How To Become A Dam Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a dam operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Dam operators control various machines and equipment that permit passage of water traffic. They operate electronically or hydraulically controlled dam gates, tend bridges, work canal locks, and lighthouses to oversee marine passage near the shore and inland waterways. They are responsible for operating other equipment as well used for overseeing the passage of commercial and private traffic, controlling valves, or maintaining pool levels.

Your job in this position is to prevent breakdowns of equipment and identify unsafe situations. You will be responsible for repairing the damaged dam and lock equipment and installing new electrical or mechanical dam machinery when necessary. You will communicate with boat pilots to get information about the size and weight of their cargo.

Military or government agencies typically offer this position. A degree in engineering or a related field might be helpful. Specialized training will be provided, though, as you most likely have to be enlisted military personnel to apply.

ScoreDam OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $34,962

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.13%

Asian 7.28%

Black or African American 11.31%

Hispanic or Latino 14.02%

Unknown 7.56%

White 56.70%

Gender

female 7.32%

male 92.68%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

9.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a dam operator

Explore dam operator education requirements

Most common dam operator degrees

Bachelor's

38.9 %

Associate

27.8 %

High School Diploma

22.2 %

Start to develop specific dam operator skills

Skills	Percentages
GRASS	32.95%
Emergency Situations	19.19%
Commodities	14.15%
Plumbing	11.22%
Slings	10.37%

Complete relevant dam operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New dam operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a dam operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real dam operator resumes.

Research dam operator duties and responsibilities

Achieve qualification as IMTS certify lock operator.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Perform grounds keeping such as mowing, trimming, weed control.
Use of the LPMS system to monitor lake and water levels.

Prepare your dam operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your dam operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a dam operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable dam operator resume templates

Build a professional dam operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your dam operator resume.