Will “Drawbridge Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Drawbridge 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 “Drawbridge Operator”

Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
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.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Prepare accident reports.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
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.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
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.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook