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How much do lock and dam jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock and 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 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 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.
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Lock And Dam jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock And Dam job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,774 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lock and Dam Operator

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

Calion, AR • On-site

$23.94/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

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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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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