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Dam Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

$23.94/hr

Serves as a Lock and Dam Operator at a Corps of Engineers Navigation Facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System. You will be responsible for site installation operations that operate ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$23.94/hr

Serves as a Lock and Dam Operator at a Corps of Engineers Navigation Facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System. You will be responsible for site installation operations that operate ...

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How much do dam jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dam in the United States is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dam operator do?

Dam operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of dams, which are structures built to control or hold back water. Their main duties include monitoring water levels, operating gates and valves, inspecting equipment, and ensuring the safety of the dam and surrounding areas. They also respond to emergencies, coordinate with engineers, and follow strict safety and environmental regulations to prevent floods and ensure water supply. Dam operators may work in hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation, or water supply management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dam engineer?

To thrive as a Dam Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, hydrology, and structural analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and relevant licensure (such as a Professional Engineer license). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS tools, and dam safety monitoring systems is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, project management ability, and effective communication set standout professionals apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safety, stability, and regulatory compliance of dam structures while managing complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by dam engineers in their daily work?

Dam engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring ongoing structural integrity, monitoring for signs of wear or damage, and complying with evolving safety regulations. They must coordinate closely with hydrologists, environmental scientists, and maintenance teams, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or drought. Additionally, balancing water resource management with environmental and community needs requires careful planning and adaptability. These challenges make the role dynamic and require both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Dam vs Reservoir Operator?

AspectDamReservoir Operator
Primary RoleDesign, construction, and maintenance of damsOperate and monitor reservoirs and water levels
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees or technical certificationsWater management certifications or related training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering facilitiesControl rooms, water treatment plants
Industry UsageHydropower, flood control, water supplyWater resource management, irrigation

While dams are structures built to control water flow, reservoir operators focus on managing water levels within those structures. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their primary responsibilities and required skills.

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Dam jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dam job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,774 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lock and Dam Operator

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Coushatta, LA • On-site

$23.94/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as a Lock and Dam Operator at a Corps of Engineers Navigation Facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System. You will be responsible for site installation operations that operate lock and dam gates, control valves, and associated equipment.
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.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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