Will “Draw Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Draw 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 “Draw Operator”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook