Virginia Career VIEW
Grades K-5Grades 6-8Grades 9-12ParentsProfessionals
My Folder
Home >> Career Search

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


 

Career Search
  • Overview
  • Description
  • Education
  • Tasks
  • Tools
  • Special Requirements
  • Internships
  • Additional Resources
  • Knowledge
  • Skills
  • Abilities
  • Work Activities
  • Work Styles
  • Work Values
  • Work Context
  • Job Zone
  • Earnings
  • Projections
  • Related Occupations
  • Video
  • Military
  • Proficiency Ratings
  • Titles
  • Print All
  • Related Schools
  • Return To Results

Login to Save.
Virginia Career VIEW © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.
Login | About Us | Sitemap | Contact Us Facebook Twitter Instagram