Lock and Dam Operator

Created at: June 25, 2025 00:05

Company: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Location: Granite City, IL, 62040

Job Description:

About the Position: As a trainee lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility in the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) that is open up to a continuous 24 hour operation, operates, under very close supervision and dependent upon capability, skill, and knowledge, electrically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, etc. PD is developmental to the intermediate grade of WY-07 & the target of WY-08.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 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. WY-5426-05 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform common lock operations tasks performing maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electrical drills, and manual wrenches. - 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, 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.
In a training capacity, works as part of a two-man team during 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 towlines to lock wall as required.
Operates electrical gate controls to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
Serves as groundman during operation of service bridge boom crane.
Secures lines and slings to materials or equipment being moved and provides hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks, for placing bulkheads, etc.
Performs 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 mechanical or electrical type.
Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening; shoveling snow, clearing ice; as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restroom facilities, standby equipment, etc.


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