Career Opportunities

The New York State Canal Corporation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 
 Canal Corporation Job Fair showcasing representatives from the New York State Canal Corporation. The image features two individuals, one smiling wearing a Canal Corporation polo shirt and one in a polo shirt, standing in front of promotional banners. The background displays a variety of informational materials and booth setups.
NYS Canal Corporation crews work diligently to perform maintenance on Lock E-2 in Waterford. In the image, workers lower a heavy counterweight as part of the maintenance process, ensuring smooth operations of the lock. Additionally, they lift an 11,000-pound valve into a tunnel, crucial for controlling the flow of water into and out of the lock chamber.

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

Canal and Trail Seasonal (Facility Operations Assistant 1)

Hourly Salary: $17.80

Job Description:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Positions available throughout New York State including Fort Edward, Waterford, Fonda, Utica, Lysander, Lyons, Pittsford, Albion and Lockport.

Typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm. This is a 40 hour/week assignment. Occasional paid Saturday work for overtime or emergency services may be available.

Contact:

recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Phone: (518) 449-6003


The New York State Canal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status.

The New York State Canal Corporation provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email Accessibility@nypa.gov.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from the candidate before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

Canal Worker

Hourly Salary: $17.80

Job Description:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Positions available throughout New York State including Fort Edward, Waterford, Fonda, Utica, Lysander, Lyons, Pittsford, Albion and Lockport.

Typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm. This is a 40 hour/week assignment. Occasional paid Saturday work for overtime or emergency services may be available.

Contact:

recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Phone: (518) 449-6003


The New York State Canal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status.

The New York State Canal Corporation provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email Accessibility@nypa.gov.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from the candidate before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

Canal Structure Operators

Hourly Salary: $19.96

Job Description:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Min 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 OR
  • Possession of an electrician's license and current registration issued by a New York State municipality. Must provide information on your license and registration on application

Contact:

recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Phone: (518) 449-6003


The New York State Canal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status.

The New York State Canal Corporation provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email Accessibility@nypa.gov.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from the candidate before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

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.


A dedicated crew of six workers stand confidently in a large industrial dry dock. They are ready to perform the specialized jobs required for maintaining the integrity of the Canal system. The massive steel walls of the dry dock rise on either side, a testament to the scale of their workplace and the importance of their roles in infrastructure maintenance.

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.

Paul Chipoco from NYPA's Engineering & Construction Management, Clean Energy Solutions, wearing a blue hardhat, inspects thermal imaging at the NYPD 7th precinct. Paul reviews documentation with a colleague, both focused and attentive.

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.

he drydock at Waterford Section 2 maintenance facility of the NYS Canal Corporation is filled with water, and boats have been moved into the area. Workers prepare for draining the water later in the day, ensuring the vessels are secured in place.

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