Trades Helper Linehandler (Relief Pool) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Summary These positions are located in Massena, NY. You will serve as both a Trades er 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. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. 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. 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. 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. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Conscientiousness - Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior. Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. 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. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation Additional information 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 er 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. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Read more 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 window Learn 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.