Canal Structure Operator (Two Positions - #70398 and #70402)

Date Posted 04/28/26 Applications Due05/13/26 Vacancy

ID215006 NY

HELPNo AgencyCanal Corporation TitleCanal Structure Operator (Two Positions - #70398 and #70402) Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance Salary GradeNS Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA) Salary RangeFrom $20.97 to $20.97 Hourly Employment Type Per Diem Appointment Type Temporary Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class Travel Percentage 25% Workweek Variable Hours Per Week 20 Workday From 12 AM To 12 AM Flextime allowed? No Mandatory overtime? No Compressed workweek allowed? No Telecommuting allowed? No County Oneida Street Address 248 Otis St. City Rome StateNY Zip Code13441 Duties Description Reporting to a Chief Lock Operator, Trades Specialist Electrician, and/or Canal Maintenance Supervisor 2 (Operations), the incumbent of this position will be primarily assigned to perform routine water control adjustments and groundskeeping maintenance, as needed, at the North Lake, South Lake and Woodhull Reservoirs approximately one hour's drive north of Utica. The incumbents of these positions would be responsible for opening and closing valves, gates, and water control structures at assigned locations and may be required to travel to and perform water control adjustments and/or observations at other locations within the Northern Reservoir location. Incumbents also use hand and power tools, typical of a semiskilled worker in maintaining and repairing equipment on the canal system. The general duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following: Operates any of a variety of locks following detailed standing and special procedures.

• Observes or is notified of approaching float, energizes control panels to either fill or empty the lock chamber, and when water level is equalized, energizes control panel by manipulating one or a series of switches and levers to open lock entry gates and turns on traffic control light to signal vessel to enter lock chamber.
• Observes passage of vessel into lock chamber, advises crew of proper mooring procedure, and logs name or registry number of vessel, time of passage and any unusual occurrence.
• Closes lock gate and turns on traffic light to stop any other approaching vessels.
• Energizes control panel to either fill or empty the lock, keeping vessel under observation in the event of a sudden emergency which might require stopping or reversing the water level equalization process.
• Observes the water level and when equalized on both sides of lock gates, opens lock gate and when vessel has exited, closes exit lock gates and valves and repeats procedure for next vessel awaiting passage.
• If operator is roving between structures, all waiting vessels are passed through the lock and the operator proceeds by automobile to the next structure which may be several miles away
• In the event of a failure or breakdown of the equipment, notifies the supervisor giving the nature and extent of the problem.

Operates a guard gate by energizing a control panel to raise or lower the gate as needed and to operate valves, when the gate is down, to regulate water flow to the locks below the guard gate. Operates a movable bridge by energizing a control panel to raise or lower the bridge, as needed, and to control vehicular traffic over the bridge. Performs regular preventative maintenance tasks.

• Inspects AC and DC motors and generators, lubricates, cleans parts and replaces brushes.
• Inspects panel boards, lubricates, cleans, and replaces indicator lights, fuses and bulbs.
• Inspects, cleans and lubricates gear trains and racks.
• Maintains lubricating and hydraulic fluid levels and replaces filters.
• Inspects pumps, lubricates and reports any malfunctions.
• Applies preservative to wooden quoins and miters which serve to seal lock gates.
• Inspects and lubricates chains and cables.
• Inspects arc lights, navigation, pilot and traffic signals for proper functioning and as necessary replaces light bulbs and fuses. During the winter months when the canal system is closed performs a variety of maintenance activities.
• Assists in the removal and replacement of electrical motors which includes disassembly, inspection of parts for wear or defect, cleaning, lubricating, repairing or replacing parts, painting and reassembly.
• Assists in the removal, repair, reassembly and replacement of panel boards, brake assemblies, switches, overload relays, magnetic starters, rheostats, and circuit breakers.

During major structure overhauls performs a variety of semiskilled tasks characteristic of a maintenance assistant in servicing pumps, maintaining cofferdams and assisting in the installation of temporary wiring. Performs miscellaneous maintenance work.

• Paints lockhouse interior and exterior.
• Removes snow and ice from lock chamber walls, lock gates and walkways.
• Performs routine groundskeeping and building maintenance such as trimming lawns and shrubs, removing debris, and cleaning floors, windows and plumbing facilities.

In accordance with specific procedures and in a standard format records daily weather, wind direction, air temperature, water level readings, a log of vessels passing through the lock and any unusual occurrences taking place. Minimum Qualifications 1. Six months of experience in the operation and assembly/maintenance of mechanical, electrical, automotive or diesel machinery; or 2. Six months of experience working on a canal, of which 50% of your duties must have included working at a canal lock and/or lift bridge; or 3. A certificate of completion from a BOCES or a post-high school program in electrical maintenance, electrical construction; or mechanical, automotive, diesel repair or technology; or 4. Six college semester credit hours in electrical construction, electrical maintenance or in hydraulic, mechanical, automotive diesel repair or technology; or 5. An equivalent combination of the training and experience requirements noted above. Candidates must also possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter. Additional Comments The New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the 524-mile waterway for boating, recreation, tourism and agriculture. The New York State Canal System includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga -Seneca canals, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The 200-year-old NYS Canal System extends over 524 miles and plays important roles in New York's economic development, tourism industry and environmental stewardship. For more information on The New York State Canal Corporation's mission, values and opportunities, please visit https://www.canals.ny.gov/ Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. Name Recruitment@canals.ny.gov Telephone 518-449-6003 Fax Email Address Recruitment@canals.ny.gov Address Street 30 South Pearl Street City Albany State NY Zip Code 12207