Lock and Dam Operator, WY-5426-06 (17376)

This is a term position not to exceed 13 months, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years. The role is located at the Detroit District of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division in Sault Sainte Marie, MI.

About the Role

As a Lock and Dam Operator for the Corps of Engineers, you are responsible for the safe and efficient passage of marine vessels through locks. This includes handling mooring lines, positioning vessels within the lock chamber, and performing manual maintenance tasks on lock equipment, facilities, and grounds to ensure operational readiness and safety. This physically demanding position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, day or night, while adhering to strict safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Consult records for vessel lengths to determine proper positioning in the lock chamber for clearances.
• Take over mooring lines from deckhands as vessels enter the lock chamber, and carry, place, and release lines to control vessel movement.
• Position vessels in specified lock chamber locations based on size or direction from the Lockmaster to ensure minimum allowable clearances.
• Maintain vigilance for unsafe conditions and take action to correct or reduce hazards to the public, vessels, and equipment.
• Perform mechanical, electrical, and other facility maintenance under the supervision of the shift maintenance leader.
• Maintain grounds, walls, sidewalks, railings, life buoys, and other lock facility components.
• Work outdoors in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, with exposure to turbulent waters and potential hazards such as falling into water, vessel propellers, or crushing between vessel hulls and lock structures.
• Handle heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), pushing, pulling, and working in cramped or crowded areas, which may result in strains, sprains, cuts, or bruises.
• Work at heights, with the risk of injury from falls or falling objects.
• Interact with the boating public, sometimes under adverse conditions, and maintain professionalism in high-visibility settings.
• During off-seasons or winter navigation, may be assigned to related maintenance or repair work.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must demonstrate experience performing the duties of a Lock and Dam Operator, including:
  • Handling mooring lines to assist in the movement and securing of vessels within a lock chamber.
  • Performing routine facility and equipment maintenance, such as painting and groundskeeping.
  • Conducting safety inspections.
  • Knowledge of seamanship, including knot tying and line handling.
  • Ability to follow established safety regulations and procedures related to lockage operations and vessel traffic.
• No substitution of education for experience is permitted; qualifications must be met through experience alone.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license.
• Must obtain and maintain First Aid Certification.
• Subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• Appointment is subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a completed background investigation.
• Position is designated as Non-Sensitive with no security clearance required.
• Position is Mission Essential and not subject to administrative dismissal during emergencies, including inclement weather or other emergency situations.
• Subject to random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
• May be required to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays, and alternate working hours as needed.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service prior to appointment.

Benefits

• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives may be authorized (up to 25%).

Schedule

This position may require working various shifts, including weekends and holidays, with alternating working hours. The role is Mission Essential, requiring the incumbent to report for or remain at work during emergencies, regardless of dismissal or closure announcements.