Bridge Operator I

Job Title

Bridge Operator

Location

Statewide, MA

Job Description

Incumbents of positions in this series operate electrical and mechanical equipment and control devices to raise, lower, open and/or close drawbridges, locks and traffic gates; control water levels; determine the order and number of vessels to be allowed to pass through the locks at one time to ensure the safety of crew members and vessels; use public address system, flags, marine radio equipment and/or TV monitor to control boat and street traffic; maintain records and logs; makes minor mechanical and electrical repairs to machinery and equipment; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to operate drawbridges, locks and traffic gates so that vessels may pass safely and the safety of vehicular traffic is maintained.

Operates locks, drawbridges and traffic gates at locks and bridges by using electrical control panels; raises and lowers lock water levels by starting and stopping pumps, opening and closing valves, etc.; and opens and closes lock gates to allow boat passage.

Determines when to initiate action and the methods to be used to lower water level, i.e., by pumping, sluicing, etc. to ensure that predetermined water levels are not exceeded; opens and closes sluice gates to control water levels.

Determines the order and number of vessels passing through locks to ensure the safety of crews and vessels and uses public address system, flags, marine radio equipment and/or TV monitor to control boat and street traffic.

Maintains records and logs such as those for bridge opening and closing times, weather, tides, registration numbers, water depth, etc.

Makes minor mechanical and electrical repairs to machinery and equipment used in the operation of bridges such as replacing grease fittings or other minor parts, lubricating bearings, gears and/or chains for locks' mechanisms, replacing lamp bulbs fuses and lamp lenses, etc.; resolves malfunctions such as inoperative traffic gates by using backup manual controls and burned out lamps by hanging lanterns and makes recommendations for major repairs to machinery and equipment.

Performs security checks of area to prevent unauthorized entry.

Responds to emergency situations such as boat and car accidents, suicides, fires, etc. Determines seaworthiness of vessels before allowing or denying passage.

Performs related duties such as cleaning locks and operator's house by sweeping, picking up litter, washing windows, cleaning furniture, etc.; loading and unloading equipment and/or supplies; requisitioning supplies and equipment; operating snow blower; and administering first aid in emergencies.

Experience Required

1 year of experience in related work is required.