Skip to content
Back to Career Explorer

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Transportation and Material Moving (53-6011)

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.

Median Annual Wage

$58,490/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-3.3%

Annual Openings

N/A

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (35)

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.0

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.0

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.0

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.0

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.0

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.0

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.0

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2.9

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2.9

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2.9

Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

2.9

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

2.9

Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

2.8

Persuasion

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

2.6

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

2.6

Negotiation

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

2.5

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

2.5

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

2.5

Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

2.4

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2.4

Management of Personnel Resources

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

2.3

Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

2.0

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2.0

Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

1.8

Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

1.8

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

1.6

Equipment Selection

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

1.5

Operations Analysis

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

1.1

Programming

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

1.1

Technology Design

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

1.1

Management of Material Resources

Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

1.1

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

1.1

Installation

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

1.0

Management of Financial Resources

Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

1.0

Knowledge (33)

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.4

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.3

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

3.0

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

2.9

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

2.8

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

2.7

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

2.6

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

2.5

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

2.5

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

2.5

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

2.4

Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

2.4

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

2.2

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

2.1

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

2.1

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

2.0

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

2.0

Personnel and Human Resources

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

2.0

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

1.9

Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

1.8

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

1.7

Therapy and Counseling

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

1.4

Medicine and Dentistry

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

1.4

Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

1.4

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

1.4

Philosophy and Theology

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

1.3

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

1.3

History and Archeology

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

1.3

Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

1.2

Foreign Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

1.2

Sociology and Anthropology

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

1.2

Food Production

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

1.2

Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

1.0

Abilities (52)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.3

Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3

Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.1

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.1

Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.1

Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.1

Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.0

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.0

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.0

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.0

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.0

Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.0

Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.0

Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

3.0

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.0

Glare Sensitivity

The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

2.9

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

2.9

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

2.9

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

2.9

Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

2.9

Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

2.9

Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

2.8

Rate Control

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

2.8

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

2.8

Sound Localization

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

2.8

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

2.6

Response Orientation

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

2.6

Time Sharing

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

2.6

Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

2.6

Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

2.6

Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

2.5

Trunk Strength

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

2.4

Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

2.4

Peripheral Vision

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

2.3

Memorization

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

2.3

Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

2.3

Night Vision

The ability to see under low-light conditions.

2.3

Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

2.1

Gross Body Equilibrium

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

2.1

Static Strength

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

2.1

Speed of Closure

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

2.1

Wrist-Finger Speed

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

2.1

Dynamic Strength

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

2.1

Extent Flexibility

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

2.1

Speed of Limb Movement

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

2.0

Stamina

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

2.0

Gross Body Coordination

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

2.0

Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

2.0

Spatial Orientation

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

2.0

Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

2.0

Explosive Strength

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

1.9

Dynamic Flexibility

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

1.0

Technology (9)

Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5

Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Oracle PeopleSoft

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5

Word processing software

Category: Word processing software

3.0

Virtual private networking VPN software

Category: Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

3.0

Email software

Category: Electronic mail software

3.0

Work Activities (41)

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.1

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.9

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

3.7

Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.6

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.5

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.4

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.4

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.3

Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.2

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.2

Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.2

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.1

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.0

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.0

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.0

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

2.9

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

2.8

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

2.8

Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

2.8

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

2.6

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

2.6

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

2.6

Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

2.5

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

2.5

Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

2.5

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

2.5

Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

2.4

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

2.4

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

2.4

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

2.3

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

2.3

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

2.1

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

2.1

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

2.1

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

2.0

Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

2.0

Staffing Organizational Units

Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

1.9

Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

1.8

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

1.7

Selling or Influencing Others

Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

1.5

Work Styles (21)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

2.1

Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

1.4

Perseverance

A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

1.0

Leadership Orientation

A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

1.0

Humility

A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

1.0

Sincerity

A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

1.0

Empathy

A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

1.0

Cooperation

A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

1.0

Optimism

A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

1.0

Social Orientation

A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

1.0

Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

1.0

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

1.0

Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

1.0

Stress Tolerance

A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

1.0

Self-Control

A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

1.0

Intellectual Curiosity

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

1.0

Achievement Orientation

A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

1.0

Tolerance for Ambiguity

A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

1.0

Initiative

A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

1.0

Adaptability

A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

1.0

Self-Confidence

A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

1.0

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to this career.

Get Started Free