Bridge and Lock Tenders

What Does a Bridge and Lock Tenders 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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
• 2Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
• 3Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
• 4Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
• 5Prepare accident reports.
• 6Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
• 7Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
• 8Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

Required Skills

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• Microsoft Excel
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• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
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• SAP software
• Virtual private networking VPN software

Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary