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Bridge and Lock Tenders: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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This source lists 18 tasks, including 10 marked Core and 8 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2020.

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18 tasks shown

Core · Task 7152 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.

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Core · Task 7153 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

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Core · Task 7156 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.

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Core · Task 7151 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.

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Core · Task 7155 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.

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Core · Task 7150 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.

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Core · Task 7161 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

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Core · Task 7160 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.

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Core · Task 7154 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Prepare accident reports.

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Core · Task 7162 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

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Supplemental · Task 7164 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.

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Supplemental · Task 7163 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.

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Supplemental · Task 7165 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.

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Supplemental · Task 7166 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.

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Supplemental · Task 7157 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

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Supplemental · Task 7159 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

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Supplemental · Task 7158 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.

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Supplemental · Task 7169 · 08/2020 · Occupational Expert

Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.