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Career Details : Bridge and Lock Tenders

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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 tenders and operators, and slip bridge operators.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Operates gas, steam, and hydroelectric generating units to control mechanisms to open locks or bridge.
  • Records names, type, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge opening or locks, and number of trains or vehicles crossing bridge.
  • Observes approaching vessels to determine size and speed and listens for whistle signal indicating desire to pass.
  • Controls machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
  • Inspects bridge and bridge or canal auxiliary equipment.
  • Signals vessels to proceed.
  • Moves levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Attaches rope or cable lines to bitt on lock deck or wharf to secure vessel.
  • Logs data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Prepares accident reports.
  • Turns valves to increase or decrease water level in lock.
  • Cleans, oils, greases, and makes minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
  • Observes positions of vessels to ensure optimum utilization of lock space or bridge opening space.
  • Relays messages to vessels in waterway.
  • Writes and submits maintenance work requisitions.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Degree of Automation
    • Importance of Being Aware of New Events
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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