Bridge and Lock Tenders

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.

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.

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

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

3. Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.

4. Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

5. Prepare accident reports.

6. Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.

7. Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.

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

9. Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.

10. Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

11. Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.

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.

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.

Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Education: These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.

Training: 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.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Bridge and Lock Tenders. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Bridge and Lock Tenders, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

There are no school programs currently associated with this occupation

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$15 for entry level workers, and $22 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 390 Bridge and Lock Tenders employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 380  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 10 job openings each year.

There are no additional resources for this occupation.

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