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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word