Lock and Dam Operator.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Modoc (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Army Corps of Engineers in Modoc, Illinois seeks a Lock and Dam Operator to manage lock operations, issue instructions to tow captains, and guide craft safely through the lock chamber.

The role requires working shifts, physical fitness, ability to perform routine maintenance and report safety concerns, with background checks and suitability required.

Qualifications

• Ability to do the work of the Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc.
• Dexterity and safety
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc.
• Operation of equipment and machinery
• Technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of measuring instruments
• PHYSICAL EFFORT: eye and hand coordination for operating controls, lifting up to 50 pounds
• WORKING CONDITIONS: outdoor work with temperature extremes and hazards

Responsibilities

• During shift operation exercises primary authority over use of lock through instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators.
• Serves alone or as lead man of two-man crew responsible for lockages.
• Handles lines and assists pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Operates gate controls to open/close gates at lock chamber ends.
• Remedies safety concerns and reports to supervisor.
• Directs journeyman or sub-journeyman work as needed.

Skills

Unsupervised work

Interpret instructions

Dexterity & safety

Equipment knowledge

Operation of machinery

Job description

Duties

• During shift operation exercises primary authority over use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
• Serves alone or as responsible lead man of two-man crew responsible for making lockages.
• Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Secures lines on wall.
• Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
• As necessary during operation removes debris or ice in path of moving gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
• Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations.
• Takes steps to remedy and/or reports it to supervisor.
• Personally performs, assists in and/or directs journeyman or sub-journeyman work accomplishment.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is located at an IMTS facility. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays.
• This position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE Pamphlet 600-1-3.
• This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
• A pre-employment physical is required.
• Incumbent may be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
• Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state drivers license based on job-related, 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.
• Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• TDY may be required up to 25%.
• This position requires lifting of at least 50 lbs.

Qualifications

Who May Apply

• 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
• Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
• Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
• Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
• Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
• Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
• People with Disabilities, Schedule A
• Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities
• 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
• Reinstatement
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform the full range of lock operations tasks such as: operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, providing locking instructions to others when needed, determining whether craft desiring lockage can be locked safely. - 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.
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Operation of Equipment and Machinery
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• 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 and/or uncomfortably hot or cold areas, from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools and wiring or other equipment, from working with normal manual tools and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as 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.

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.
• 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 a(n) 29 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.