CRANE OPERATOR

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Domestic Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Facilities to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This position is under the supervision of the US Army Watervliet Arsenal, Quality & Logistics Directorate Logistics Management Division.

Announcement extended to close 8/19/2026.

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Duties

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• Operates a variety of cranes, including small jib cranes, pendant operated cranes, and cab-operated cranes in low, medium, and high bay areas.
• Lifts, transports, and positions materials in open shop areas, maneuvering loads over and around ground-level obstacles.
• Selects the proper lifting and grappling equipment, such as cables, ropes, and slings, for moving large and heavy items.
• Attaches loads using loops, wires, ropes, or chains and sets up braces and rigs for hoisting equipment.
• Utilizes hands to guide other crane operators in hoisting, moving, and lowering loads into the desired position.
• Operates forklifts (under 10,000 lbs capacity) to load, unload, stack, and move various materials like crates, pallets, and components.
• Conducts required driver's maintenance on forklift trucks according to established rules and regulations.
• Checks crane controls and movements for proper functioning before beginning work and reports any defects to the supervisor.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position has physical requirements which requires the incumbent to complete a favorable pre-employment physical.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use.
• Applicant must be able to frequently lift and carry very heavy objects weighing more than 45 pounds.
• Incumbent is required to work shift work.
• This position will be filled at the WG-07 level. If selected noncompetitive promotion to the full performance level WG-09 is authorized.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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) CRANE OPERATOR ~ without more than normal supervision.

WAGE GRADE-07 level: (1) Operating electric bridge cranes with full responsibility including lifting, moving, and positioning extremely heavy loads up to 250 tons and 100 feet in height; (2) Ensuring the precise and safe placement of machine tools and cannon components; (3) Utilizes oral or written instructions to carry out work assignments. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

• PHYSICAL EFFORT: Reaches, bends, pushes, pulls and depresses the various hand and foot controls requiring continuous reaching, bending and moving of hands, arms, feet and legs. Works in a standing position and must keep their balance during starting and stopping motions of the crane. Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing up to 45 lbs. Mechanical lifting devices/other employees are available to assist with lifts of 45 lbs. and over. Lifts items such as cables, chains, and dollies.
• WORKING CONDITIONS: Works indoors in a partially enclosed crane cab or outdoors in all types of weather. Ventilation is adequate; but heat may be uncomfortable while working indoors and near the ceiling. Is exposed to the possibility of cuts, burns, bruises and broken bones from falls while climbing to and from the control cab or while climbing and attaching rigging to the load; and handling wire and fiber ropes; serious injury from swinging loads, breaking slings and falling objects. Possibility of falling from heights of 30 feet or more. Incumbent is exposed to possible unpleasant noise, dust, dirt or fumes from the work area. Uses personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, steel toe shoes and safety harnesses & self-rescue equipment for compliance with fall protection requirements.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a Career Program (CP) 18 Engineers and Scientists Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• Relocation or Recruitment Incentive maybe authorized

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.