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”

Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
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.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing 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.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Prepare accident reports.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
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.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel