Dam Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Summary
You will serve as a Dam Operator. Join the Klamath Basin Area Office as a Dam Operator responsible for the operation of multiple Dams within the Klamath Project, located in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
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Duties
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Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:

• Operates electrical and mechanical equipment to regulate positions of gates and stop logs that comprise the control structures of dams and various diversion dams and pumping plants.Operates emergency stand-by generators.
• Performs water operation tasks for irrigation and flood control, calculating, and making prescribed water releases, recording reservoir elevations and gate openings.
• Reads, records, and transmits lake elevation data, downstream river flow rates and stage data, staff gage readings at reservoirs and conveyance system control points and all other required information.
• Performs maintenance work on canals, drains, and water facility structures, including dams, pumping plants, check structure turnouts, and bridges, etc. Places earthwork and riprap. Repairs, paints, and replaces water control gates and pipes.
• Constructs, installs, repairs, or modifies wooden items and structures, such as panels, concrete forms, dry walls, framework, interior and exterior trim, cabinets, fences, bridges, etc.
• Performs fabrication and welding, including Metal Insert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Insert Gas (TIG), Arc and gas welding and cutting, operations on mild steel, cast iron, and aluminum to build or repair gates, bulk heads, turnouts, and stop logs.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You must possess or obtain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Failure to obtain/maintain a Class A CDL will result in the termination of appointment.
• Pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive test is received.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
• You must obtain and maintain a State Herbicide license within 180 days of employment. Failure to obtain/maintain the license will result in the termination of appointment.
• You must obtain and maintain a Forklift Operator's license, Fixed Crane certification, Rigger certification, various Dam Tenders certification courses and a valid CPR and First Aid certificate. Failure to meet certification requirements could result in adverse consequences.
• You are required to work a rotating weekend and holiday schedule.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.

Qualifications
Requirements Continued...

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.

Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/10/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements, if applicable.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Qualification Requirements: Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements in order to be considered qualified for this position.
Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is: A radius of 75 miles from the official duty station - 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, Oregon. You must provide proof of residency within the defined vicinity (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.). See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Hourly rates for WG-7 and WG-8:
WG-7 Step 1: $25.78 - Step 5: $30.08
WG-8 Step 1: $27.37 - Step 5: $31.91
First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
Physical Demands: Routinely lifts, moves, and carries loads up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally lifts and moves heavier objectives with assistance (e.g., hand truck). Required to reach, walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel and crawl for extended periods, and to climb up and down slopes or rocky inclines. Works in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions, on ladders and scaffolds, and while material is on supports. Physical exertion is needed to change water releases from storage and distribution systems.
Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside in all types of weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, ice). Field work is performed on earth canal slopes, near fast moving water, on irregular terrain concealed by weeds and debris, on elevated pump station decks and dams, and similar situations. Occasionally operates or works from an open boat or raft. Work involves regular exposure to dirt, dust grease, and involve a greater exposure to hazardous conditions. Dam operators face the possibility of personal injury from moving machinery, electrical equipment, and the dam structure. Protective clothing is typically worn in appropriate circumstances (e.g., coveralls, hardhat, gloves, safety goggles, hearing protection, boots). Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear and may be worn or used for long periods.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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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.
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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.