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Occupation AtlasBridge and Lock Tenders

O*NET · 53-6011.00

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.

Also called Bridge Crew Member · Bridge Leverman · Bridge Opener · Bridge Operator · Bridge Saw Operator · Bridge Tender · Bridgeman · Crossing Tender
24 more

Crossing Watchman · Dam Attendant · Dam Operator · Dam Repairer · Dam Tender · Draw Operator · Drawbridge Operator · Drawbridge Tender · Gate Attendant · Leverman · Lighthouse Keeper · Lock and Dam Operator · Lock and Dam Repairer · Lock Keeper · Lock Master · Lock Operator · Lock Repairer · Lock Tender · Lock Tender Operator · Lockman · Locks Tender · Marine Tower Operator · Slip Bridge Operator · Station Gateman

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Bus Drivers, School

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.15
  • C Conventional4.37
  • E Enterprising2.58
  • I Investigative2.40
  • S Social1.79
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma15%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent65%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate20%
Related work experience
None (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Monitoringbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Operation and Control3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Writingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Service Orientation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Time Management2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Instructing2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Troubleshooting2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Maintenance1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Systems Analysis1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Repairing1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection1.50.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.1—
  • Operations Analysis1.1—
  • Programming1.1—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Technology Design1.1—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Management of Financial Resources1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.4.9
  2. Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.4.8
  3. Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.4.8
  4. Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.4.7
  5. Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.4.7
  6. Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.4.6
  7. Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.4.4
  8. Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.4.3
  9. Prepare accident reports.4.1
  10. Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.3.5
Show the other 8
  1. Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.5.0
  2. Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.4.9
  3. Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.4.8
  4. Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.4.8
  5. Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.4.8
  6. Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.4.6
  7. Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.4.4
  8. Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.4.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • English Language3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Telecommunications3.02.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Education and Training2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Transportation2.82.8
  • Customer and Personal Service2.72.9
  • Administrative2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Administration and Management2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.52.8
  • Mechanical2.52.7
  • Communications and Media2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Mathematics2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Building and Construction2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Law and Government2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and Processing2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Design2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Geography1.82.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Physics1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Chemistry1.4—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Psychology1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Auditory Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Far Vision3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
Show all 52
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Problem Sensitivity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Reaction Time3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Speech Clarity3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Glare Sensitivity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Multilimb Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Written Comprehension2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Rate Control2.82.6
  • Sound Localization2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Written Expression2.82.9
  • Depth Perception2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Response Orientation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Time Sharing2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Trunk Strength2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Memorization2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Night Vision2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Originality2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Speed of Closure2.12.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Explosive Strength1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.93.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting Information3.72.5Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Training and Teaching Others3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.53.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.6
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.22.8
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.02.9
  • Processing Information3.02.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.82.7
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.82.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.62.6
  • Working with Computers2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.7
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.52.8
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Thinking Creatively1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.3
  • Consequence of Error4.2
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams3.9
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results3.9
  • E-Mail3.8

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • Email software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
  2. Motorboat Operators
  3. Hoist and Winch Operators
  4. Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
  5. Locomotive Engineers
  6. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
  7. Crane and Tower Operators
  8. Sailors and Marine Oilers
  9. Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
  10. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.