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 tenders and operators, and slip bridge operators.

• Bridge Operator, Slip
• Drawbridge Operator
• Lock Operator
• Lock Tender, Chief Operator

• Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
• Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
• Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
• Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
• 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.
• Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
• Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
• Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
• Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
• 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 utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
• Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
• Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
• Prepare accident reports.
• Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
• Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
• Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
• Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
• Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

• clean equipment or machinery
• handle boat or ship tie-off lines
• inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make minor repairs to mechanical equipment
• operate power driven pumps
• operate power generation equipment
• perform safety inspections in transportation setting
• prepare reports
• provide customer service
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use two-way radio or mobile phone