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”

Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
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.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Prepare accident reports.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
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.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.

Related Technology & Tools

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

Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel