53-6011.00

Bridge & 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.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Transportation and Material Moving
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookOracle PeopleSoftMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
  • Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
  • 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.
  • Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
  • Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
  • Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
  • Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Skills

Monitoring
56%
Coordination
50%
Speaking
50%
Operation and Control
50%
Active Listening
50%
Operations Monitoring
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Reading Comprehension
47%
Time Management
47%
Writing
47%
Service Orientation
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Instructing
44%
Persuasion
41%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Negotiation
38%
Quality Control Analysis
38%
Learning Strategies
38%
Troubleshooting
35%
Active Learning
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Mathematics
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Systems Analysis
19%
Equipment Maintenance
19%
Repairing
16%
Equipment Selection
13%
Management of Material Resources
3%
Science
3%
Programming
3%
Operations Analysis
3%
Technology Design
3%
Installation
0%
Management of Financial Resources
0%

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
61%
English Language
57%
Telecommunications
49%
Education and Training
47%
Transportation
46%
Customer and Personal Service
44%
Administrative
40%
Mechanical
38%
Administration and Management
38%
Computers and Electronics
37%
Communications and Media
36%
Mathematics
36%
Building and Construction
29%
Production and Processing
28%
Law and Government
27%
Personnel and Human Resources
25%
Engineering and Technology
25%
Design
24%
Economics and Accounting
22%
Geography
21%
Physics
19%
Therapy and Counseling
10%
Psychology
9%
Medicine and Dentistry
9%
Chemistry
9%
History and Archeology
7%
Philosophy and Theology
7%
Sales and Marketing
7%
Sociology and Anthropology
6%
Foreign Language
5%
Biology
5%
Food Production
4%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

Near Vision
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Far Vision
53%
Auditory Attention
53%
Control Precision
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Hearing Sensitivity
50%
Reaction Time
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Oral Comprehension
50%
Category Flexibility
47%
Deductive Reasoning
47%
Multilimb Coordination
47%
Inductive Reasoning
47%
Written Comprehension
47%
Glare Sensitivity
47%
Sound Localization
44%
Flexibility of Closure
44%
Written Expression
44%
Rate Control
44%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Depth Perception
41%
Time Sharing
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Manual Dexterity
41%
Visualization
38%
Visual Color Discrimination
35%
Trunk Strength
35%
Night Vision
31%
Peripheral Vision
31%
Memorization
31%
Originality
31%
Number Facility
28%
Extent Flexibility
28%
Static Strength
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Stamina
25%
Fluency of Ideas
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Explosive Strength
22%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Documenting/Recording Information
72%
Getting Information
69%
Training and Teaching Others
66%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
63%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
61%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
59%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
57%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
55%
Coaching and Developing Others
54%
Performing Administrative Activities
54%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
51%
Processing Information
50%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
50%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
49%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
47%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
46%
Performing General Physical Activities
46%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
45%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
41%
Working with Computers
41%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
40%
Handling and Moving Objects
38%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Assisting and Caring for Others
38%
Scheduling Work and Activities
37%
Developing and Building Teams
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
34%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
34%
Analyzing Data or Information
33%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
33%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
28%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
27%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
26%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
25%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
24%
Staffing Organizational Units
22%
Thinking Creatively
21%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
17%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

87%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

83%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

80%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

79%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

79%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

74%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

72%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

71%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

70%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

70%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

66%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

64%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

63%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

62%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

59%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

59%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

55%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

55%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

55%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

53%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

53%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

49%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

49%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

47%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

46%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

41%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

41%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

41%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

40%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

40%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

39%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

38%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

36%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

32%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

32%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

32%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

30%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

30%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

29%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

28%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

25%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

24%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

24%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

22%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

20%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

20%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

20%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

16%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

15%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

12%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

4%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

4%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

65%

Post-secondary certificate

20%

Less than high school diploma

15%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

86

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

56

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

27

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

24

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

12

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
87%
Attention to Detail
73%
Integrity
63%
Self-Control
46%
Cooperation
38%
Stress Tolerance
36%
Self-Confidence
28%
Perseverance
27%
Adaptability
21%
Achievement Orientation
19%
Initiative
18%
Leadership Orientation
17%
Sincerity
10%
Optimism
2%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
0%

Work Values

Relationships
56%
Support
56%
Independence
45%
Working Conditions
45%
Achievement
33%
Recognition
22%

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