Bridge and Lock Tenders
Overview
Bridge and Lock Tenders help boats and ships safely navigate waterways by operating drawbridges, canal locks, and other water passage systems. They use communication equipment, traffic signals, and control systems to coordinate vessel movements and ensure safe passage through bridges and locks. This job requires strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work with both traditional mechanical systems and modern digital monitoring equipment. Many tenders work in scenic waterfront locations and play a crucial role in keeping maritime commerce flowing smoothly.
Did you know?
Job opportunities are primarily concentrated in coastal states and regions with major waterways, limiting employment locations across the United States.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$59,583.64 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Quality Control Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
- Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
- Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
- Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
- Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
- Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
- Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
- Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
- Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
- Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
- Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
- Prepare accident reports.
- Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
- Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
- Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
- Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Career Considerations
Geographic Concentration
Job opportunities are primarily concentrated in coastal states and regions with major waterways, limiting employment locations across the United States.
Licensing Requirements
Most states require specific certifications or licenses for bridge operation, with training programs and ongoing education mandated by transportation authorities.
Shift Work Schedule
Bridge operators typically work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain 24/7 operations for maritime traffic.