Lock and Dam Operator
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Before you apply
LocationHannibal, Missouri, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityEntry
DepartmentMississippi River Project Office - Lock and Dam Section
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 27, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Ability to do the work of a Lock and Dam Operator without more than normal supervision
Perform common lock operations tasks performing maintenance or repair tasks utilizing mechanical or electrical equipment
Operate chamber gates and the lock chamber emptying and filling valves
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks such as oiling and greasing cables of lock and dam equipment, chains, and pulleys
Summary
About the Position:
This announcement is for a Lock and Dam Operator at Lock and Dam 22 in Hannibal, MO.
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).
This is a seasonal position (10-11 months) and may be placed in a non-pay status during non-navigational season.
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 Operatorwithout 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.
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Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
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Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
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Dexterity and Safety
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Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
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Operation of Equipment and Machinery
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Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
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Use of Measuring Instruments
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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.
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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 you will be evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.
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Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
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Highly Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
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Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.
Required documents
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. **If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
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Your resume:**
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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.
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For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
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Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what’s in your resume.
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If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
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For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
2. Other supporting documents:
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Cover Letter, optional
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Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person’s personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
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 11/10/2026 to receive consideration
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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/13100972).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Other information
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Incumbent works full-time permanent schedule with potential to be in non-pay status for 1 to 2 months during non-navigation season.
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Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
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You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
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This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
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Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
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Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
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If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
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This is a Career Field 18 - Engineers & Scientists position.
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Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
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Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
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When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
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Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
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