Lock and Dam Operator, WY-5426-06 (46657)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Sault Ste. Marie (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Army Corps of Engineers is hiring a Lock and Dam Operator for the Detroit District’s Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. The role focuses on ensuring safe vessel passage through locks, handling mooring lines, and performing routine maintenance to keep equipment and facilities operational.

The position is TERM, not-to-exceed 13 months but may extend up to 8 years, with a field-based workload in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Qualifications

• Experience handling mooring lines and securing vessels in lock chambers.
• Knowledge of seamanship, knot tying, and line handling.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and procedures related to lockage operations and vessel traffic.
• Experience with routine facility maintenance and inspections as needed.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and shift schedules.

Responsibilities

• Consult records for vessel lengths before entering locks.
• Take over mooring lines as vessels enter the lock chamber and manage lines to control movement.
• Position vessels in lock locations to ensure safe clearances.
• Maintain vigilance for unsafe conditions and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform mechanical, electrical, and other facility maintenance under supervision.
• Maintain lock facility grounds, walls, sidewalks, railing, and life buoys.

Skills

Mooring lines

Line handling

Safety procedures

Seamanship knowledge

Knot tying

Job description

Position Not To Exceed (NTE) Time TERM (not to exceed 13 months, but may be extended up to 8 years)

Announcement Type Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type Term

Position Not To Exceed (NTE) Time TERM (not to exceed 13 months, but may be extended up to 8 years)

USACE Organization Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Detroit District

Locations (City, State) Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Sault Sainte Marie, MI

• INTRODUCTION: As a Lock and Dam Operator for the Corps of Engineers you are responsible for the safe and efficient passage of marine vessels through locks, which includes handling mooring lines and positioning vessels within the lock chamber. Also involves performing a variety of manual maintenance tasks on lock equipment, facilities, and grounds to ensure operational readiness and safety. This physically demanding position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, day or night, and adhering to strict safety protocols.
• POSITION: Lock and Dam Operator WY-5426-06

PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT: TERM – Full-Time/Seasonal (not to exceed 13 months, but may be extended up to 8 years)

• Prior to vessels entering lock chambers, consults records for their overall lengths to determine vessel positions in chamber for proper clearances.
• Take over mooring line from deckhand as vessel enters the lock chamber and carries, places, and releases same for mooring buttons to snub, stop, check or otherwise control vessel movement.
• Position vessels in specified lock chamber locations as required by their size or directed by Lockmaster to provide minimum allowable clearances.
• Maintain vigilance for unsafe conditions and initiates actions to correct or reduce hazards to the public, vessels, and equipment.
• Perform various mechanical, electrical, and other facility maintenance and inspects under the direction and supervision of the shift maintenance leader.
• Responsible for maintaining the grounds, walls, sidewalks, railing, life buoys of the lock facility.

Other Conditions and Requirements

• APPLICABILITY/AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
• WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens
• APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience Requirement: WY-5426-06 Level: Level of experience you must show that you have the ability that demonstrates performing the duties of a Lock and Dam Operator. This includes experience in handling mooring lines to assist in the movement and securing of vessels within a lock chamber, performing routine facility and equipment maintenance such as painting and groundskeeping, and conducting safety inspections. This experience must also show a knowledge of seamanship, including knot tying and line handling, and the ability to follow established safety regulations and procedures related to lockage operations and vessel traffic.
• This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (WY-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
• Competencies needed for the position:
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 0% of the time.
• Appointment may be subject to suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Position is designated as Non-Sensitive-No access security clearance.
• This position is located at an IMTS facility.
• Typical schedules may vary for a specific shift schedule. May be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays.
• 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 Mission Essential employee is required to report for, or remain at, work in emergency situations; dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to him/her unless his/her supervisor instructs otherwise.
• 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.
• Incumbent is required to take a pre-employment physical.
• This position requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and maintain the license for the duration of employment.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification.
• Work is performed largely outside during the day or night, subject to inclement weather including rain, snow, and lightning, on structures immediately adjacent to turbulent waters. Work areas may be slippery from water or ice, and incumbent is exposed to danger of falling into water and injury from vessels propellers, crushing between vessel hull and lock structure, or drowning. Incumbent is in danger of injury from snapping cables. During winter operations is exposed to extremely inclement weather conditions and slipping on ice and snow; however, heated rest shelters are provided. May work at heights subject to injury from falls and from falling objects. Work may also require heavy lifting up to 50lbs, pushing and pulling, subjecting the incumbent to strains and sprains. May work in cramped or crowded areas. May also be subject to cuts and bruises from the use of tools or equipment. Work may be performed in full view of large numbers of lock visitors and requires dealing directly with the boating public under sometimes adverse conditions. At facilities with winter navigation or an off-season, may be assigned to related maintenance and/or repair work.

Other Essential Information

• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards
• Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.
• This announcement may be used to fill like vacancies for three months after the closing date.
• All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This is a(n) CP-18-Engineers and Scientist (Resources and Construction).
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY BE authorized.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives may be authorized (up to 25%). With a signed Service Agreement.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• Point of contact for this announcement is Mark Aldrich ( [e-mail] )

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.