Will “Bridge Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Bridge Operator” 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 Operator”

Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
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.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Prepare accident reports.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.

Related Technology & Tools

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