Virginia Career VIEW

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 Include:

  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • 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.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • 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.
  • Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
  • Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

    • more »


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

 

Projections Quick View:


Virginia: No Data

National: +0.5%

 

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Two: Some Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

 

National

$49,120.00

State

$43,100.00

Regional


 


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Description


Career Cluster: Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

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.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Education


Required Level of Education
  • High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 65%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 20%
  • Less than a High School Diploma = 15%

Related Work Experience
  • None = 40%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 30%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15%
  • Up to and including 1 month = 5%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 5%
  • Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 5%

On-Site or In-Plant Training
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 30%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 30%
  • Up to and including 1 month = 20%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10%
  • None = 5%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 5%

On-the-Job Training
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 35%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 30%
  • Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 15%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10%
  • None or short demonstration = 5%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 5%


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Tasks


Core Tasks Include:

  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • 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.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
  • Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

  • Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
  • Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
  • Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
  • Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
  • Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
  • 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.
  • Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 
 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Special Requirements


Experience: No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for this occupation.

Education: This occupation may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.

Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.



The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)


 
 
 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Knowledge


% Subject Description
60.50 Public Safety and Security Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
56.50 English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Skills


% Subject Description
56.25 Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50.00 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.
50.00 Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50.00 Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
50.00 Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
50.00 Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50.00 Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00 Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Abilities


% Subject Description
56.25 Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
56.25 Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
53.00 Auditory Attention The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
53.00 Far Vision The ability to see details at a distance.
53.00 Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00 Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
50.00 Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50.00 Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50.00 Hearing Sensitivity The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
50.00 Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
50.00 Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50.00 Perceptual Speed The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00 Reaction Time The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
50.00 Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00 Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Work Activities


% Subject Description
77.75 Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
75.00 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
72.25 Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
68.50 Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
65.75 Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
63.25 Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
60.50 Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
59.25 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
56.50 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
55.25 Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
54.00 Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
54.00 Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
51.25 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
50.00 Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
50.00 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Work Styles


% Subject Description
97.50 Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
78.75 Self-Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
78.75 Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
76.25 Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
75.00 Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
70.00 Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
67.50 Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
67.50 Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
58.75 Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
52.50 Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
52.50 Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
52.50 Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
51.25 Leadership Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Work Values


% Subject Description
55.50 Relationships Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
55.50 Support Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Work Context


% Subject Description
89.40 Indoors, Environmentally Controlled How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
86.40 Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
84.00 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?
83.20 Consequence of Error How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
83.00 Freedom to Make Decisions How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
79.00 Importance of Being Exact or Accurate How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
77.80 Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
77.00 Structured versus Unstructured Work To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
77.00 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?
76.00 Electronic Mail How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
76.00 Responsible for Others' Health and Safety How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
72.60 Frequency of Decision Making How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
71.00 Deal With External Customers How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
70.60 Importance of Repeating Same Tasks How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
69.40 Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
67.40 Outdoors, Exposed to Weather How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
67.40 Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
64.20 Letters and Memos How often does the job require written letters and memos?
64.00 Exposed to High Places How often does this job require exposure to high places?
64.00 Spend Time Sitting How much does this job require sitting?
64.00 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?
62.00 Time Pressure How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
59.00 Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
59.00 Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
57.80 Degree of Automation How automated is the job?
56.80 Spend Time Standing How much does this job require standing?
53.00 Outdoors, Under Cover How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
52.60 Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
52.60 Coordinate or Lead Others How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
52.00 Exposed to Hazardous Equipment How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
52.00 Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
51.00 Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
50.00 In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed


  • Overall Experience
    • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
  • Job Training
    • Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Examples
    • These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
  • Education
    • These occupations usually require a high school diploma.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Earnings Benefits*


Region Entry Level Median Experienced
United States $28,990.00 $49,120.00 $64,250.00
Virginia $30,920.00 $43,100.00 $46,470.00
 
Region Entry Level Median Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington No Data No Data No Data
Bay Consortium No Data No Data No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership No Data No Data No Data
Central VA/Region2000 No Data No Data No Data
Crater Area No Data No Data No Data
Greater Peninsula No Data No Data No Data
Hampton Roads $32,470.00 $43,100.00 $44,780.00
New River/Mt. Rogers No Data No Data No Data
Northern Virginia No Data No Data No Data
Piedmont Workforce No Data No Data No Data
Shenandoah Valley No Data No Data No Data
South Central No Data No Data No Data
Southwestern Virginia No Data No Data No Data
West Piedmont No Data No Data No Data
Western Virginia No Data No Data No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

 Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

 National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.



The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Employment Projections


USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

 

  Current Projected % Change
United States 3,600 3,600 +0.5%
Virginia No Data No Data No Data
 
Region Current* Projected % Change
Alexandria/Arlington No Data No Data No Data
Bay Consortium No Data No Data No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership No Data No Data No Data
Central VA/Region2000 No Data No Data No Data
Crater Area No Data No Data No Data
Greater Peninsula No Data No Data No Data
Hampton Roads No Data No Data No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers No Data No Data No Data
Northern Virginia No Data No Data No Data
Piedmont Workforce No Data No Data No Data
Shenandoah Valley No Data No Data No Data
South Central No Data No Data No Data
Southwestern Virginia No Data No Data No Data
West Piedmont No Data No Data No Data
Western Virginia No Data No Data No Data
* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Related Occupations


Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:
Careers in Transportation Operations Pathway:


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

View Videos


CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

 

CareerOneStop Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Videos
Overview
Occupations


The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)


 
 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Proficiency Ratings


These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency Rating
Controlling Machines and Processes 4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Documenting/Recording Information 4.0
Getting Information 3.5
Training and Teaching Others 3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials 3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 3.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.0
Coaching and Developing Others 3.0
Performing Administrative Activities 3.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 3.0
Processing Information 3.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment 3.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.0
Performing General Physical Activities 3.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization 3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others 3.0
Working with Computers 2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others 2.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 2.5
Handling and Moving Objects 2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others 2.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others 2.5
Scheduling Work and Activities 2.5
Developing and Building Teams 2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment 2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates 2.5
Analyzing Data or Information 2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment 2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources 2.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People 2.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others 2.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies 2.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information 2.0
Staffing Organizational Units 2.0
Thinking Creatively 2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment 1.5
Selling or Influencing Others 1.5


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Titles

  • Bridge Leverman
  • Bridge Opener
  • Bridge Operator
  • Bridge Operator, Slip
  • Bridge Tender
  • Bridgeman
  • Chief Lock Tender Operator
  • Crossing Tender
  • Crossing Watchman
  • Dam Attendant
  • Dam Operator
  • Dam Tender
  • Dam Tender Assistant
  • Draw Operator
  • Drawbridge Operator
  • Drawbridge Tender
  • Gate Attendant
  • Lighthouse Keeper
  • Lock and Dam Operator
  • Lock Keeper
  • Lock Master
  • Lock Operator
  • Lock Tender
  • Lockman
  • Locks Tender
  • Marine Tower Operator
  • Station Gateman
  • Tender


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 
 

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Related Schools

There are no Related Schools at this time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)