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O*NET-SOC 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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.Supplemental7164
  2. Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.Supplemental7163
  3. Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.Core7152
  4. Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.Core7153
  5. Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.Core7156
  6. Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.Supplemental7165
  7. Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.Supplemental7166
  8. Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.Supplemental7157
  9. Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.Core7151
  10. Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.Core7155
  11. Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.Core7150
  12. Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.Supplemental7159
  13. Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.Core7161
  14. Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.Supplemental7158
  15. Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.Core7160
  16. Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.Supplemental7169
  17. Prepare accident reports.Core7154
  18. Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.Core7162

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 8 examples in 6 categories, 6 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoftHot Technology
  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software

  • Virtual private networking VPN software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor vehicle movement or location.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Monitor traffic signals.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

  • Arrange maintenance activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

  • Clean machinery or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Clean facilities or work areas.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Direct vehicle traffic.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Control pumps or pumping equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

  • Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Record operational details of travel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare accident or incident reports.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 13
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.