Lock Operations & Maintenance Technician

Job Type: Full-Time
Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Department: Operations / Lock & Marina
Reports To: General Manager and/or Harbor Master
On-Call: 24/7 availability for lock-related emergencies

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Lock Operations & Maintenance Technician responsible for the safe operation, inspection, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the community’s navigational lock system.

This position combines lock operations with mechanical and hydraulic maintenance. A key focus will be transitioning the lock from a primarily reactive maintenance approach to a proactive preventative maintenance program that improves reliability, reduces equipment downtime, and extends the life of critical equipment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate the navigational lock in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols.
• Monitor vessels entering and exiting the lock and assist boaters as needed.
• Inspect hydraulic, mechanical, and related equipment for leaks, wear, corrosion, vibration, unusual noises, and other potential problems.
• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual preventative maintenance schedules.
• Perform routine maintenance including lubrication, adjustments, fluid and filter changes, cleaning, tightening, and replacement of wear components.
• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and mechanical systems, including pumps, motors, cylinders, hoses, fittings, valves, filters, and related equipment.
• Diagnose equipment failures and perform minor to intermediate repairs in-house when practical.
• Determine when specialized contractor assistance is required and coordinate with outside vendors and technicians.
• Test equipment following repairs to ensure safe and proper operation.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, equipment issues, and parts replaced.
• Maintain an organized inventory of commonly needed parts, tools, hydraulic fluids, filters, lubricants, hoses, fittings, and other supplies.
• Assist management with long-term maintenance and capital replacement planning.
• Respond to lock-related mechanical and operational emergencies and take appropriate action to safely secure equipment when necessary.
• Provide professional and courteous service to residents, boaters, vendors, and contractors.

 
Required:

• Hands-on mechanical maintenance or repair experience.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic systems and mechanical equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, hoses, fittings, or similar equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools and basic diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read equipment manuals, maintenance instructions, hydraulic schematics, and basic mechanical diagrams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to preventative maintenance.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional customer-service skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to meet the position’s 24/7 on-call requirements.

Preferred Experience:

• Hydraulic system repair and maintenance
• Industrial or facilities maintenance
• Marine or marina equipment
• Heavy equipment repair
• Pump and motor maintenance
• Mechanical systems troubleshooting
• Electrical/mechanical equipment
• Welding and fabrication
• Preventative maintenance programs
• Waterfront facility operations

Work Environment & Requirements

This position involves working both indoors and outdoors in varying Florida weather conditions and around waterfront areas, vessels, hydraulic equipment, and moving machinery. The technician must be able to walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, lift and carry tools and equipment, and perform hands-on mechanical work for extended periods.Because the lock is critical to community operations, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when emergencies occur. After-hours response, overtime, and other compensable time will be administered in accordance with applicable wage-and-hour requirements and company policies.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be measured by maintaining a reliable and safe lock system through consistent preventative maintenance, accurate documentation, early identification of equipment issues, timely emergency response, reduced equipment failures and downtime, and effective coordination with outside contractors when specialized services are needed.