LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR

U.S. Department of Defense; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Defense, St. Paul District, is seeking a permanent, full-time maintenance position at a navigation lock and dam.

The role covers a variety of maintenance, repair, and operational duties to support safe and efficient lock operations. The incumbent will perform duties including operating gate controls, handling lines, removing debris, and maintaining lock machinery. A state driver’s license and pre-employment physical are required; relocation is not authorized and travel up to

Qualifications

• Requires a valid state driver’s license.
• Must pass pre-employment physical.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Handles lines and assists pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Operates gate controls to open/close gates at the lock chamber.
• Removes debris/ice to prevent equipment damage.
• Operates valves controlling water flow for landfilling operations.
• During double lockages, moves barges using tow haulage unit as applicable.
• Operates dam gates per instructions on timing and degree of change.
• Performs installation, repair, and maintenance on lock and dam machinery and equipment.
• Conducts checks on machinery to prevent breakdowns.

Skills

Driver's License

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Job description

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

About the Position:

This permanent, full-time position is with the St. Paul District. The position performs a variety of maintenance, repair, and operational duties at a navigation lock and dam.

Duties

• 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 or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
• Removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
• Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying landfilling operation.
• During double lockages, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable to move barges into and out of lock chamber.
• Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions regarding time and degree of gate change.
• Performs work required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type; concrete work, etc.
• Performs continuing and special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown.

Requirements

• Relocation/PCS NOT authorized.
• Business travel up to 25% of the time.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires rotating shift work, operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts to include weekdays and weekends.
• The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination.
• This position requires the incumbent to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• The position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
• This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work.
• Incumbent may be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
• This position requires Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification within 1 year of appointment unless exempt through provisions for grandfathered applicants.
• 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 11.