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Bridge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc.

Employment Status: Full-Time Crane Operator (Bridge) - What Will You Do? * BUILD AMERICA - Assist in multiple aspects of bridge construction across Pennsylvania. * Operate & maintain crane and boom ...

Velociti Services

Floater Bridge Tender

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$19/hr

Includes drawbridge operators, lock tenders and operators, and slip bridge operators. Success Criteria: * Follow all company procedures, policies, and rules. * Provide safe, courteous openings for ...

Webforge

Bridge Crane Operator

Valley, NE · On-site

$28.92/hr

... Operator position in the Global Coatings Division.We are looking for ahighlydriven individual that will operate the galvanizing department's 15-ton overhead bridge crane in a safe and effective ...

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Bridge Operator information

See salary details

$30K

$50.2K

$68.5K

How much do bridge operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge operator in the United States is $50,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bridge operator?

Bridge operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of movable bridges, such as drawbridges or swing bridges. Their main duties include raising and lowering the bridge to allow the safe passage of boats or ships, ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining clear communication with vessel operators and other relevant parties. They also perform routine inspections and minor maintenance on bridge mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. This role is crucial for both transportation efficiency and public safety in areas where waterways intersect with roadways or railways.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge operators during their shifts?

Bridge operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected mechanical issues, coordinating with marine and vehicular traffic, and responding to emergency situations like severe weather or accidents. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential to maintain safety and minimize disruptions. Operators also need to stay vigilant during long or overnight shifts to ensure the bridge is operated according to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bridge control systems, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help operators respond effectively to emergencies and coordinate with vessel crews. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of moveable bridges, protecting both river and road traffic.

What is the difference between Bridge Operator vs Lock Operator?

AspectBridge OperatorLock Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a state license or certification, maritime knowledgeOften requires a state license or certification, navigation skills
Work EnvironmentOperate drawbridges, movable bridges over waterwaysOperate locks to raise and lower boats in canal systems
Industry UsageMaritime, transportation, infrastructureMaritime, transportation, canal systems

Both Bridge Operators and Lock Operators work in waterway transportation, requiring similar certifications and working in maritime environments. The main difference lies in their specific functions: Bridge Operators control movable bridges, while Lock Operators manage water levels in locks. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient waterway navigation.

How do you become a bridge operator?

To become a bridge operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in operating mechanical or electrical systems. Training is often provided on the job, and some positions require certification or licensing, especially for operating drawbridges or complex machinery.

How much do bridge operators make?

Bridge operators in Louisiana typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. They often work in environments requiring knowledge of mechanical systems and may need certification or licensing to operate drawbridges or similar equipment.
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Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,181 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Bridge Person I - INTERNAL DEPT. ONLY

Klamath County

Klamath Falls, OR • On-site

$23.10 - $29.23/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

***THIS POSTING IS FOR CURRENT KLAMATH COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ROAD DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY. THIS POSTING WILL CLOSE AT 8 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026***
Position: Bridge Person I
Wage: Division 3 $25.48 - $32.24/hour
General Position Summary
Performs work in the construction, maintenance and removal of bridges within the County.
Essential Functions
The following may not be all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.
  • Operates power tools such as drills, wacker packers and power saws in the construction of bridges.
  • Performs preventative maintenance and safety checks on assigned equipment.
  • Installs guard rails when bridges are complete.
  • Removes and constructs bulkheads, caps and decks on bridges.
  • Performs visual inspection of bridges to ensure proper maintenance.
  • Reads blueprints and constructs out buildings.
  • Uses shovel to uncover culvert; picks up rocks and brush; feeds hose to flush culvert; sets our signs and flags traffic.
  • Uses shovel to remove dirt to appropriate depth; sets culvert in ditch; uses hand tools such as crescent wrenches and socket wrenches to bolt culvert together; uses wacker packer to compact material around pipe; picks up refuse around site.
  • Cuts limbs, brush and small trees with chain saw; feeds into brush chipper; drives truck to disposal site and discards chips.
  • When required, flags traffic, drives pilot car and sets out construction signs.
  • Runs roller to compact shoulders; drives truck to haul material to shoulders.
  • In fence construction, picks up fence posts and places in hole; uses hand tool to compact around post; unrolls wire; stretches wire using wire stretcher; uses hammer and staples to connect wire to post.
  • When patching potholes, shovels asphalt into pothole; uses asphalt rake to spread asphalt mix level; when required operates patching roller to compact mix.
  • In crack sealing projects, loads crack sealing material into crack sealing machine; tows machine with truck to work site; uses wand to apply material to cracks; operates compressor to prepare crack prior to application; applies sanding material using shovel; uses hand broom to sweep excess from roadway.
  • Uses jackhammer in instances such as breaking asphalt, rock, etc.
  • Drives truck to plow snow and sand roads in adverse weather conditions.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education, Certification, & Experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • One to three months related experience and/or training
  • Commercial Driver's License
  • Flagging Certificate
  • First Aid Certification
  • CPR Certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Salary
This is an hourly, non-exempt position with an hourly wage range of $23.10 - $29.234 per hour. This pay range reflects the FULL pay range for this position for the current fiscal year. Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.
Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold; extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Work Schedule
The normal work schedule is 8 hours per day 5 days per week; exact schedules are assigned by management. It is the attendance standard of the employer that all employees be present and on time each shift they are scheduled to work. Full or partial absence during any scheduled shift, arriving late, or leaving early, for whatever reason, may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Time off may be approved if allowed by applicable policies covering illness, injury, or other personal emergency.

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