Lock & Dam Operator, WY-5426-09 (47205)
- WELCOME!Please see the description below of an internal job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with non-competitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP, except for Deployment Opportunities.
It is not mandatory for hiring officials to use VIOP in order to fill a vacancy non-competitively within USACE. Utilization of VIOP is subject to compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and negotiated agreements.Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position. - Job Posting Open Date:
- 03/26/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 04/02/2026
- Announcement Type:
- TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- Position Title:
- Lock & Dam Operator
- Pay Plan:
- WY
- Occupational Series:
- 5426 - Lock & Dam Operating (5426)
- Grade:
- 09
- USACE Organization :
- Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Huntington District
- Locations (City, State):
- Gallipolis Ferry, WV
- Position Overview/Duties:
The Lock and Dam Operator is a skilled and highly responsible position tasked with the safe and efficient operation of a Corps of Engineers navigation facility. Working largely independently, the operator exercises primary authority during their shift to manage the passage of commercial and private vessels by operating complex electrically and hydraulically controlled lock gates, valves, and associated machinery. This role also involves a significant component of maintenance and repair, requiring the operator to perform and direct a wide range of tasks including mechanical, electrical, and structural work to ensure the installation's integrity. The position is physically demanding, requires the ability to work in all weather conditions, and involves a high degree of technical skill and independent judgment to ensure the safety of the public and the continuous operation of the waterway.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
This position is located at an IMTS facility. Days of operation and typical daily schedules will vary based on site specific work requirements. Typical schedules may consist of 1, 2, or 3 specific shift schedules. Operators may be required to alternate working hours on all shifts and on weekends, as well as weekdays. Sites with limited commercial use may operate on reduced work schedules. In all cases, work schedules and hours of operation are locally determined based on work requirements.
NOTE: This position meets the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE Pamphlet 600-1-3. Performance of the duties of your position is sufficiently critical that screening to detect the presence of drugs is warranted as a requirement of your position. It is mandatory for your continued employment in this position that you refrain from the use of illegal drugs and submit to drug testing when directed.
NOTE: This is a Mission Essential position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in emergencies based on inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as appropriate. A Mission Essential employee is required to report for, or remain at, work in emergency situations; dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to him/her unless his/her supervisor instructs otherwise.
This position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
This position requires the incumbent to lift and carry materials weighing 50 pounds or more and will require a pre-employment physical exam.
NOTE: Incumbent may be required to have an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing and/or wear a prescribed uniform based on site specific requirements.
Incumbent may also be required to have a valid state driver’s license based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
NOTE: Incumbent of this position will be required to complete refresher training to maintain certification.
NOTE: Employees are required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.
This is a drug testing designated position (TDP) under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program in accordance with AR 600-85. Signing of a DA Form 5019 (Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program) acknowledging periodic random drug testing requirements is mandatory prior to being placed into this position. Those individuals not currently occupying a TDP position must successfully complete a pre-appointment drug test prior to being placed into this position and periodically thereafter.
Minimum Experience Requirement:
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.
Must possess specialized experience in operating lock and dam equipment, such as gates and control valves, to facilitate the safe and efficient passage of vessels. Your duties have included the crucial tasks of monitoring water levels, inspecting machinery, and performing routine maintenance to ensure the system's operational integrity. You are adept at communicating with vessel operators and strictly adhering to all safety regulations to mitigate hazards. This background has equipped you with the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role. Your experience directly relates to the major duties of a Lock & Dam Operator, qualifying you to meet the specific requirements of the position.
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
