Dam Operator

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Dam Operator. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty

Location:

Klamath Falls, Oregon

NOTE: This recruitment is for a TERM position. It is a time limited position and MAY be extended up to a maximum of five years. The position MAY be converted to a permanent, career or career conditional appointment without further competition as long as all requirements are met.

The incumbent works under closer than normal supervision at the trainee level performing assignments designed to provide the competencies, skills, and experience required to perform the more complex work at the journey man level. The work increases in difficulty, complexity, and responsibility as the incumbent gains experience and demonstrates a full comprehension of the target level position. As a trainee, this position may be eligible for non‑competitive promotion to the target position upon meeting the following requirements: (1) The incumbent demonstrates the ability to perform at the target grade level;

(2) Higher‑level work exists at the target grade level; (3) Increased responsibilities are assigned; (4) The supervisor recommends promotion; and (5) the incumbent completes all required training and conditions of employment. Consequently, promotion is not guaranteed. As a trainee, the incumbent must perform work under the direct supervision and oversight of a journey level position.

• Operates electrical and mechanical equipment to regulate the positions of the gates and stop logs that comprise the control structures of Link River, Keno Dams Gerber, Clear Lake dams and various diversion dams and pumping plants.
• Requires extensive knowledge of performing water operation tasks for irrigation and flood control, calculating, and making prescribed water releases, recording reservoir elevations and gate openings.
• Performs a variety of trades and crafts duties associated with the maintenance and operation of the Klamath Basin Area Office (KBAO), its grounds and facilities, using skills, techniques and methods of carpentry, painting, masonry, pipe fitting, welding, irrigating, and calculating water releases.
• Coordinates with representatives of irrigation districts, individual water users, and other federal offices (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) regarding water operations.
• Operates the gates at Link River and Keno Dams to maintain the required elevation of Upper Klamath Lake (UKL) and Lake Ewauna, as well as the flow rate in the Klamat River downstream of Keno Dam in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
• Operates the emergency stand‑by generator to provide electrical power to the Dam during utility system outages or on a monthly basis, as required by the maintenance schedule, for the emergency backup equipment.
• Maintains accurate and legible records of the daily operations of the Dams and enters the information in the logbook in accordance with format prescribed by the Standing Operating Procedures for both Keno and Link River Dams.
• Reads, records, and transmits lake elevation data, downstream river flow rates and stage data, staff gauge readings at reservoirs and conveyance system control points and all other required information.
• Operations may be required at any hour of the day, night, or weekend as dictated by the operations schedule, varying climatic conditions, or flood control requirements.
• Performs maintenance work on canals, drains, and water facility structures, including dams, pumping plants, check structure turnouts, and bridges, etc. Places earthwork and riprap. Repairs, paints, and replaces water control gates and pipes.
• Constructs, installs, repairs, or modifies wooden items and structures, such as panels, concrete forms, dry walls, framework, interior and exterior trim, cabinets, fences, bridges, etc. Measures and cuts materials to required dimensions, assembles with appropriate hardware or adhesives, and finishes completed work (e.g., planes, sands, seals, paints) as necessary.
• Performs fabrication and welding,…