Become a Dam Operator with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill, outdoor work, and a commitment to national infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a qualified individual to fill a Dam Operator role in Wenden, Arizona. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on maintenance, operating heavy equipment, and contributing to the vital water systems that support our communities.

Job Responsibilities

As a Dam Operator, you will serve as a key custodian of local water infrastructure. Your daily duties will include:

Facility Maintenance: Ensuring the dam site and reservoir are kept in pristine condition.
Equipment Operation: Driving dump trucks, tractors, and utilizing attachments like backhoes and mowers.
Preventive Care: Performing minor electrical, mechanical, and carpentry repairs.
Public Engagement: Leading informational tours and explaining the operational functions of the dam to visitors.

Comparison: Typical Maintenance Tasks

Task Type	Examples
Mechanical	Pump repair, generator maintenance, hydraulic systems
Facility	Fencing, concrete work, landscape upkeep
Operational	Heavy equipment driving, reservoir monitoring

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate:

The ability to perform duties without constant supervision.
A willingness to work in diverse weather conditions.
Physical capability to lift up to 100 pounds.
Completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

Salary Overview

The hourly wage for this position ranges from $27.05 to $31.53. This rate is commensurate with experience and follows federal pay scales for industrial equipment operators.

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enjoy the stability of federal employment. Benefits include access to federal health and retirement programs, opportunities for career advancement, and potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is non-negotiable.
Be Specific: Detail every relevant job experience, including dates and weekly hours.
Use Plain Language: Avoid government jargon or acronyms.
Check Your Status: Log in to your USAJOBS portal to track your application progress.

Serving as a Dam Operator in Wenden is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the safety and functionality of our national resources. If you have the mechanical aptitude and the work ethic required, apply today and join our mission-driven team.

Why This Dam Operator Job Matters

Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and engineer a safer future by maintaining vital water infrastructure in Arizona.

Dam Operator Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Dam Operator to maintain, operate, and protect essential water infrastructure within the Los Angeles District. Based in Wenden, Arizona, this role is critical to the operation and maintenance of dams and related equipment. You will handle everything from grounds maintenance to the operation of heavy machinery, ensuring that facilities remain in top condition while interacting with the public to explain the dam's function and importance.

Requirements for Dam Operator

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must demonstrate the ability to perform work without more than normal supervision.
Must be able to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50-100 pounds.
Ability to work in outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, and various terrain.
Must pass a drug test.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Dam Operator

Experience in operating heavy machinery such as dump trucks, tractors, and backhoes.
Proficiency in basic mechanical, electrical, carpentry, or plumbing repairs.
Demonstrated ability to perform preventive maintenance on hydraulic and pumping systems.
Strong communication skills for conducting public tours and facility briefings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay
✓Direct deposit of pay
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Army Corps of Engineers
✓Possible relocation incentives based on management approval
✓Comprehensive federal employee support services

💡 How to Apply Dam Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dam Operator Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
Submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant performance appraisals.
Ensure all documents are uploaded before the midnight deadline on the closing date.
Check your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages; longer resumes will be excluded.
Explicitly detail your work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates.
Avoid using obscure acronyms that HR might not recognize.
Verify that your uploaded documents clear the virus scan well before the closing time.
Always double-check that you have re-selected your documents after initiating the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is education a substitute for experience in this role?

No. This position requires hands-on experience, and you cannot substitute education for the required professional experience.

What is the physical nature of this job?

You will be required to stand, walk, climb, and lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds. The work involves significant outdoor activity and exposure to weather extremes.

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this role requires physical presence at the dam site for daily maintenance and operations.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. We do more than just build; we protect ecosystems, secure water resources, and provide engineering solutions to the challenges our nation faces. Joining our team means becoming part of a community that values resilience, innovation, and integrity.