Bridge & Lock Tenders

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Bridge Operator, Bridge Tender, Lock Tender

What they 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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hearing and Speech

  • pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds
  • recognize spoken words

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft Hot Technology
  • SAP software Hot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Education

high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Certifications
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Salary:

$58,490
$32,690
$74,400
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about bridge and lock tenders.