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Job Definition
View MovieOperate 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.
Job Zone

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.

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.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
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.
Skills
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
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.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Tasks
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Prepare accident reports.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $44,000.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $32,810.00 and $62,230.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 180 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 130 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about -5 openings due to growth and about 6 replacement openings for approximately 1 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant decline.

Colleges and Training
There are currently no programs listed for this occupation.
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