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…
- Lock Tender
- Bridge Tender
- Bridge Operator
- Tender
- Station Gateman
- Marine Tower Operator
- Locks Tender
- Lockman
- Lock Operator
- Lock Master
- Lock Keeper
- Lock and Dam Repairer
- Lock and Dam Operator
- Lighthouse Keeper
- Gate Attendant
- Drawbridge Tender
- Drawbridge Operator
- Draw Operator
- Dam Tender Assistant
- Dam Tender
- Dam Operator
- Dam Attendant
- Crossing Watchman
- Crossing Tender
- Chief Lock Tender Operator
- Bridgeman
- Bridge Saw Operator
- Bridge Operator, Slip
- Bridge Opener
- Bridge Leverman
- Bridge Crew Member
Tasks for “Bridge and Lock Tenders”
- Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
- Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
- Prepare accident reports.
- Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
- Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
- Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
- Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
- Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
- Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
- Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
- Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
- Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
- Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
- Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
- 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.
- Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
- Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Related Technology & Tools
- Life jackets
- Desktop computers
- Surveillance binoculars
- Traffic gates
- Warning sirens
- Signal bells
- Wire ropes
- Cable lines
- Bridge traffic signals
- Wire cutting tools
- Signal flares
- Grease dispensing guns
- Navigation lights
- Laser facsimile machines
- Fall protection equipment
- Step ladders
- Hard hats
- Warning horns
- X ray scanners
- Sump pumps
- Putty knives
- Smoke detectors
- Weather monitoring instruments
- Motor vehicles
- Mobile radios
- Signal flags
- Safety gloves
- Adjustable wrenches
- Radar systems
- Gas powered snow blowers
- Lawn mowers
- Safety-toe boots
- Spot lights
- Hand trucks
- Television monitors
- Very high frequency VHF radiotelephones
- Span lights
- Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems
- Electric drawbridges
- Intrusion alarms
- Protective glasses
- Snow plows
- Balance weights
- Gas powered generators
- Traffic directional cones
- Gas detectors
- Megaphones
- Loudspeaker warning system
- Hearing protectors
- Bitts
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook