Lock and Dam Operator

• During shift operation exercises primary authority over use of lock through issuance of instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
• Serves alone or as responsible lead man of two-man crew responsible for making lockages.
• Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions and/or own judgment.
• Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations.
• Follow established guidelines and lock operating procedures during lockages, and respond appropriately to equipment breakdowns which may affect locking capability
• Perform maintenance of lock and dam features by following written documentation or oral instructions.
• Serves on 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.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter.
• The position meets the criteria for pre-employment and random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
• This position has been designated "Mission Essential". In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work.
• This position requires the incumbent to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• This position is located at an IMTS facility. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements.
• Typical schedules may consist of 1, 2, or 3 specific shift schedules. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as, weekdays.
• Sites with limited commercial use may operate on reduced work schedules. In all cases, work schedules and hours of operation are locally determined based on work requirements.
• Incumbent 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.
• Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state drivers license based on job-related, site- specific requirements.
• Employees are 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.
• Occasional TDY or business travel may be required.
• Position is designated as Non-Sensitive-No access is required.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

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) - WY-07: Ability to do the work of a(n) Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to perform common lock and dam duties such as: performing operations to electrically or hydraulically controlled equipment, maintenance, and repair activities from skills acquired from working on navigation locks, facilities, ground, or equipment.- Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element) - WY-09: Ability to do the work of a(n) Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to perform some common lock operations tasks such as: operating electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment; making 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 complying with governing safety practices and procedures - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

• 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. 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.

Note: Management may make selection at WY-07 or WY-09 grade level.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

• Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
• For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
• For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

Next steps

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