About the Position: As a Lock and Dam Operator at a navigation facility, you will operate Lock and Dam gates, control valves, and other equipment required for a variety of private/commercial traffic through lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels.

Duties

During shift operation, you will exercise primary authority overuse of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation. You will observe weather conditions, condition of craft desiring entry, etc., to determine propriety of entry from a safety standpoint. You will operate controls necessary to provide for by-pass of defective circuits controlling lock operation; operate light and horn signals to vessels entering/leaving lock chamber; and operate electrical/electronic controls to raise/lower dam gates. You will operate radio for voice communication with tows or other craft; and obtain and/or direct others to obtain and record required statistical data relative to each lockage. You will perform continuing and special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown and identify development of unsafe situations; and take steps to remedy and/or report it.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Applicants for promotion or placement into a job having greater promotion potential than their current job (or one previously held) must have a rating of Fully Successful or higher on their most recent annual performance appraisal.
• Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment will be provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory. May be required to wear a prescribed uniform, based on site-specific requirements.
• May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card in good standing, based on site-specific requirements.
• May be required to have a valid state driver's license, based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
• Pre-employment physical examination is required.
• Testing Designated Position. This position meets criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army (DA) Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
• Mission Essential. This position is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
• Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.

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 Department of Army Civilian EmployeesCurrent Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)Domestic 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. At a minimum, your level of experience must show that you have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex lock operating duties as a shift head at a lock and dam project office; have been responsible for project security and use of the lock through issuance of instructions to towboat captains and other craft operators, setting precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation; have determined the specific actions to take during equipment breakdowns, delays in operations, and accidents; have relayed information or passed on instructions to shift, as appropriate; skilled in utilizing a computer to input lock usage data; considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - 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 SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.Operation of Equipment and MachineryTechnical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Physical Effort: Requires 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, 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 uncomfortable 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.

Contacts

• Address RE-W2SM04 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-PITTSBURGH DO NOT MAIL Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk