Lock and Dam Operator

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Full Time
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. 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.
Job ID: 490032039
Originally Posted on: 8/20/2025

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