Will “Lock Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
97% Chance of Automation
“Lock 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…
- Bridge and Lock Tenders
- Lock Tender
- Bridge Tender
- Bridge Operator
- Tender
- Station Gateman
- Marine Tower Operator
- Locks Tender
- Lockman
- Lock Master
- Lock Keeper
- Lock and Dam Repairer
- Lock and Dam Operator
- Lighthouse Keeper
- Gate Attendant
- Drawbridge Tender
- Drawbridge Operator
- Draw Operator
- Dam Tender Assistant
- Dam Tender
- Dam Operator
- Dam Attendant
- Crossing Watchman
- Crossing Tender
- Chief Lock Tender Operator
- Bridgeman
- Bridge Saw Operator
- Bridge Operator, Slip
- Bridge Opener
- Bridge Leverman
- Bridge Crew Member
Tasks for “Lock Operator”
- Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
- Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
- Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
- Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
- Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
- 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.
- 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.
- Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
- Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
- Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
- Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
- Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
- Prepare accident reports.
- Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
- Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
- Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Related Technology & Tools
- Desktop computers
- Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems
- Very high frequency VHF radiotelephones
- Mobile radios
- Radar systems
- Motor vehicles
- Warning sirens
- Gas detectors
- Hearing protectors
- Span lights
- Step ladders
- Snow plows
- Wire ropes
- Smoke detectors
- Loudspeaker warning system
- Laser facsimile machines
- Sump pumps
- Traffic gates
- Balance weights
- Adjustable wrenches
- Traffic directional cones
- Gas powered generators
- Protective glasses
- Surveillance binoculars
- Safety-toe boots
- Bitts
- X ray scanners
- Fall protection equipment
- Lawn mowers
- Spot lights
- Television monitors
- Life jackets
- Megaphones
- Bridge traffic signals
- Cable lines
- Warning horns
- Hand trucks
- Safety gloves
- Intrusion alarms
- Weather monitoring instruments
- Signal flares
- Signal bells
- Hard hats
- Gas powered snow blowers
- Signal flags
- Grease dispensing guns
- Putty knives
- Wire cutting tools
- Electric drawbridges
- Navigation lights
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Excel