Career Opportunities

The New York State Canal Corporation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Job Application – Part 1

Select the job title you want from the listings below then complete our Job Application. It MUST BE PRINTED OUT, filled out in dark ink and mailed with copies of any attachments you want to include. (Suggestion: Make a copy of your submission before mailing.) Information filled out electronically on the form WILL NOT BE SAVED if you attach the form to an email.

If you are unable to access this PDF file, or are looking for more specific information, please email your name and mailing address requesting ADM-F034 - Employment Application to recruitment@canals.ny.gov, or, contact the New York State Canal Corporation at (518) 449-6003.

Seasonal Job Openings

We are hiring for navigation season.

Canal Structure Operator

Assist Chief Lock Operators in operating and maintaining 
Canal structures. 

Interact with recreational and commercial boaters. 
Responsible for recording specific operational data plus directing 
all boaters appropriately for safe passage through locks.

Possess and continuously maintain a valid driver license 
appropriate to the types of vehicles being operated.

Hourly rate: $20.36

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Six months experience in the operation and assembly 
or operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, 
automotive, hydraulic or diesel machinery
OR
• Six months experience working on a canal(s), of which 50 
percent of your duties must have included working at a canal 
lock and/or lift bridge
OR
• Certificate of completion from a BOCES or a post-high school 
program in electrical maintenance; electrical construction; or 
mechanical, hydraulic, automotive, or diesel repair or technology
OR
• Six college semester credit hours in electrical construction; 
electrical maintenance; or in hydraulic, mechanical, automotive, 
or diesel repair or technology

Canal Worker 1

May be assigned to assist with Lock operation/maintenance, 
the operation/maintenance of Floating Plant vessels and 
assisting with other routine maintenance tasks associated 
with the Canal system.

USCG or OTETA Drug Testing Required.

Hourly rate: $18.16

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be at least 18 
• Physically capable of performing duties assigned
• Possess and continuously maintain a valid driver license 
appropriate to the types of vehicles being operated
• No specific education or experience required

Facility Operations Assistant 1

Work independently or on a crew to assist in maintaining canal
equipment, structures, grounds and facilities at historic canal 
and maintenance sites. 
May be responsible for running heavy equipment including 
commercial riding mowers.

Hourly rate: $18.16

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be at least 18
• Physically capable of performing duties assigned
• No specific education or experience required
• Possess and continuously maintain a valid driver license
appropriate to the types of vehicles being operated 

Permanent Job Openings

Check for Engineers, Construction Managers, Marine Specialists, Admins & More.

Engineer Trainee

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be reachable for appointment on the Civil Service eligible list for Engineer Trainee (Civil/Transportation) OR candidates must have one year of permanent competitive service in a title eligible for transfer under the provisions of Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Civil Service examination is currently suspended. See NY HELPS links where Canal Corporation openings, when available, are posted and for further information.


Assistant Engineer

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be reachable for appointment on the Civil Service eligible list for Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation) OR candidates must have one year of permanent competitive service in a title eligible for transfer under the provisions of Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Civil Service examination is currently suspended. See NY HELPS links where Canal Corporation openings, when available, are posted and for further information.


Professional Engineer 1

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be reachable for appointment on the Civil Service eligible list for Professional Engineer 1 (Civil/Transportation) OR candidates must have one year of permanent competitive service in a title eligible for transfer under the provisions of Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Civil Service examination is currently suspended. See NY HELPS links where Canal Corporation openings, when available, are posted and for further information.


Benefits of a Career at the Canals

Learn about the benefits you'll receive when you work for us as a seasonal employee or engineer.

Civil Service Careers at Canals

The Department of Civil Service has developed NY HELPS to streamline the process for Canals to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without exams. View our openings and how to apply below or NY HELPS.

Note about Civil Service Engineering Openings—Exams for Engineers were suspended March 1, 2024. Eligible lists remain active. For hiring, Canals can use active eligible lists or NY HELPS.

Civil Service Openings at Canals

Current State Employees

The Canal Corporation has the following vacancies available for candidates who are currently New York State employees in the Classified Civil Service.

General Public

The Canal Corporation has the following vacancies available for the General Public.

Other Canal-Related Opportunities

No positions at this time.

Check out our other openings