HEAD DAM OPERATOR

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HEAD DAM OPERATOR

Department of the Army

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Water Resources Division, Gathright Dam Field Office

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

Summary

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: Serve as a Head Dam Operator at the Gathright Dam in Covington, VA responsible for maintaining proper lake elevation and recording temperature, climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

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: Serve as a Head Dam Operator at the Gathright Dam in Covington, VA responsible for maintaining proper lake elevation and recording temperature, climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Covington, VA

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $27.15 - $31.73 per hour Pay scale & grade

WG 10

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 5401 Miscellaneous Industrial Equipment Operation

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CEDA-26-13037313-DHA Control number 885202300

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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Duties

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• Controls gate settings accordingly to maintain proper lake elevation.
• Insures reservoir temperature recorders are operational and downstream temperature is maintained for that day.
• Prepares a daily report which tabulates climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.
• Establishes, supervises, and performs short and long range electrical, mechanical and data collection system inspection requirements to assure that equipment is in proper working condition and that deficiencies are immediately reported
• Maintains all of the intake tower and all equipment and systems within tower. Plans and establishes maintenance guidelines, procedures, and work schedules for the intake tower equipment and systems.
• Performs operation maintenance on 50 H.P., 10 H.P. and 2 H.P. electric motors. Operate-s and troubleshoots hydraulic system for 17.8 ft and 5.86 ft gates in tower.
• Operates two ton bridge crane and inspects and maintains bridge assembly, Check differential pressure alarm system, keeps inspection and maintenance records on all equipment.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Required to obtain a Small Craft Operator License.
• Pre-employment and biennial (every 2 years) physical are required.
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Testing Program. Incumbent is required to take a pass a pre-employment drug test and random drug tests thereafter.
• Possession of or the ability to acquire a state drivers license.
• Possession of or the ability to acquire a Corps of Engineers and Virginia boat operators license.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends depending on the needs of the project to which the employee is assigned.
• Incumbent is required to work in adverse weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.).
• May be required to obtain and maintain a valid CPR certificate and first responder (or equivalent) certificate.
• May be required to work in both non-permit and permit required confined space and implement proper rescue and entry techniques.
• May be required to be properly trained and/or operate the following equipment: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs), escape packs, atmospheric monitoring devices and fall protection equipment.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Head Dam Operator without more than normal supervision. Your resume must demonstrate that you have the ability to perform duties such as the operation of hydraulic and electronically controlled dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for maintaining pool levels, and/or repairing parts of electric motors and hydraulic systems for the control of pool levels, and/or plans and establishes maintenance guidelines, procedures, and work schedules for the intake tower equipment and systems.. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Job Elements:The skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics listed below are important to succeed in the job:

• Ability to do the work of a Head Dam Operator without more than normal supervision.
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc
• Operation of hydraulically operated and electronically controlled dam gates, control valves, and other associated equipment required for maintenance of required pool levels
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprinting reading)
• Dexterity and Safety

Physical Efforts: Work requires pushing, turning and pulling bars, valves, levers and lifting and carrying tools and equipment. Daily inspection requires operating a boat in the river and dam pool. WORKING CONDITIONS Work requires walking, standing and climbing of stairs both outside and inside under varying weather, temperature and humidity conditions. Subject to cuts, bruises, strains and falls while performing and/or assisting in maintenance work and inspecting gate and hydraulic controls at various (approximately 150 feet) levels from s suspended rope chair.

Working Conditions: Performs in all weather conditions, often very low temperatures, wind, and adverse precipitation. NOTE: All Army personnel will comply with safety regulations, occupational safety and health standards, and other safety directives and orders.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• 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.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• 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.
• This is a Career Program (CP-18) - Engineers & Scientists position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

Your complete application includes your resume and other documents which prove your qualifications and 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.

1. Your resume:

• 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 each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employers 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.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about whats in your resume.
• 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.
• For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional

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 persons 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

Help

Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: USARMY.APG.CHRA-NE.MBX.APPLICANTHELP@ARMY.MIL

To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Alternate applications (e.g., facsimile applications) will not be accepted.

The complete application package must be submitted to the email address provided above by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/14/2026 to receive consideration.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Email USARMY.APG.CHRA-NE.MBX.APPLICANTHELP@ARMY.MIL Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RD-W2SF03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NORFOLK

DO NOT MAIL

Norfolk, VA 23510

US

Next steps

Eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Acknowledgement and Notice of Results letters will be sent by the hiring office.

The evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

Your complete application includes your resume and other documents which prove your qualifications and 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.

1. Your resume:

• 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 each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employers 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.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about whats in your resume.
• 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.
• For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional

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 persons 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

Help

Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: USARMY.APG.CHRA-NE.MBX.APPLICANTHELP@ARMY.MIL

To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Alternate applications (e.g., facsimile applications) will not be accepted.

The complete application package must be submitted to the email address provided above by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/14/2026 to receive consideration.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Email USARMY.APG.CHRA-NE.MBX.APPLICANTHELP@ARMY.MIL Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RD-W2SF03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NORFOLK

DO NOT MAIL

Norfolk, VA 23510

US

Next steps

Eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Acknowledgement and Notice of Results letters will be sent by the hiring office.

The evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we do not just construct infrastructure; we engineer the future of our Nation. From securing vital water resource infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for our armed forces and responding to natural disasters, our work touches lives every day.

By joining USACE, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, meaningful projects, collaborate with a diverse network of dedicated professionals, and advance your career. Here, your skills do not just build structures; they build national resilience, protect local communities, and support a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Build Strong With Us - explore our opportunities and engineer your legacy today.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Email USARMY.APG.CHRA-NE.MBX.APPLICANTHELP@ARMY.MIL Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RD-W2SF03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NORFOLK

DO NOT MAIL

Norfolk, VA 23510

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

Summary

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: Serve as a Head Dam Operator at the Gathright Dam in Covington, VA responsible for maintaining proper lake elevation and recording temperature, climatological, reservoir, and stream flow data.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Covington, VA

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $27.15 - $31.73 per hour Pay scale & grade

WG 10

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 5401 Miscellaneous Industrial Equipment Operation

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CEDA-26-13037313-DHA Control number 885202300

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