BRIDGE OPERATOR

Code: 40350 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a higher level supervisor in the Department of Transportation or in a local government Jurisdiction, is responsible for and operates one or more drawbridges; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Operates semiautomatic and/or manual equipment to open and seat the movable span of a drawbridge allowing for the safe and efficient flow of marine traffic through the draw in accordance with prescribed governmental regulations.
• Remains vigilant for proper signals from approaching marine/river traffic.
• Manually opens bridge if controls fail to work.
• When required, climbs the bridge structure, and crawls through small spaces to inspect structure or perform maintenance or minor repair functions.
• Operates semiautomatic and/or manual equipment to activate warning lights; traffic gates, horns, barrier gates, and other safety devices to safely control highway and pedestrian traffic prior to, during and after the opening of the span.
• Performs test lifts to maintain operational readiness and ensure operational efficiency.
• Performs inspections and limited maintenance of machinery and equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of the bridge.
• Makes required contacts or other communications to ensure the timely report and resolution of significant events that impact the safe and efficient flow of marine and vehicular traffic.
• Completes on-time submission of related reports, including accident reports.
• Maintains bridge houses, bridge walkways, sidewalks and all work areas in a safe, clean condition at all times including but is not limited to sweeping, washing and waxing floors, cleaning windows, snow removal and removal of debris from pedestrian sidewalks, storage and disposal of garbage in a safe and proper manner.
• Responds to emergency situations including snow removal and ice control and is available day or night as required.
• Record bridge opening data on bridge opening reports, hourly bridge opening surveys, vessel height surveys, and related data on department forms.
• Performs work which is in conformance with the New Jersey Department of Transportation policies and procedures, operations bulletins and United States Coast Guard regulations governing drawbridge operations.
• Maintains accurate and factual records and prepares miscellaneous reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the operation of a movable bridge that provides for the safe and efficient flow of marine and vehicular traffic or successful completion of the six (6) month Bridge Operator Trainee program approved by the Department of Transportation.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures used to test, inspect, and perform limited maintenance on bridge equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of the methods used to operate electronically controlled motors, diesel generators, manually activated diesel engines.
• Knowledge of safety devices incorporated in drawbridge control equipment.
• Knowledge of the New Jersey Department of Transportation policies and procedures operations bulletin, and United States Coast Guard regulations governing drawbridge operations.
• Ability to manually open and close bridge when controls fail to work.
• Ability to seat the bridge span without damage to the bridge structure by using eye-hand coordination to operate semiautomatic and/or manual controls.
• Ability to operate electronically controlled motors, diesel generators, manually activated diesel engines and their basic electrical/mechanical operating requirements.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations including snow removal and ice control.
• Ability to work at heights, climb ladders, stairs and structural members over water, for routine inspection and re-lamping of navigation lights and features.
• Ability to climb through bridge structures and enclosed spaces over bodies of water.
• Ability to accurately report equipment failure or operating problems to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to read, comprehend understand and carry out United States Coast Guard regulations governing the navigable waters of the United States as they apply to the operation of drawbridges.
• Ability to understand and carry out department rules and regulations governing the operation of drawbridges.
• Ability to recall sequential directions under stress and give or carry out precise instructions during emergency situations.
• Ability to inspect and perform limited maintenance work and oversee the maintenance of machinery and equipment on the bridge structure.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to work independently in carrying out required duties and use appropriate judgments to meet operational needs.
• Ability to communicate and provide accurate information to the public and marine traffic, police and other by marine radio telephone, public address systems, telephone, or other means of communication equipment provided.
• Ability to maintain or oversee the maintenance of factual records.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position. American Sign language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODE: / 0-14 3-21-2015

Note

The examples of work for this tittle are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely all duties performed on the job may not be listed.