According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks. | 100% |
| Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening. | 98% |
| Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges. | 98% |
| Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers. | 96% |
| Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces. | 96% |
| Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates. | 96% |
| Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges. | 96% |
| Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic. | 95% |
| Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges. | 93% |
| Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass. | 93% |
| Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms. | 91% |
| Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments. | 91% |
| Write and submit maintenance work requisitions. | 88% |
| Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary. | 88% |
| Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions. | 86% |
| Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels. | 81% |
| Prepare accident reports. | 81% |
| Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order. | 70% |
