Life As a Bridge and Lock Tender
Position Description 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.
Bridge & Lock Tender Responsibilities
- Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
- Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
- Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
- Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Bridge & Lock Tender Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Bridge and Lock Tenders say are important on the job.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Types of Bridge and Lock Tender
- Dam Tender Assistant
- Dam Tender
- Lock and Dam Repairer
- Bridge Operator, Slip
- Lock Keeper
Job Outlook for Bridge and Lock Tenders
There were about 3,700 jobs for Bridge and Lock Tender in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 100 new jobs for Bridge and Lock Tender by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Bridge & Lock Tender per year.
The states with the most job growth for Bridge & Lock Tender are Oregon, Kentucky, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Washington, or Texas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Bridge and Lock Tenders Salary
The salary for Bridge and Lock Tenders ranges between about $24,490 and $63,620 a year.
Bridge and Lock Tenders who work in Minnesota, Illinois, or Iowa, make the highest salaries.
How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | $48,410 |
| California | $51,520 |
| Florida | $34,090 |
| Illinois | $62,830 |
| Indiana | $54,410 |
| Iowa | $55,230 |
| Kentucky | $51,470 |
| Louisiana | $34,420 |
| Maryland | $43,420 |
| Massachusetts | $53,430 |
| Michigan | $43,560 |
| Minnesota | $59,860 |
| Mississippi | $43,070 |
| Missouri | $55,960 |
| New Jersey | $49,880 |
| New York | $48,250 |
| Ohio | $50,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,010 |
| South Carolina | $46,580 |
| Tennessee | $52,410 |
| Texas | $35,330 |
| West Virginia | $54,680 |
| Wisconsin | $49,890 |
What Tools & Technology do Bridge and Lock Tenders Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bridge and Lock Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
- Virtual private networking VPN software
How do I Become a Bridge & Lock Tender?
Learn what Bridge and Lock Tender education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Bridge & Lock Tender?
Bridge and Lock Tenders Sector
Below are examples of industries where Bridge and Lock Tenders work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.