Will “Bridge and Lock Tenders” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Bridge and Lock Tenders” 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

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Bridge and Lock Tenders”

Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
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.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
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.
Prepare accident reports.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
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.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Microsoft Outlook
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Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word