Lock and Dam Operator, WY-5426-09 (55386)
- 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:
- 08/13/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 08/26/2026
- Announcement Type:
- Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp / Not DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- Position Title:
- Lock and Dam Operator
- Pay Plan:
- WY
- Occupational Series:
- 5426
- Grade:
- 09
- USACE Organization :
- Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) - Rock Island District
- Locations (City, State):
- Marseilles, IL
- Position Overview/Duties:
The Rock Island District's Operations Division is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of a 9-foot navigation channel on 314 miles of the Upper Mississippi River and 268 miles of the Illinois Waterway, as well as the operation of 18 lock and dam sites. The District is currently seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Lock and Dam Operator at the Marseilles, IL Lock and Dam. Responsibilities include:
-Operating lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for passage of a variety of private and commercial traffic through the lock structure and/or maintenance of required pool levels.
-Performing other installation repair and maintenance tasks
-Gathering and recording essential data from boat pilots regarding cargo and travel details.
-Assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of lock machinery and equipment, performing operational checks to prevent equipment malfunctions, and utilizing various hand and power tools.
-Demonstrating and enforcing safety regulations and methods to avoid hazards to employees, property or vessels.
Learn more about the Marseilles, IL area here: https://www.cityofmarseilles.com/
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.
WHO MAY APPLY: This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for noncompetitive placements, to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, repromotion to a grade previously held on a permanent basis, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.
Minimum Experience Requirement: To qualify for the WY-09 grade level: Ability to do the work of a lower-graded Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision by performing common lock operations tasks including: 1) operating lock and dam equipment where lock and dam gates/valves are electrically or hydraulically controlled as directed; 2) making minor repairs to lock and dam equipment; 3) applying locking procedures, policies, and laws regarding traffic right-of-way, sequence of operation and safe passage of hazardous commodities and damaged crafts; 4) complying with governing safety practices and procedures.
Other Requirements:
· Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
· All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
· Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
· A trial or probationary period may be required.
· A supervisory probationary period may be required.
· Direct deposit of pay is required.
· This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
· This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
-This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possession to operate vehicles.
· Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
· This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
- 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.
-May be required to maintain an American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, CPR, and/or AED in good standing.
-The position requires employee to wear a uniform and/or protective clothing.
- 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.