Trades Helper Linehandler (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)

These positions are located in Massena, NY. You will serve as both a Trades Helper and a Linehandler relief for our Maintenance and Lock Operations Divisions.

This announcement creates a register that will be used to fill permanent, term or temporary vacancies as needed. It is advised that you keep your USAJOBS account information up-to-date while the register is open to ensure that, if you are deemed qualified, you can be contacted if there are openings.

• Trades Helper work is performed primarily in a compressed 12 hour schedule.
• Assists journey level trades workers by performing the duties associated with improvements to, and maintenance of, electrical and mechanical. You may also assist journey level employees in other trades.
• Linehandler work is performed during the navigation season (March through December) on an as needed basis for emergency or operational needs. All work is performed on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, on rotating day and night 12 hour shifts, with rotating days and weekends off. Duties include handling of pleasure craft and collection of pleasure craft fees.
• Passes/receives messenger/mooring lines or wires to/from vessels to secure them in the lock chamber or on approach walls as necessary. Operates an electrically powered capstan to pull-up a commercial vessel's mooring wires. Observes for unusual occurrences during a lockage, positions vessels in the chamber and communicates with all personnel involved with the lockage evolution.
• Subject to work schedule changes with a minimum of 12-hours’ notice. This position is used to cover for scheduled and unscheduled absences for other employees.
• Lock & Dam Operator work is primarily from a computer console to actuate lock machinery, such as gates, valves, fender booms, air curtains, hands-free mooring units, etc. Monitors multiple visual indicators and gathers critical information from computer data to determine proper positioning of hands-free mooring equipment and to safely control the rate of water flow in and out of the lock chamber, preventing danger to equipment or vessels due to excessive surge or turbulence.
• If selected for Marine Helper work as a deckhand on the Corporation’s tugs, barges and workboats, work is generally performed during fall and spring commissioning and decommissioning of navigation aids (buoy runs), which may require a significant amount of overtime and travel.
• Required to perform housekeeping and maintenance work inside and outside buildings and grounds in your work area.
• Operates pick-up trucks, side by side four-wheel drive vehicles with plow attachments, electric lock vehicles (ELVs), and may operate fork lifts, skid-steer loaders, stake rack trucks, etc. to move equipment and materials.
• Observes and follows all safety rules and regulations set by OSHA and the Corporation.
• After appropriate training, may be assigned to perform asbestos abatement duties.

The ideal candidate for this position will have trades helper knowledge in carpentry, and/or knowledge of working in a marine environment, and also have basic computer skills.

Not required

No

05 - There is no known promotion potential

• Job family (Series)

  5426 Lock And Dam Operating

  Similar jobs
  • Lock And Dam Operators
  • Lock Operators
  • Operators, Lock
  • Operators, Lock And Dam

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
  • Applicants will be reviewed and referred only when vacancies occur.
  • Keep your application up to date during the open period of this register.

  CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK: You will be subject to a pre-employment and post-employment background investigation process which includes a fingerprint check.
  • PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED: This position has strenuous physical requirements. You will be required to successfully complete a physical exam and a functional capacity test, at the expense of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, before being placed in the position.
    You may be assigned to duties requiring the use of a respirator. You will be fit tested for a respirator upon entering the position. You will be required to be clean-shaven for the initial fit-testing, and for any future assignments requiring the wearing of the respirator.
  • DRUG TESTING: This position has been designated as safety sensitive under the provisions of DOT'S regulated workplace drug and alcohol program. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to being placed in this position, and will be subject to periodic random testing for illegal drugs.
  • DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: You must also be able to obtain and maintain a driver’s license.
  • REQUIRED TRAINING: You must successfully complete all three phases of the following required training within two years: Linehandler, Lock & Dam Operator and Hands-Free Mooring.
  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: For marine helper work, due to the location of our agency, you must be able to enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law and re-enter the United States.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one (1) year probationary period.
  • TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT: Temporary employees may only be employed/paid for up to a 12 month period.
  • TERM APPOINTMENT: Exceeding 1 year and lasting no more than 4 years.
  Qualifications

  Qualifications for the position are based on the training, experience, or other requirements that determine which applicants would be able to perform satisfactorily in the position to be filled.
  
  For the Wage Grade 05, to qualify, your application and resume will be rated on the following job elements:

  • Ability to do the work of the position.
  • Dexterity and Safety.
  • Technical practices.
  • Use of measuring instruments.
  • Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc.

  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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

  Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. If you do not meet the minimum levels in the ability to do the work OR if you do not meet the minimum level overall, you will be disqualified.

  DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.

  Education
  Additional information

  REIMBURSEMENT: Reimbursement for pre-employment interview expenses are not authorized. Applicants are responsible for all costs involved with traveling to Massena, NY for an interview. If you do not live in the local commuting area, phone interviews are conducted prior to confirming an on-site interview. Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  
  PHYSICAL EFFORT FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Frequently lifts and turns while handling lines weighing up to 100 pounds, generally with another Lock Operations employee. Frequently required to climb ladders, walk over rough terrain, climb towers, reach, twist, turn, bend, and squat, often while wearing uncomfortable or awkward safety equipment. May be required to stand for long periods or to board craft from lock walls, docks, or shoreline areas. Perception of distance and motion and coordination of hands and eyes are necessary when spotting vessels entering and leaving the locks, in handling lines during marine work, and in performing Trades Helper duties. For general maintenance work, is required to expend moderate to heavy effort for extended periods of time, such as mowing lawns behind a walking mower, shoveling snow, sweeping walkways, sandblasting, hammering, using a chain saw, or jack hammering.

  WORKING CONDITIONS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Work assignments are both inside and outside. When inside, employee is frequently exposed to drafts, changing temperatures, and noise that is difficult to talk above. When outside, may work in bad weather, in mud or snow, in wet or icy areas, and on slippery decks. Both inside and outside, employee is frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust, heat, fumes, and from hard, damp floors or ground. Typically works on parts and systems that are dirty, oily, or greasy. May work from ladders, staging, man baskets, decks, or rafts, on or over water. Work may be performed in open areas at 90+ feet above land or water. Some work is performed in narrow areas, with low ceilings, and often with limited lighting. Employee must be able to work at or adjacent to such heights and in cramped areas. May be exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, burns, including electrical burns, and/or shocks, bruises, and sprains while repairing, positioning, and moving equipment. May be exposed to the possibility of receiving burns and skin irritations from acid, fluids, and lubricants. May be exposed to hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, asbestos, lead, or silica; or chemicals such as paint, paint thinner, mineral spirits, and other agents such as naphtha, toluene, liquid anode, etc. which may be listed on the hazardous chemicals list. To reduce the dangers and irritations from the above conditions, the employee is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use prescribed safety equipment for each assignment, such as protective ear devices, hard hats, hard-toe shoes, floatation devices, respirators, and protective clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear or use, etc.

  
  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

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

  Federal Wage System (FWS) positions require the use of a Screen-Out Element. Points will be based on experience and training which are documented by your responses to the questionnaire. To be qualified, applicants must receive at least 2 points on the Screen-Out Element and an average of 2 points on all the elements in order to be considered minimally qualified for the position. Applicants who do not receive 2 points on the Screen-Out Element will be eliminated from further consideration.

  Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.

  If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of two categories: Highly Qualified and Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

  This vacancy may be used by any DOT agency to fill similar positions within 90 days.

  
  
  To preview questions please click here.
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  No

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.

  PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS/INCENTIVE AWARDS: If applicable, performance appraisals and/or Incentive award documentation may be submitted and forwarded to the selecting official in consideration of your application. To receive credit, submit a recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (do not submit a performance plan) and/or incentive award documentation dated within the last 18 months (i.e. performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increases, etc.).

  VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.

  • If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
  • If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
  • If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/#veoa), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.

  FEDERAL APPLICANTS: For consideration as a federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 that verifies your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50, current SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/

  NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
  
  DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85 or falling in the Gold Category) and provide all of the following documents:

  • your most recent performance appraisal,
  • the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
  • your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.

  Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration. For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.

  Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  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.

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees

  Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is, or was, working overseas.

• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Special authorities

  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Veterans

Open to current and former Federal employees with competitive status, VEOA Applicants, AND All U.S. Citizens.