Will “Dam Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Dam 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 “Dam Operator”

Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
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.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Prepare accident reports.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel