Will “Lock and Dam Operator” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.

• Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.

• Prepare accident reports.

• Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.

• Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.

• Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.

• Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.

• Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

• Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

• Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

• Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.

• Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

• Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.

• Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

• Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.

• Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.

• Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.

• Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.