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.

Job Task

• Controls machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
• Moves levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
• Operates gas, steam, and hydroelectric generating units to control mechanisms to open locks or bridge.
• Observes approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listens for whistle signal indicating desire to pass.
• Signals vessels to proceed.
• Observes positions of vessels to ensure optimum utilization of lock space or bridge opening space.
• Attaches rope or cable lines to bitt on lock deck or wharf to secure vessel.
• Relays messages to vessels in waterway.
• Inspects bridge and bridge or canal auxiliary equipment.
• Logs data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
• Prepares accident reports.
• Cleans, oils, greases, and makes minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Records names, type and destinations of vessels passing through bridge opening or locks, and number of trains or vehicles crossing bridge.
• Writes and submits maintenance work requisitions.
• Turns valves to increase or decrease water level in lock.

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