Bridge and Lock Tenders
SOC Code: 53-6011
Bridge and Lock Tenderss control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 76.3/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Monitoring, Coordination, Coordination.
AI-Proof Score: 76.3 — High
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Median Salary
$58,490
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Job Growth
-3.3%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Monitoring
- •Coordination
- •Active Listening
- •Speaking
- •Critical Thinking
- •Operations Monitoring
Common Tasks
- ✓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.
- ✓Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
- ✓Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
- ✓Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation