Will “Lock and Dam Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Lock and 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 “Lock and Dam Operator”

Prepare accident reports.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
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.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
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.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
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.
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.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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