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Lock Dam Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Lock Dam information

See Tennessee salary details

$16

$21

$30

How much do lock dam jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock dam in Tennessee is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Lock Dam jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Lock Dam job openings:

Lock Dam jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lock Dam job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,268 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Senior Construction Representative (Kentucky Lock)

Accura Engineering & Consulting Services, Inc.

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Senior Construction Representative (Kentucky Lock)
***Work Location: Grand Rivers, KY***
Salary: Based on experience and will be discussed with manager in interview
REQUIREMENT- Must be a US Citizen and must pass a federal background review and drug screen
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Perform field construction quality assurance (QA) inspections to determine compliance with plans and specifications for a large heavy civil project.
  • Provide field surveillance and three-phase inspections and deliver daily detailed inspection reports.
  • Ensure construction contractor’s work complies with the accepted construction schedule, the awarded construction plans and specifications, applicable safety regulations, and other applicable contract documents.
  • Inspect the materials, installation, and testing of completed work for contract compliance.
  • Review contractor's submittals including QA and Safety Plans. Ensure adherence to safety plans, EM 385-1-1 and OSHA requirements.
  • Monitor construction contractor’s procedures for tracking deficiencies to assure acceptable corrective action and that an audit trail is maintained
  • Review contractor daily QC reports for accuracy and deficiencies.
  • Perform safety inspections and note activities observed.
  • Provide onsite quantity verifications, monitor construction progress and report to appropriate authority.
  • Maintain updated set of plans and specifications including all amendments, modifications, issued clarifications, and significant as-built notations. Conduct review of the construction contractor’s maintenance of accurate as-built drawings and provide comments on completed as-built drawings on a monthly basis.
  • Maintain a system for tracking deficiencies, field problems, and requests for information (RFIs).
  • Track and report daily job activities in conjunction with review of network analysis schedules (NAS).
  • Preliminary analysis of construction contractor claims identifying pertinent drawings, specifications, developing chronology of correspondence and events relative to claim.
Education/Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum of 20 years of experience in construction industry
  • At least 20 years of Quality Assurance experience performing quality assurance verification on construction projects
  • Experience with Federal Construction projects, particularly USACE, is preferred.
  • Experience with large heavy civil construction projects; dam and lock projects preferred
  • Experience enforcing EM 385-1-1; 29 CFR 1926 OSHA Construction Industry Regulations and all applicable safety requirements
  • Experience enforcing OSHA rules and regulations
  • Trained in OSHA construction safety; 30-hour OSHA certification
  • Demonstrates experience with performing the following duties: inspections, submittal review, quality verification, validating contractor pay request and preparing daily reports
  • Experience with RMS, preferred
  • Should be well versed in the USACE three-phase inspection system, understanding both the contractor's Quality Control and Government Quality Assurance responsibilities and the differences between them.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
  • The employee is subject to variable climate and environmental conditions including but not limited to extreme cold and heat.
Applicants for federal contracts may be asked to submit additional information beyond applications and resume. If you are selected to proceed, please be able to provide information in a timely manner.
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
  • A supportive and collaborative work environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer (U.S.) all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accura uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workplace. www.dhs.gov/everify

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