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”

Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Prepare accident reports.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
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.
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.
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.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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