Will “Bridge Opener” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Bridge Opener” will almost certainly be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #644 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-6011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 46,680.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 22.00
Currently, there are 3,510 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Bridge and Lock Tenders”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Bridge Opener”

Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Prepare accident reports.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
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.

Related Technology & Tools

Signal flags
Loudspeaker warning system
Fall protection equipment
X ray scanners
Motor vehicles
Safety gloves
Step ladders
Very high frequency VHF radiotelephones
Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems
Span lights
Sump pumps
Gas detectors
Warning sirens
Laser facsimile machines
Warning horns
Mobile radios
Surveillance binoculars
Bridge traffic signals
Signal flares
Smoke detectors
Radar systems
Electric drawbridges
Spot lights
Gas powered snow blowers
Weather monitoring instruments
Megaphones
Balance weights
Cable lines
Traffic directional cones
Lawn mowers
Gas powered generators
Snow plows
Wire ropes
Signal bells
Bitts
Wire cutting tools
Adjustable wrenches
Television monitors
Grease dispensing guns
Life jackets
Traffic gates
Putty knives
Navigation lights
Hand trucks
Hard hats
Protective glasses
Intrusion alarms
Safety-toe boots
Desktop computers
Hearing protectors

Microsoft Word
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Microsoft Outlook
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