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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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