Lock and Dam Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; La Crescent (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the St. Paul district seeks a Permanent, Full-time Head Lock and Dam Operator who directs employees in operating lock and dam equipment.

The role requires ensuring safe passage and coordinating with vessel traffic. Responsibilities include operating electrically or hydraulically controlled gates and valves, performing minor repairs, applying locking procedures and safety practices, and providing clear instructions to tow boat captains.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate lock and dam equipment and follow safety protocols.
• Experience with instruction and coordination of vessel traffic.

Responsibilities

• Operate lock and dam equipment where gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled.
• Perform minor repairs to lock and dam equipment.
• Apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts.
• Provide locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators; operate equipment; determine actions during breakdowns, delays, and accidents.

Skills

Lock and Dam Operations

Safety Procedures

Job description

About the Position

The position is for a Permanent, Full-time shift Head Lock and Dam Operator at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation facilities, St. Paul district. The applicant selected directs employees in the operation of lock and dam equipment.

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 Civilian Employees of the Command
• 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 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 including operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, as directed; making 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.

• operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, as directed.
• making 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.
• -Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR without more than normal supervision.
• I have the ability to perform common Lock and Dam Operations.
• I can apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; provide locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators; operate electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment; determine the specific actions to take during breakdowns of equipment, delays in operation, and accidents; recognize and avoid potential work hazards; perform repairs necessary to keep the lock in operation. I work 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.
• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Operation of Aerospace Ground Equipment Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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, 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.