Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This job announcement will fill multiple vacancies for a Lock and Dam Operator at the full performance level (FPL) of WY-08. Positions may be filled at the WY-05, WY-07 or WY-08.
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Duties
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- Handle bow or stern lines, walk lines in proper locations along the wall, and snub lines to assist pilot in maneuvering craft into position.
- Operate electric gate controls to open or close gates at one end of the lock chamber.
- Operate electrically controlled tow haulage unit to move barges into and out of lock chamber.
- Contact boat pilots to obtain data such as number of passengers, tonnage and commodities being transported, point of origin and destination, etc.
- Secure lines and slings to materials or equipment being moved and provide hand signals to operator for moving items to and from barges or trucks, or place bulkheads, etc.
- Perform 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 equipment of mechanical or electrical type.
- Perform carpentry or plumbing required for major construction or repair maintenance; concrete work, etc.
- Perform 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, restrooms, facilities, standby 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.
- Drug Testing Designated Position. This position meets criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army (DA) Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
- Mission Essential. This position is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate.
- Days of operations and typical daily schedules will vary based on site-specific work requirements. Work schedules and hours of operation are locally determined based on work requirements.
- May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card in good standing, based on site-specific requirements.
- Required to completed refresher training and 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.
- Position requires standing, stooping, bending, and lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.
- Incumbent is required to take a pre-employment physical.
- This position may require a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and maintain the license for the duration of employment.
- This position requires work in all types of weather from sub-zero to extreme heat.
- Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state driver's license based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
- Must upload IMTS Certification to application package to be considered for WY-08.
- Must upload proof of passing IMTS test completing WY-05 to be considered for WY-07 grade.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens Period of Eligibility: 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.
Positions advertised fall under the USACE Inland Marine Technology System (IMTS).
- Employees participate in a formalized training and development program for Lock and Dam Operators involving on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and related correspondence courses.
- Trainee positions afford the opportunity for career progression to the intermediate grade of WY-07; and final grade of WY-08 after successful completion of training and certification requirements.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. At a minimum, your level of experience must show that you have performed various simple maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment; and operated simple electrical or mechanical equipment such as: lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electric drills, power wrenches, and hydraulic lifts. - 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, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity.
Working Conditions: Preponderance of work is performed outside subject to extremes of temperature and weather, There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in 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.
Education
IMTS Lock and Dam Operator Training and Certification Program
- Newly-Appointed Lock and Dam Operators (LDOs) must successfully complete certification requirements before promotion to the full performance level may be effected.
- Certification is not a condition of employment. However, failing to meet certification requirements could result in adverse consequences.
- Certification is voluntary for Current LDOs. Although not required, current LDOs are encouraged to obtain certification as it may be helpful when seeking advancement through competitive or noncompetitive opportunities.
- IMTS-Certified LDOs must successfully complete refresher training, as required, to maintain certification.
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.
- This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
- Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
- 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.
- This is a(n) Lock and Dam Operating Career Field position.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
- Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
- When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information.
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
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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.
