LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DOA); Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DOA) – St. Paul District in Hastings, MN is seeking a permanent, full-time Lock and Dam Operator.

You will perform maintenance, repair, and operational duties at the navigation lock and dam, including line handling, gate operation, debris removal, and system checks to ensure safe and efficient waterway operation. Applicants must be able to work rotating shifts, travel up to 25% as needed, and obtain required certifications within one year.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications WY-05: Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision; operate common mechanical or electrical equipment.
• Minimum Qualifications WY-07: Ability to operate lock chamber gates and valves; perform preventative maintenance tasks on related equipment.
• Minimum Qualifications WY-09: Ability to operate electrically/hydraulically controlled lock equipment; perform minor repairs and ensure safe passage.

Responsibilities

• Handles bow or stern lines and guides vessels into position with lines and snubs as directed.
• Operates gate controls to open/close gates at the lock chamber ends.
• Removes debris or ice to prevent equipment damage and maintain operations.
• Controls water flow via valves for lock chamber emptying/ filling operations.
• During double lockages, uses tow haulage equipment to move barges.
• Operates dam gate controls per schedule and safety instructions.
• Performs maintenance and repair work on lock and dam machinery and related equipment.

Job description

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. Learn more about this agency

Location: Hastings, MN

Telework eligible: No

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Salary: $26.52 – $38.41 per hour

Pay scale & grade: WY 5 – 9

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: 25% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type: Permanent

Supervisory status: No

Occupations and job series: 5426 Lock And Dam Operating

Federal service type: This job is in the Competitive Service

Represented by a union: No

Drug test: Yes

Security clearance: Not Required

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Background check type: Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required: No

Announcement number: CEDC-27-13106512-DHA

Control number: 891108400

This job is open to the public. U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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 function checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• 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.

Qualifications

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 at WY-05 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common tasks including various maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment. Operate simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as lawn mower, hedge clippers, floor buffer, jackhammer, power threader, or power wrench. Work is under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews work for completion. – Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications at WY-07 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common tasks including operating lock chamber gates and lock chamber emptying and filling valves manually or by using simple mechanical equipment. Operate radio, hydraulic pumps, air compressor, standby generators and tow haulage equipment. Perform preventative maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables, chains, and pulleys; cleaning and painting lock fixtures or other appurtenances; cleaning, sharpening and repairing tools and equipment. Work is under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews work for completion. – Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications at WY-09 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common lock operations tasks such as: operating electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment, gates and valves. Make minor repairs to lock and dam equipment; apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; and comply with governing safety practices and procedures. Work is under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. – 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 or uncomfortably hot or cold areas, from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools, and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as a 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.

Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This position has promotion potential to the WY-09.

Promotion is never automatic. Promotion is based on the recommendation by the supervisor that employee meets all necessary qualification requirements for promotion, is performing the full scope of the major duties, and is functioning under the supervisory controls as stated in the target job description.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
• 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 Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a(n) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Management Directorate.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• Recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Benefits

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits. 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.

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.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Fair and transparent

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

• 1. Your resume:
  • Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what’s in your resume.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
• 2. Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person’s personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.