LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a Lock and Dam Operator in Minneapolis, MN.

The role involves controlling lock operations, issuing instructions to tow boat captains, and assisting pilots in maneuvering crafts into position. You will be responsible for operating electrical/hydraulic gate controls, observing weather and craft conditions for safe entry, and performing routine equipment checks to prevent unsafe conditions or breakdowns.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate lock and dam equipment (electric/hydraulic)
• Ability to provide locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators
• Ability to identify unsafe conditions and perform basic repairs necessary to keep lock and dam in operation
• Demonstrated dexterity and safety awareness in handling lines and operating equipment
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including weekends
• Compliance with fitness and background checks as required

Responsibilities

• Exercises primary authority over lock usage and entry sequencing
• Handles lines and assists pilot maneuvering craft into position
• Operates gate controls to open/close gates
• Monitors weather and craft conditions for safe entry
• Performs checks on machinery to prevent breakdowns and hazards

Skills

Lock and Dam Operations

Ability to Do Work Without Supervision

Interpret Instructions

Dexterity and Safety

Knowledge of Equipment Assembly

Aerospace Ground Equipment

Technical Practices

Measuring Instruments

Physical Efforts

Job description

• Exercises primary authority over the use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, the setting of precedence of entry, and maintaining proper procedural operation.


• 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, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates.


• Observes weather conditions, condition of craft desiring entry, etc. to determine propriety of entry from safety standpoint.


• Performs operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and to identify the development of unsafe conditions.

Duties

• Exercises primary authority over the use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, the setting of precedence of entry, and maintaining proper procedural operation.


• 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, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates.


• Observes weather conditions, condition of craft desiring entry, etc. to determine propriety of entry from safety standpoint.


• Performs operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and to identify the development of unsafe conditions.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• 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.


• Business travel up to 25% of the time.


• 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.


• Employees are required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.


• This position requires Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification unless exempt through provisions for grandfathered applicants.


• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.


• Relocation/PCS NOT authorized.

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

• 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. -Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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.

• 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 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 an Engineers and Scientists 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


• 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.

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.