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.

Care to share? Click for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or XING. 👍

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 Operator”

Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
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.
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.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
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.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Prepare accident reports.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
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.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel