Lock and Dam Operator - WY-5426-09 (65393)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Natrona Heights (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Army Corps of Engineers invites applications for a permanent Lock and Dam Operator position at the Huntington District. The role involves operating electrically and hydraulically controlled lock and dam gates to facilitate safe passage for private and commercial traffic, while maintaining required pool levels.

You will work with journeyman staff to diagnose and repair electrical equipment, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safe operation of the floating plant.

Qualifications

• Experience with lock and dam operations and electrical/hydraulic control systems.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate electrically/electronically/hydraulically controlled lock gates and dam gates to manage traffic and water levels.
• Provide technical expertise to maintenance staff on electrical equipment and systems.
• Diagnose, maintain, repair, test, and install electrical components for the lock and dam operations.
• Disassemble and inspect interrelated electrical and mechanical subsystems to determine repair needs.

Job description

USACE Organization

Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Huntington District

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Huntington District

Locations (City, State)

• London, WV
• Natrona Heights, PA
• New Kensington, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA

Position Overview/Duties

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

• POSITION: Lock and Dam Operator; WY-5426-09
• PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT: PERMANENT
• DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT/DUTIES: As a Lock and Dam Operator you will operate electrically, electronically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of private and commercial traffic through the lock structure and the maintenance of required pool levels. Operate electric gate controls to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
  • Provide technical expertise to other journeyman level wage grade employees involved in the repair, maintenance, and use of a wide range of standard and complex industrial equipment that operates based on electrical/electronic systems
  • Perform diagnosis, maintenance, repair, testing, and installation of electrical equipment and systems, including highly complex equipment and systems.
  • Responsible operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the electrical systems for operating various equipment on the floating plant.
  • Disassemble interlocking and interrelated electrical, mechanical systems, subsystems, standby and related equipment to determine extent of repairs, overhaul and/or replacement parts needed.

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: Ability to perform some tasks associated with the operations of lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and control valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled; or where the dam is a movable wicket-type structure. I have made minor repairs to lock and dam equipment. I have applied locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damage crafts. I have complied with governing safety practices and procedures. 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.
  • 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, occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Preponderance of work is performed outside, subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in 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.
• CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
  • All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Pay will be set based on duty location and grade level. Visit https://wageandsalary.dcpas.osd.mil/BWN/AFWageSchedules/ for the current FWS Locality Pay Tables.
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or emergency situations.
  • 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.
  • Required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous condition, and its use is mandatory.
  • Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification required.Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
  • 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.
  • 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 requires heavy lifting requirements of 50 pounds and occasionally more.A pre-employment physical is a requirement for this position.
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
  • May be required to have a valid state driver's license, based on job-related, site-specific requirements.

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.
• 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.
• This position is not eligible for telework
• 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.
• 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 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.

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.

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.