Department of the Army

Crane Operator

Starbuck, Washington Full time

Crane Operator

Department: Department of the Army

Location(s): Starbuck, Washington

Salary Range: $64.68 - $64.68 Per Hour

Job Summary: About the Position: This position is located at Little Goose Dam, Starbuck, WA. The Dam is operated by USACE and is situated on the Snake River, 65-river miles downstream from Clarkston, WA and 70-river miles upstream from the Tri-Cities, WA. Work duties will be performed inside and outside the hydroelectric (powerhouse) facility. This is a fast paced and multifaceted working environment. Little Goose Dam is near Starbuck, WA and close to Dayton, WA.

Major Duties:

  • Responsible for the safe operation of any and all of the cranes located at the project for construction, operational maintenance, and repair purposes.
  • Maneuvers levers for control of crane from cab or carriage located 10 - 90 ft above the work, assuring that the moving load will not collide with personnel, machinery, structures or materials; and that precision placement of load is accomplished.
  • Performs preventive maintenance check of machines prior to operation and makes minor operation adjustments, reporting repairs required to worker in charge or repair shop.
  • Performs rigging as needed in changing booms, lines, chokers, slings, etc.
  • Prepares hazard control plans, critical lift plans, drafts safe clearance orders, and attends and participates in regularly scheduled safety meetings.
  • Performs other sub-journey level mechanical, electrical, or general maintenance duties such as assisting with routine maintenance and repair, assembly or clean-up, welding, cutting, air-arcing, grinding, carpentry, painting, etc.

Qualifications: Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. Current USACE employees with competitive status. Current Civilian Employees of the Command Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Crane Operator without more than normal supervision. Experience operating bridge, boom, and/or gantry of cranes, reading and understanding load charts and conducting maintenance checks on cranes - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Ability to perform Motor Vehicle Operator duties w/o more than normal supervision Operation of Motor Vehicles Reliability And Dependability Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) PHYSICAL EFFORT: The operator pushes, pulls, and depresses levers, brakes, clutches, etc. requiring considerable strength and keen hand/eye/foot coordination. Climbs ladders and regularly lifts and carries supplies, hooks, cables, and rigging weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. The operator is subject to constant vibration while the crane is in operation. Must have normal vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed both inside and outside the powerhouse. Exposed to high noise levels, dust fumes, heat, cold, and climate extremes. There is danger of serious injury or death from improperly operated cranes, contact with high voltage electricity and the danger of drowning when working above swift moving water. Spends long periods in cramped quarters and is exposed to possible injury from swinging loads or crane overturning. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/05/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12943324). Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete. It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-05