Bridge and Lock Tenders :: Job Description

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Bridge and Lock Tenders

Careers / Bridge and Lock Tenders

Summary 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 operators, and slip bridge operators.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Bridge Leverman

2.	Bridge Opener

3.	Bridge Operator

4.	Bridge Operator, Slip

5.	Bridge Tender

6.	Bridgeman

7.	Chief Lock Tender Operator

8.	Crossing Tender

9.	Crossing Watchman

10.	Dam Attendant

11.	Dam Operator

12.	Dam Tender

13.	Dam Tender Assistant

14.	Draw Operator

15.	Drawbridge Operator

16.	Drawbridge Tender

17.	Gate Attendant

18.	Lighthouse Keeper

19.	Lock and Dam Operator

20.	Lock Keeper

21.	Lock Master

22.	Lock Operator

23.	Lock Tender

24.	Lockman

25.	Locks Tender

26.	Marine Tower Operator

27.	Station Gateman

28.	Tender

Job Tasks

	Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.

	Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.

	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.

	Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.

	Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.

	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.

	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.

	Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.

	Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

	Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.

	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.

	Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.

	Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.

	Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

	Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.


		provide customer service

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		operate power driven pumps

		use two-way radio or mobile phone

		operate power generation equipment

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		handle boat or ship tie-off lines

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand technical operating, service or repair manuals

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		perform safety inspections in transportation setting

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		clean equipment or machinery

		make minor repairs to mechanical equipment

		inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

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