This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA)f or Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: 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.

Duties

Perform a series of manual tasks in the proper sequence by following detailed instructions. Follow written and/or oral instructions to complete assignments in connection with lock operation. Follow the manufacturer's manual when assembling, operating, or troubleshooting equipment. Operate mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe manner. Recognize obvious safety hazards in a work environment. Wear required safety equipment and clothing (e.g. safety gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, steel toe boots, or respirators) properly to ensure maximum safety. Handle bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position. Perform continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations. Lubricate bearing, gears, or other moving parts on small equipment or engines. Operate electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operations. Operate any type of hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical equipment. Operate electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber. Perform electrical by-pass circuitry controls and procedures provided to maintain lock operation during primary circuit malfunction. Perform duties related to lock operation in accordance with established safety regulations and procedures. Use a variety of hand and power tools, sketches and diagrams, and follow oral instructions in performing repair and maintenance work of lock and dam. Use various manual and/or power tools or appliances such as hammers, wrenches, saws, drills, pliers, paint brushes, mowers, shovels, rakes, screwdrivers, welding equipment, etc.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• May be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends and holidays.
• This position requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and the ability to maintain the license for the duration of employment.
• This position is subject to all the provisions of the Civilian Drug Testing Program. Pre- employment drug test required and enrollment in the army random drug testing program.
• This position may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain all Corps of Engineers licenses/certifications associated with the position.
• Required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical and bi-annually thereafter.
• 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 has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
• Incumbent may be required to wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. 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. WY-09: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. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR without more than normal supervision. PHYSICAL EFFORTS: 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. IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program: These positions fall under the USACE Inland Marine Technology System (IMTS). Employees at WY-05 and WY-07 will participate in a formalized training and development program for Lock and Dam Operators involving on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and related correspondence courses. Trainee positions at WY-05 afford the opportunity for career progression to the intermediate grade of WY-07; and final grade of WY-08 after successful completion of training and certification requirements. Newly Appointed Lock and Dam Operators (LDOs) must successfully complete certification requirements before promotion to the full performance level may be affected. Certification is not a condition of employment. However, failing to meet certification requirements could result in adverse consequences. Certification is voluntary for Current LDOs. Although not required, current LDOs are encouraged to obtain certification as it may be helpful when seeking advancement through competitive or noncompetitive opportunities. IMTS-Certified LDOs must successfully complete refresher training, as required, to maintain certification.

Contacts

• Address RE-W2SM06 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-CHICAGO DO NOT MAIL Chicago, IL 60604 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk