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, or supervise such operations. This category includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
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- Bridge and Lock Tenders
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
What do they typically do
- Prepare accident reports
- Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms
- Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic
- 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
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges
- Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass
- Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth +1.9%
Job Openings 2
Education & Training
- Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
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