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Lock Dam Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

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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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Lock Dam jobs in Missouri?

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

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

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

Lock Dam jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock Dam job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lock and Dam Operator

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Clarksville, MO • On-site

$32.51/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: Works as a shift head lock and dam operator at a Corps of Engineers navigation facility within the Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS). Is immediately responsible for site installation operations during second, third or swing shift or on leave days. Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic.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.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities
  • 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
  • Reinstatement
  • 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 without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform the full range of lock operations tasks such as: operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates and valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled, providing locking instructions to others when needed, determining whether craft desiring lockage can be locked safely. - 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.
  • 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 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.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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