Lock and Dam Operator, WY-5426-5/7/8 (73787)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Sault Ste. Marie (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No perks listed

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District is seeking a Lock and Dam Operator (WY-05/07/08) at Sault Sainte Marie, MI. This Direct-Hire Authority role is permanent, with duties including line handling, operating gate controls, and tow haulage for lock operations.

Applicants must meet experience requirements for WY-05/07/08 levels, perform manual/technical tasks, and work in outdoor conditions. A TDY requirement of up to 25% may apply, with upright safety protocols at the site.

Qualifications

• Experience shows ability to perform tasks at WY-05 level and basic maintenance with hand tools.
• WY-07 level requires operating lock gates and related equipment, and passing IMTS testing.
• WY-08 level requires full journeyman lock operator capabilities, reading instructions, and maintaining lock operation independently.

Responsibilities

• Handle bow or stern lines and snub lines to position vessels.
• Operate gate controls to open/close gates at the lock chamber ends.
• Move barges using tow haulage unit into and out of the lock chamber.
• Obtain data from boat pilots regarding passengers, tonnage, origin/destination.
• Perform tasks for installation, repair, and maintenance of lock and dam machinery.

Skills

Lock operation

Line handling

Electrical controls

Safety procedures

Job description

USACE Organization

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

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

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

Locations (City, State)

Sault Sainte Marie, MI; Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Chippewa

Position Overview/Duties

INTRODUCTION: This is a Lock and Dam Operator position with a full performance level (FPL) of WY-08. Positions may be filled at the WY-05, WY-07 or WY-08.

POSITION

Lock and Dam Operator WY-5426-05/07/08

PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT

PERMANENT

Description Of Assignment/Duties

• Handle bow or stern lines, walk lines in proper locations along the wall, and snub lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Operate electric gate controls to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
• Operate electrically controlled tow haulage unit to move barges into and out of lock chamber.
• Contact boat pilots to obtain data such as number of passengers, tonnage and commodities being transported, point of origin and destination, etc.
• Perform a variety of tasks in providing assistance to and/or personally performing work required for the installation, repair, and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of equipment of mechanical or electrical type.

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-05: Level of experience must show that you have the ability to perform simple maintenance or repair tasks or I have received training on the use of basic hand tools such as hammer or screwdriver and can perform simple maintenance associated with these tools. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible
  • WY-07: Level of experience must show the ability to operate electrically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic through the lock structure and the maintenance of required pool levels. Must show proof of passing IMTS testing from WY-05 level. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • WY-08: Level of experience must show that you have the ability to perform the full range of journeyman lock operator tasks which includes operating lock and dam gates and control valves that are electrically or hydraulically controlled or where the dam is a movable wicket-type structure; providing locking instructions to others, determining whether a craft desiring lockage can be locked safely; reading, interpreting, and following operating instructions for most equipment without supervisory assistance, recognizing and avoiding potential work hazards, and performing repairs necessary to keep the lock in operation, working on own initiative under general supervision subject to occasional inspection. - 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 Condition:
  • 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.
• Competencies needed for the position:
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment and Machinery
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.

Conditions Of Employment

• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% 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. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements. Typical schedules may consist of 1, 2, or 3 specific shift schedules. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays. Sites with limited commercial use may operate on reduced work schedules. In all cases, work schedules and hours of operation are locally determined based on work requirements.
• 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. Performance of the duties of your position is sufficiently critical that screening to detect the presence of drugs is warranted as a requirement of your position. It is mandatory for your continued employment in this position that you refrain from the use of illegal drugs and submit to drug testing when directed.
• 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.
• Incumbent may be required to maintain 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. Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state driver’s license based on job related, site-specific requirements.
• Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• 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 the following: standing, stooping, bending, and 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. 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 work in all types of weather from sub-zero to extreme heat.
• NOTE: The immediate supervisor is responsible for initiating request for promotion.

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 NON-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• 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-Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY BE authorized.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives may be authorized (up to 25%).
• 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

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.