Your resume must demonstrate that you have the ability to perform duties such as the operation of hydraulic and electronically controlled dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for maintaining pool levels, and/or repairing parts of electric motors and hydraulic systems for the control of pool levels, and/or plans and establishes maintenance guidelines, procedures, and work schedules for the intake tower equipment and systems.. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Job Elements

• Ability to do the work of a Head Dam Operator without more than normal supervision.
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc
• Operation of hydraulically operated and electronically controlled dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for maintenance of required pool levels
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprinting reading)
• Dexterity and Safety

Physical Efforts

Work requires pushing, turning and pulling bars, valves, levers and lifting and carrying tools and equipment. Daily inspection requires operating a boat in the river and dam pool. WORKING CONDITIONS Work requires walking, standing and climbing of stairs both outside and inside under varying weather, temperature and humidity conditions. Subject to cuts, bruises, strains and falls while performing and/or assisting in maintenance work and inspecting gate and hydraulic controls at various (approximately 150 feet) levels from s suspended rope chair.

Performs in all weather conditions, often very low temperatures, wind, and adverse precipitation. NOTE: All Army personnel will comply with safety regulations, occupational safety and health standards, and other safety directives and orders.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
• 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 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.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• 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 information sheet.
• This is a Career Program (CP-18) - Engineers & Scientists position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• 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.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.