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 operators, and slip bridge operators.
- Tasks
- 18 tasks10 core, 8 supplemental
- Family
- Transportation & Material MovingOne of its 57 occupations
- Code
- 53-6011.00SOC 2018: 53-6011
What the work is made of
10 core tasks and 8 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.Core taskTask 7152Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 2. Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.Core taskTask 7153Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 3. Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.Core taskTask 7156Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 4. Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.Core taskTask 7151Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 5. Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.Core taskTask 7155Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 6. Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.Core taskTask 7150Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 7. Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.Core taskTask 7161Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 8. Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.Core taskTask 7160Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 9. Prepare accident reports.Core taskTask 7154Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 10. Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.Core taskTask 7162Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 11. Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.Supplemental taskTask 7164Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 12. Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.Supplemental taskTask 7163Rated by 19 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 13. Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.Supplemental taskTask 7165Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 14. Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.Supplemental taskTask 7166Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 15. Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.Supplemental taskTask 7157Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 16. Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.Supplemental taskTask 7159Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 17. Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.Supplemental taskTask 7158Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
- Task 18. Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.Supplemental taskTask 7169Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2020
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 53-6011
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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