Lock and Dam Operator

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA)f or Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: As a Lock and Dam Operator you will operate electrically, electronically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of private and commercial traffic through the lock structure and the maintenance of required pool levels.

• Performs a variety of tasks in providing assistance to and/or personally performing work required for the installation, repair and maintenance of lock or lock and dam machinery and equipment of mechanical or electrical type; concrete work.
• Operates electrically, electronic, or hydraulically controlled valves controlling flow of water for emptying and filling operation, and during double lockage's, operates electrical tow haulage unit as applicable.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as pick-up truck, dump truck, forklift, front-end loader, bulldozer, tractor, bridge crane, motor boat and/or pontoon boat.
• Operates electrical or electronic gate control to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber. As necessary during operation, removes debris or ice in path of gates or in lock wall recesses to avoid equipment or machinery damage.
• May perform various sub-journeyman work such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, etc.
• Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening, shoveling snow, clearing ice, as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restroom facilities, standby equipment.
• Operates a variety of power driven hand tools and uses a variety of hand/mechanical tools to accomplish the maintenance tasks.
• Understanding instructions or as directed, contacts boat pilots to obtain data such as number of passengers, tonnage and commodities being transported, point of origin and destination.
• Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions regarding time and degree of gate change.
• Secures lines and slings to materials or equipment being moved and provides hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks, for placing bulkheads.