Bridge Operator

Class Concept

Positions in this class operate and maintain electrical and/or manual control drawbridges over navigable waterways. Work assignments result from the passage of boats up and down the river and the necessity to keep the bridge in proper operating order. Positions maintain a constant watch by eye and ear for signals from boats and ships, and operate the bridge for safe passage of such boats. Work requires the recording of names, size, direction, number of vessels, time of passing, weather condition, and the count of vehicles stopped at each bridge opening. Also, positions record number, size, and type of vehicle crossing bridge for an eight-hour period as determined by a technical superior. Work involves keeping the bridge roadway clean, removal of debris from pilings, and basic maintenance of the draw mechanism to ensure proper operation. After learning general work processes, instructions are received only on special or unusual assignments. Work is checked by a supervisor for efficiency of operation, adequacy of maintenance, and thoroughness of traffic counts.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to use hand tools.
• Ability to climb to all parts of bridge structure and footings.
• Ability to make minor maintenance repairs and to replace fuses and bulbs in electrical system.
• Ability to acquire a working knowledge of the operation and care of the machinery controlling an electrically or mechanically operated drawbridge.
• Ability to coordinate the traffic of on-coming boats with the flow of vehicular traffic so as to pass boats through draw at a minimum inconvenience to the vehicular traffic.
• Ability to keep legible records and make simple reports.
• Mechanical aptitude.

Minimum Education and Experience

High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.