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Lock And Dam Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Lock And Dam information

What is a lock and dam operator?

Lock and dam operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining locks and dams on navigable waterways. Their main duties include opening and closing lock gates to allow the passage of boats and ships, regulating water levels, and performing routine maintenance on mechanical equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient river traffic, flood control, and water management. Lock and dam operators often work for government agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and may be required to work in various weather conditions and on a rotating shift schedule.

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 mechanical aptitude, basic electrical knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, control panels, and safety protocols is typically required, and specialized training or certification in waterway operations is often beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient operation of lock and dam facilities, protecting both infrastructure and users of the waterway.

What are some typical challenges faced by lock and dam operators, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Lock and Dam Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, responding to mechanical malfunctions, and ensuring the safety of both the structure and waterway users. Job seekers can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, gaining familiarity with machinery and control systems, and staying up to date with safety regulations. Additionally, effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators frequently coordinate with other crew members and vessel operators to maintain smooth and safe waterway navigation.

What is the difference between Lock And Dam vs Bridge Operator?

AspectLock And DamBridge Operator
Primary FunctionOperate and maintain lock and dam systems to control water levels and facilitate navigationOperate and monitor bridge mechanisms to allow or restrict vessel and vehicle passage
Work EnvironmentWaterways, lock stations, dam facilitiesBridges, control towers, roadway environments
Required CertificationsWaterway operation licenses, safety certificationsBridge operation licenses, safety certifications

Both Lock And Dam operators and Bridge Operators work in transportation infrastructure, requiring safety certifications and operating specialized equipment. While Lock And Dam roles focus on waterway navigation and water level management, Bridge Operators oversee vehicle and vessel movement at bridges. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths in transportation infrastructure maintenance and operation.

What are popular job titles related to Lock And Dam jobs in Alabama?

For Lock And Dam jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lock And Dam jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Lock And Dam jobs in Alabama are:

Lock And Dam jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock And Dam job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution.

Assistant Project Manager

Steward Machine

Birmingham, AL • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build, update, and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.

  • Draft routine customer communications, coordinate meetings, and support RFI/submittal workflows.

  • Maintain organized project files, assist with document control, and support weekly reporting and documentation packages.

Job description

Assistant Project Manager (APM) – Project Controls & PM Support- Please read job description!!!!

Company: Steward Machine Company (SMC)
Location: Birmingham, AL (and/or Bainbridge, GA) – On-site preferred (hybrid may be considered)
Department: Project Management / Operations
Reports To: Project Manager / Director of Project Management
FLSA Status: Exempt or Non-Exempt (based on experience and duties)

Position Summary

The Assistant Project Manager (APM) supports our Project Managers by handling daily administrative and coordination tasks that keep projects moving—schedules, customer communications, paperwork, meeting notes, document control, and general “grunt work” that frees up PMs to focus on delivery, cost, and risk. This is an entry-level to early-career role for someone with a few years of experience who is eager to learn heavy fabrication/infrastructure project execution and grow into a full PM role.

Key Responsibilities

Scheduling & Project Controls

  • Build, update, and maintain project schedules (Gantt charts) in Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6 (or similar tools).
  • Track schedule progress using inputs from Production, Shop Supervisors, Purchasing, and Field Services.
  • Issue schedule updates (internal and customer-facing) and highlight risks, delays, and upcoming milestones.
  • Maintain look-ahead schedules (2-week / 4-week / 90-day) as required by project and customer needs.

Customer Communications & Coordination

  • Draft routine customer communications (status updates, submittal transmittals, meeting follow-ups) for PM review.
  • Coordinate meetings (internal and external), prepare agendas, capture notes, and distribute action items.
  • Support RFI/submittal workflows by tracking due dates, responses, and approvals.

Documentation & Paperwork Support

  • Maintain organized project files (digital and hard copy where required), including correspondence logs.
  • Assist with document control: submittals, RFIs, drawings, revisions, transmittals, and closeout documents.
  • Support weekly reporting: progress photos, status dashboards, manpower updates, material status, and deliverable tracking.
  • Help compile customer-required documentation packages (as-built records, manuals, certifications, etc.).

Internal Support & Cross-Functional Follow-Up

  • Coordinate with departments (Production, QC, Purchasing, Accounting, Shipping/Logistics) to gather updates and close open items.
  • Track action items from internal meetings and ensure follow-through with responsible owners.
  • Assist PMs with basic cost tracking support (PO logs, vendor status, invoice routing), as assigned.

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

  • Keeps schedules current and reliable; communicates changes clearly.
  • Reduces PM admin burden by owning documentation, meeting notes, and routine correspondence.
  • Maintains clean, accurate project files and logs with minimal supervision.
  • Builds strong working relationships with Shop/Field/QC and becomes a “go-to” coordinator.

Required Qualifications

  • Actual schedule ownership
    Gantt/MS Project/P6 experience

  • RFI/submittal experience
  • Document control systems
  • Cost tracking
  • Industrial environment experience
  • Ability to work with shop/field personnel

  • Heavy fabrication

  • Industrial project execution
  • Primavera P6/MS Project specifically
  • ERP/project management systems
  • Formal project controls
  • Complex customer submittal workflows

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6 (or similar tools such as Smartsheet, Asta, etc.).
  • Familiarity with industrial fabrication, heavy civil, movable bridge, lock & dam, or marine/field work environments.
  • Exposure to document control systems, ERP systems, or construction/project management platforms.
  • Basic understanding of drawings/specs, revision control, and customer submittal processes.

Core Competencies

  • Positive attitude + strong work ethic (this role is hands-on support and requires hustle).
  • Coachable, eager to learn, and proud of doing the small things well.
  • Clear communicator, comfortable following up and keeping others on track.
  • High attention to detail with an “own it” mindset.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Work Environment

  • Primarily office-based with regular interaction with the shop/operations team; occasional site visits may be required.
  • Some overtime may be necessary based on customer deadlines and project milestones.

Growth Path

This role is designed to develop into:

  • Project Manager (PM)
  • Scheduler / Project Controls Specialist
  • Project Engineer / Contracts Coordinator (depending on strengths and interest)