Lock and Dam Operator, WY-5426-09, 95319

About the role

This position is a Lock and Dam Operator within the USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Pittsburgh District. The position is permanent and utilizes the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide technical expertise to other journeyman level wage grade employees involved in the repair, maintenance, and use of a wide range of standard and complex industrial equipment that operates based on electrical/electronic systems.
• Perform diagnosis, maintenance, repair, testing, and installation of electrical equipment and systems, including highly complex equipment and systems.
• Responsible operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the electrical systems for operating various equipment on the floating plant.
• Disassemble interlocking and interrelated electrical, mechanical systems, subsystems, standby and related equipment to determine extent of repairs, overhaul and/or replacement parts needed.

Requirements

Experience Requirement: 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Pay will be set based on duty location and grade level.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or emergency situations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) certification required. Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• 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.
• Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements.
• Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays.
• This position requires heavy lifting requirements of 50 pounds and occasionally more.
• A pre-employment physical is a requirement for this position.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
• May be required to have a valid state driver's license, based on job-related, site-specific requirements.

Essential Information

• Select is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).