Will “Bridge Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Bridge 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 “Bridge Operator”

Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Prepare accident reports.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
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.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
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.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
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.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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