Bridge and Lock Tender

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  Career Profile

Bridge and Lock Tender

What they do

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.

Also Called: Bridge Operator, Bridge Tender, Lock Tender, Bridge Operator, Bridge Tender, Lock Tender

$28,990
Starting Salary (2023)
$49,120
Median Salary (2023)
-0.8%
Projected Job Growth
3,460
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

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.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Self-Control
Integrity
Cooperation
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Coordination
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

More Info

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