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How much do lock and dam operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock and dam operator 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 lock and dam operator do?

A Lock And Dam Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining navigation locks and dams to ensure the safe passage of boats and vessels through waterways. They monitor water levels, control gates and valves, and communicate with vessel operators to coordinate lock operations. Additionally, they perform routine maintenance, inspections, and minor repairs to ensure the facility operates safely and efficiently. This role is critical for maintaining commercial and recreational navigation on controlled waterways.

What is a typical day like for a lock and dam operator?

A typical day for a Lock And Dam Operator involves monitoring and operating machinery to control water levels and lock gates, ensuring the safe passage of boats and barges through the waterway. Operators inspect equipment for proper functioning, record and report water and weather conditions, and perform routine maintenance as needed. The role often requires working in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the facilities operate around the clock. Collaboration with other operators, maintenance personnel, and vessel crews is common to ensure smooth and safe waterway operations.

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

To thrive as a Lock And Dam Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, waterway operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hydraulic controls, monitoring gauges, and computerized control systems is essential, and some positions may require certification in waterway operations or safety procedures. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for handling emergencies and coordinating with team members and watercraft operators. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of locks and dams, which are critical for commercial and recreational navigation.

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Lock And Dam Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock And Dam Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,774 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lock and Dam Operator Supervisor

Careers Fields -- Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Smithville, MS • On-site

$38.92/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Position: This position is located in Smithville, Mississippi. As Lockmaster, the incumbent will supervise a crew of 4-12 subordinates at one or more lock and dam sites. With responsibility for independently planning the use of subordinate workers, equipment, facilities, etc. to accomplish lock and dam operations; establish and assign work guidelines; conduct workforce duties to include review of position descriptions, disciplinary and performance, etc.; and ensure Lock Operations.Qualifications: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.
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

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 Supervisor without more than normal supervision.
Ability to Lead or Supervise: I have the ability to perform common assignments that include operating hydraulic valves and gates by locking tows and maintaining required pool levels, communicating effectively via marine radio to boat pilots, captains, and deckhands, inputting and reviewing work orders by utilizing FEMS, inputting vessel information into LPMS, completing weekly, monthly, and quarterly instrumentation readings, and performing seasonal duties as well as janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and other site buildings, restrooms, facilities, and standby equipment. I can utilize software such as, FEMS, LPMS, excel, and CEFMS when required to input time. 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 Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Lead or Supervise
  • 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 Efforts: 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:Employment Type: OTHER
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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