Lock and Dam Operator

Summary

About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically-controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for a variety of private and commercial traffic through lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels.

Please see "Additional Information" section for further details.

Summary

About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically-controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for a variety of private and commercial traffic through lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels.

Please see "Additional Information" section for further details.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

08/20/2025 to 09/02/2025

Salary $31.73 to - $36.95 per hour Pay scale & grade WY 9

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Chicago, IL

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel up to 10% of time for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Temporary promotion - Position may be filled as a time-limited promotion, reassignment or change to lower grade by a current permanent Army employee. Not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, may be extended. See "Additional Information" section below for further details. Work schedule Full-time - Full-time/Shift Work Service Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

• 5426 Lock And Dam Operating

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status Yes

Announcement number CERE...IMP Control number 843751900

This job is open to

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Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

See "Who May Apply" in the "Qualifications" section for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position. The Area of Consideration is limited to employees serving continuously within the agency - Department of the Army, applying for Time-Limited Assignments. External status candidates should apply to Announcement CERE....

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Duties

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• Perform a series of manual tasks in the proper sequence by following detailed instructions.
• Follow written and/or oral instructions to complete assignments in connection with lock operation.
• Follow the manufacturer's manual when assembling, operating, or troubleshooting equipment.
• Operate mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe manner.
• Recognize obvious safety hazards in a work environment.
• Wear required safety equipment and clothing (e.g. safety gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, steel toe boots, or respirators) properly to ensure maximum safety.
• Handle bow or stern lines, walks lines to proper locations along wall and snubs lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
• Perform 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.
• Lubricate bearing, gears, or other moving parts on small equipment or engines.
• Operate electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operations.
• Operate any type of hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical equipment.
• Operate electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
• Perform electrical by-pass circuitry controls and procedures provided to maintain lock operation during primary circuit malfunction.
• Perform duties related to lock operation in accordance with established safety regulations and procedures.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools, sketches and diagrams, and follow oral instructions in performing repair and maintenance work of lock and dam.
• Use various manual and/or power tools or appliances such as hammers, wrenches, saws, drills, pliers, paint brushes, mowers, shovels, rakes, screwdrivers, welding equipment, etc.

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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
• This position requires the incumbent to lift and carry materials weighing 50 pounds or more and will require a pre-employment physical exam.
• 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 driver's license based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
• Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
• 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.

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.

"The Area of Consideration is limited to employees serving continuously within the agency - Department of the Army."

• Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Applying on Time-Limited Assignments

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. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

WY-09: 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. 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. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprints)
• 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 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, and dust.

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.
• 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 position. Career Program 18.
• 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.
• Position may be filled as a time-limited promotion, reassignment or change to lower grade not to exceed (NTE) 1 year by a current permanent Army employee. Time-limited promotions may be extended up to a maximum of five years. Time-limited reassignments and changes to lower grade may exceed five years; however, return rights may be impacted. Position may be made permanent without further competition.
• If applicable, returns rights may be negotiated upon selection. If return rights are approved, a return rights agreement/statement of understanding will be required to be completed prior to appointment.
• This position is obligated to another employee. When a position is obligated to an employee it means that he/she has an entitlement to return to that position. During the obligation period, the position will be filled by temporary promotion, temporary reassignment, or temporary change to lower grade. If you are selected, you will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging that you are aware of the obligation and understand that you may be returned to your permanent position or displaced under reduction in force procedures at any time.
• If you are an external status candidate (e.g. an applicant other than a current, permanent Army employee) that is eligible and would like to be considered for a temporary appointment not to exceed (NTE) 1 year will need to apply to Announcement number CERE....

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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.

Review our benefits

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

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. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. 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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Benefits

Help

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.

Review our benefits

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.

Required documents

Required Documents

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The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc). Please review the following links to see which documents you need to provide to prove your eligibility to apply: Applicant Checklist for Internal/Merit Promotion 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 may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
• 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 qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
• For additional information see: What to include in your resume.

1. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
• Proof of Eligibility to Apply: Your application must include the documents which prove you are eligible to apply for the vacancy. The Proof of Eligibility document describes authorities commonly used in merit promotion recruitment and what document(s) are required to prove you meet the requirements of the authority. You must meet the requirements of at least one of the authorities listed in the Who May Apply section above to receive further consideration.

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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.