Bridge and Lock Tenders
Job Definition
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.
Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Tasks
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
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.
Prepare accident reports.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
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.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Skills
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Education
Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
School Classes
Wages
In 2007, the California average annual wage was:

$27,908 for entry level workers, and $51,134 for experienced workers.
Outlook
There is no outlook data currently available for this occupation.
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