Lock and Dam Operator

Summary

About the Position: This announcement is for a Lock and Dam Operator WY-5426-09 position at Lock and Dam 18 in Gladstone, IL.

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Duties

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• Exercise authority over use of lock through issuance of instructions to craft operators.
• Serve as lead man of two-man crew responsible for making lockages, direct lower graded employees in the operation of lock and dam equipment, explain work assignments, new procedures, and safe operation methods to other lockmen.
• Conduct a thorough shift turnover with the oncoming shift, and lock vessels through a lock and dam site and perform overall project security.
• Perform and/or direct the repair of equipment and perform maintenance of equipment at a Lock and Dam Facility along with performing operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid equipment breakdowns.
• Perform maintenance of lock and dam features by following written documentation or oral instructions.
• Operate tow haulage unit to move barges in and out of the lock chamber; control valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operations; controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions and/or own judgment.
• Respond appropriately to accidents to immediately assist and make safe the situation, and perform proper notifications once an accident occurs, and observe weather (and ice) conditions and conditions of craft desiring entry.
• Enforce safety regulations and methods to avoid hazards to personnel, property, or vessels, and complete accident and incident reports within established timeframes.
• Perform tasks and instruct others on safe lock and dam operating procedures, ensure safety equipment and clothing (personal protective equipment) is worn properly to ensure proper protection, and recognize safety hazards in the working environment.
• Read, monitor, and record river gauge readings and determine that water level in the lock chamber is proper for gate operation.
• Obtain and/or direct others to obtain and record required statistical data for each lockage and enter into Lock Performance Monitoring System (LPMS) system.

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.
• Must comply with Drug Abuse Testing Program requirements. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing.
• A medical examination is required. If selected, satisfactory completion of a medical examination is required before assignment to the position.
• This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
• May be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and may be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• Work is normally performed on a rotating shift basis which include weekend and holidays.
• Position requires employee to wear a uniform and/or protective clothing.
• Must have a valid state driver's license based on job related, site specific requirements.

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 Civilian Employees of the Command
• Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• 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
• Veterans 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. Operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, as directed; make minor repairs to lock and dam equipment; apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; and comply with governing safety practices and procedures - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result .

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Operation of Equipment and Machinery
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments

• Physical Efforts: 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, and 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 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.

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.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This is an Engineers and Scientists Career Field 18 position.
• 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.
• 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.

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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.

Benefits

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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.