Lock and Dam Operator.

About the role

This position operates at an IMTS facility where days of operation and typical daily schedules vary based on site-specific work requirements. Operators may be required to alternate working hours across all shifts and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Exercises primary authority over lock use by issuing instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting entry precedence, and maintaining proper procedural operation.
• Serves as the sole operator or as the responsible lead of a two-person crew responsible for making lockages.
• Handles bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along the wall, and snubs lines to assist the pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Secures lines on the wall.
• Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
• Removes debris or ice in the path of moving gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
• Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to prevent untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown and to identify potential unsafe situations.
• Takes steps to remedy issues or reports them to a supervisor.
• Personally performs, assists in, or directs journeyman or sub-journeyman work accomplishment.

Requirements

• Ability to operate lock and dam equipment where gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled.
• Ability to provide locking instructions to others when needed and determine whether craft desiring lockage can be locked safely.
• Ability to perform the full range of lock operations tasks without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications.
• Dexterity and safety awareness.
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair.
• Operation of equipment and machinery.
• Technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
• Use of measuring instruments.
• Physical effort includes eye and hand coordination for operating controls and handling lines, standing, stooping, bending, occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling bulky items, and general moderate to arduous physical effort.
• Working conditions include preponderance of work performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather, exposure to injuries from falling objects, electrical power tools, manual tools, falls while working on lock walls or dam service bridge, and occasional exposure to fumes or dust during maintenance.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation.
• Position meets criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
• This is a Mission Essential position not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies.
• Pre-employment physical is required.
• May be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing, wear a prescribed uniform, and/or have a valid state driver’s license based on site-specific requirements.
• Employees must observe established safe working procedures and use provided protective clothing and/or equipment.
• Position requires lifting of at least 50 lbs.
• Incumbent may be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• Temporary duty (TDY) may be required up to 25%.

Qualifications

Only applicants who meet one of the following employment authority categories are eligible to apply:

• 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 and other organizations. Credit is given for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work without more than normal supervision.