Lock & Dam Operator — Vessel Traffic & Facility Maintenance

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

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.