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Lock Dam Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lock Dam information

What is a lock dam?

A Lock and Dam job involves operating and maintaining navigation structures that control water levels and vessel traffic on rivers and waterways. Workers in this role are responsible for assisting with locking boats through sections of a river, conducting routine maintenance, and ensuring safe and efficient waterway operations. This job is typically part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or similar organizations that manage inland waterways.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the lock dam position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lock and Dam Operator, you need practical mechanical aptitude, basic electrical and hydraulic knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with control systems, tools for routine maintenance, and familiarity with safety regulations and waterway navigation are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of locks and dams, often in coordination with vessel crews and other team members.

What does a lock dam do?

A typical day for a Lock and Dam Operator involves monitoring and controlling water levels, operating lock gates and valves for vessel passage, performing routine maintenance and inspections of equipment, and keeping detailed operational records. Operators work closely with commercial and recreational boat crews to coordinate safe transit through the lock system and must remain alert to changing weather and water conditions. The work is often performed in shifts to ensure 24/7 operation, sometimes requiring weekend or holiday hours. The environment combines indoor monitoring stations with regular outdoor activity around the lock and dam structure, making safety awareness and adaptability important.

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What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Lock Dam jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Lock Dam job openings:
Infographic showing various Lock Dam job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 53% Physical, 41% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$32.90/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: The position is for a Permanent, Seasonal, Full-time shift Head Lock and Dam Operator at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation facilities, St. Paul district. The applicant selected directs employees in the operation of lock and dam equipment.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 Civilian Employees of the Command
  • 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 including operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, as directed; 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 comply with governing safety practices and procedures. -Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a LOCK AND DAM OPERATOR without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common Lock and Dam Operations. I can apply locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operations and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; provide locking instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators; operate electrically or hydraulically controlled lock and dam equipment; determine the specific actions to take during breakdowns of equipment, delays in operation, and accidents; recognize and avoid potential work hazards; perform repairs necessary to keep the lock in operation. 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 Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Aerospace Ground Equipment
  • 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 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 or uncomfortably hot or cold areas, from falling objects, from working with electrical power tools, and from falls while working on lock walls, dam service bridge, etc. While possibility of drowning exists as a 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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