Lock Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Reporting to a Chief Lock Operator, Trades Specialist Electrician, and/or a CMS 2 (Operations), the incumbent of this position will be responsible for interacting with canal users to provide information, respond to inquiries, collect tolls, etc.; manipulating switches and levers on control panels and open and close valves and gates in the mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic operation of a canal lock, movable dam or lift bridge. Incumbents also use hand and power tools, typical of a semiskilled worker in maintaining and repairing equipment on the canal system. The duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operates any of a variety of locks following detailed standing and special procedures.
• Observes or is notified of approaching float, energizes control panels to either fill or empty the lock chamber, and when water level is equalized, energizes control panel by manipulating one or a series of switches and levers to open lock entry gates and turns on traffic control light to signal vessel to enter lock chamber.
• Observes passage of vessel into lock chamber, advises crew of proper mooring procedure, and logs name or registry number of vessel, time of passage and any unusual occurrence.
• Closes lock gate and turns on traffic light to stop any other approaching vessels.
• Energizes control panel to either fill or empty the lock, keeping vessel under observation in the event of a sudden emergency which might require stopping or reversing the water level equalization process.
• Observes the water level and when equalized on both sides of lock gates, opens lock gate and when vessel has exited, closes exit lock gates and valves and repeats procedure for next vessel awaiting passage.
• If operator is roving between structures, all waiting vessels are passed through the lock and the operator proceeds by automobile to the next structure which may be several miles away
• In the event of a failure or breakdown of the equipment, notifies the supervisor giving the nature and extent of the problem.
Operates a guard gate by energizing a control panel to raise or lower the gate as needed and to operate valves, when the gate is down, to regulate water flow to the locks below the guard gate.
Operates a movable bridge by energizing a control panel to raise or lower the bridge, as needed, and to control vehicular traffic over the bridge.
Performs regular preventative maintenance tasks.
• Inspects AC and DC motors and generators, lubricates, cleans parts and replaces brushes.
• Inspects panel boards, lubricates, cleans, and replaces indicator lights, fuses and bulbs.
• Inspects, cleans and lubricates gear trains and racks.
• Maintains lubricating and hydraulic fluid levels and replaces filters.
• Inspects pumps, lubricates and reports any malfunctions.
• Applies preservative to wooden quoins and miters which serve to seal lock gates.
• Inspects and lubricates chains and cables.
• Inspects arc lights, navigation, pilot and traffic signals for proper functioning and as necessary replaces light bulbs and fuses.
During the winter months when the canal system is closed performs a variety of maintenance activities.
• Assists in the removal and replacement of electrical motors which includes disassembly, inspection of parts for wear or defect, cleaning, lubricating, repairing or replacing parts, painting and reassembly.
• Assists in the removal, repair, reassembly and replacement of panel boards, brake assemblies, switches, overload relays, magnetic starters, rheostats, and circuit breakers.
During major structure overhauls performs a variety of semiskilled tasks characteristic of a maintenance assistant in servicing pumps, maintaining cofferdams and assisting in the installation of temporary wiring.
Performs miscellaneous maintenance work.
• Paints lockhouse interior and exterior.
• Removes snow and ice from lock chamber walls, lock gates and walkways.
• Performs routine groundskeeping and building maintenance such as trimming lawns and shrubs, removing debris, and cleaning floors, windows and plumbing facilities.
In accordance with specific procedures and in a standard format records daily weather, wind direction, air temperature, water level readings, a log of vessels passing through the lock and any unusual occurrences taking place.
Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Six months of experience in the operation and assembly or the operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, automotive, or diesel machinery or six months of experience working on a canal(s), of which 50% of your duties must have included working at a canal lock and/or lift bridge.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates have a score reachable for appointment from the most recently established eligible list for Canal Structure Operator (List #26-762) OR candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in a title eligible for transfer under the provisions of Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
***Please note that candidates must also possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter.***
Additional Comments The New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the 524-mile waterway for boating, recreation, tourism and agriculture. The New York State Canal System includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga -Seneca canals, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The 200-year-old NYS Canal System extends over 524 miles and plays important roles in New York's economic development, tourism industry and environmental stewardship.
For more information on The New York State Canal Corporation's mission, values and opportunities, please visit https://www.canals.ny.gov/
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Telephone 518-449-6003
Fax
Email Address recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Address
Street 30 South Pearl Street
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12207
Notes on Applying ***Please note that E-mail submissions are preferred***
Interested candidates who meet the minimum qualifications should submit a cover letter and resume by June 22, 2026 to recruitment@canals.ny.gov. Please include the position title, "Canal Structure Operator - Ft. Edward- #03477" in the subject line of your email to ensure receipt of your application.
The New York State Canal Corporation offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits plan, which includes:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Nine (9) paid holidays annually
• Four (4) paid floating holidays annually
• Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually
• Earn five (5) days of paid personal leave annually
• Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually
Health Benefits
• Participation in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and access to their variety of affordable health insurance options
• Pre-Tax contribution program
• Dental and Vision benefits at no additional cost
• Opt-Out incentive program
• Flex Spending Account (FSA)
Additional Benefits
• CSEA representation and access to their benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and promotional opportunities
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• And many more...
The New York Power Authority/New York State Canal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from the candidate before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov