Bridge and Lock Tenders

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-6011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
• Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
• Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
• Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
• Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
• Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
• Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
• Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
• Prepare accident reports.
• Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
• Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
• Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Oracle PeopleSoft, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Balance weights, Bitts, Bridge traffic signals, Cable lines, Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
• Motorboat Operators
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
• Locomotive Engineers
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Sailors and Marine Oilers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bridge and Lock Tenders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.