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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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