Will “Lock Tender” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Lock Tender” 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 Tender”

Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Prepare accident reports.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
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.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
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.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
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.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word