Lock and Dam Operator

Summary

About the Position: This announcement is for a Lock and Dam Operator at La Grange Lock and Dam in Versailles, IL. Position may be filled at the WY-05, WY-07 or WY-08. If filled at the WY-05 or WY-07 position will have noncompetitive promotional potential to the WY-08. ???????Position is being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA).

Duties

• Operate electrically and/or hydraulically controlled lock or lock and dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment for passage of traffic and maintenance of pool levels using oral, written, or radio transmission instructions.
• Perform and/or direct other installation, repair, and maintenance tasks requiring application of craft or trade knowledge and skills using sketches, diagrams, or written/oral instructions and appropriate hand and power tools.
• Perform 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.
• Serve alone or as responsible lead man of two-man crew responsible for making lockage's.
• Perform seasonal duties such as grass cutting, trimming, gardening; snow shoveling; and clearing ice using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Perform janitorial tasks such as cleaning control house and lock building, restroom facilities, standby equipment, etc.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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 a(n) Lock and Dam Operator~ without more than normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. WY-5426-05 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform common lock operations tasks performing maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge clippers, electrical drills, and manual wrenches. The work will be done under close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. WY-5426-07 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform some lock operations tasks such as: operating chamber gates and the lock chamber emptying and filling valves. I am skilled in performing routine preventive maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables of lock and dam equipment, chains, and pulleys; and following specific instructions to perform assignments connected to lock operations. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. WY-5426-08 Level: To meet the screen out element, applicants should document experience and/or show the ability to: perform some lock operations tasks such as: operating chamber gates and the lock chamber emptying and filling valves. I am skilled in performing routine preventive maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables of lock and dam equipment, chains, and pulleys; and following specific instructions to perform assignments connected to lock operations. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Operation of Equipment and Machinery Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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, occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds, stretching, working in cramped positions, handling or maneuvering bulky items or equipment, and general continuous moderate to arduous physical activity. WORKING CONDITIONS- Preponderance of work is performed outside, subject to extremes of temperature and weather. There is exposure of injuries associated with working in restricted areas (occasionally in 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.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/10/2026 to receive consideration To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13051403). Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete. It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.