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

Performs 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 mechanical or electrical type; concrete work. Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operation, and during double lockage’s, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable. Operates a variety of equipment such as pick-up truck, dump truck, forklift, front-end loader, bulldozer, tractor, bridge crane, motor boat and/or pontoon boat. Operates electrical or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber. As necessary during operation, removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage. May perform various sub-journeyman work such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, etc. 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. Operates a variety of power driven hand tools and uses a variety of hand/mechanical tools to accomplish the maintenance tasks. Understanding instructions or as directed, contacts boat pilots to obtain data such as number of passengers, tonnage and commodities being transported, point of origin and destination. Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions regarding time and degree of gate change. 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.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• This position requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and maintain the license for the duration of employment.
• 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.
• Position requires: 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.
• This position requires work in all types of weather from sub-zero to extreme heat.

Qualifications

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. Current Civilian Employees of the OrganizationCurrent Department of Army Civilian EmployeesDomestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel WorkforceInteragency Career Transition Assistance PlanLand Management Workforce Flexibility ActMilitary Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability RetirementPriority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference EligibleVeterans 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. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. WY-05 Level: Experience must show that you have the ability to perform common maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment, operating simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electric drills, power wrenches, or hydraulic lifts. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. WY-07 Level: Experience must show that you have the 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, making minor repairs to lock and dam equipment, applying locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations, and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damage crafts, complying with governing safety practices and procedures, working 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. WY-08 Level: 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. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprints)Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.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, occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions and spaces, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical effort required. Working Conditions: Preponderance of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure to injuries associated with working in restricted areas, occasionally 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, and dust. Work Schedules: 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. 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