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: Lock & Dam Operator at a USACE facility in Troy, NY. Operates electrically, electronically, and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock & dam gates, control valves and other equipment required for passage of a variety of private & commercial traffic through the lock.
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. 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 an Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Performing operations, maintenance, and repair activities that requires construction and/or mechanical skills acquired from working on navigation locks, facilities, grounds, and/or equipment - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. To meet the basic eligibility, you must receive at least two points on the screen-out element indicated above and must have an average of two points on all the job elements listed below. Your application will be further evaluated to determine if you meet the best qualified cut-off for referral to the selecting official. 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 Equipment and Machinery Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) 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.
Performs continuing and/or special operational or functional checks on machinery to avoid untimely or dangerous equipment breakdown, and identify when possible, development of unsafe situations.
Installs, repairs, and maintains lock and dam machinery, and equipment of mechanical or electrical type.
Performs carpentry or plumbing required for minor construction or repair and maintenance; concrete work, welding, painting, cleaning, etc.
Performs seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening; snow shoveling, clearing ice, etc.
Operates smaller crane/bulkhead hoist/etc. for placing bulkheads.
Operates equipment such as but not limited to: pick-up truck, dump truck, forklift, front-end loader, bulldozer, tractor, motorboat, and pontoon boat.
Operates electrical, electronic, and/or hydraulic gate controls to open and/or close gates at one end of lock chamber.
Issues instructions to tow boat captains and other craft operators, setting of precedence of entry, and through maintaining proper procedural operation.
Operates electrical or electronic controls to raise or lower dam gates in accordance with specific instructions.