CHIEF BRIDGE OPERATOR
Career Family: CHIEF
Chief Bridge Operator is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
What it takes is 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $56,253 to $81,897, and state payroll currently lists about 10 people in the title, most of them at Transportation.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Transportation posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 10 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $76,768. The agencies employing the most are:
- Transportation (10)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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.
Definition
Under supervision of an Area Supervisor, Bridge Operations, or other higher level supervisor in the Department of Transportation, supervises the staff and operations of one or more movable bridges in a working unit; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- In accordance with an approved work schedule, assigns and instructs employees in the operation of movable bridges, supervises work performance, and ensures complete staffing coverage to comply with federal regulations.
- Operates and supervises the operation of automatic, semiautomatic, and manual equipment to open and seat movable span drawbridges in accordance with Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations and the department rules and regulations governing the opening and closing of drawbridges.
- Trains new employees and ensures that all trainees are crosstrained on all bridges within their geographical area and are instructed in all phases of drawbridge operations.
- Conducts periodic tests and inspections to ensure that all machinery and equipment are well maintained and accounted for; prepares and submits bridge repair requests.
- Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
- Investigates and prepares reports pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the bridge, personal injury and property damage, and marine and/or vehicular delay reports.
- Schedules and supervises the performance of necessary maintenance duties for the general upkeep of the bridgehouse.
- Ensures that proper safety precautions are observed.
- Requests and distributes all materials and supplies needed for the operation of movable bridges.
- Performs snow removal and ice control, and is available for other emergency situations, day or night, as required.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of movable bridges or other similarly operated equipment.
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.
KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the procedures used in testing, inspecting, and performing limited maintenance on bridge equipment, machinery, and auxiliary and emergency equipment.
Knowledge of the purpose and function of the safety devices incorporated in drawbridge control equipment including limit switches, bypass switches, and interlocking control devices.
Knowledge of the problems which arise in planning realistic work schedules for a 24-hour day, everyday in the year.
Knowledge of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations applicable to the operation of movable bridges over navigable waterways after a period of training.
Ability to assign and instruct employees, effectively preparing and/or overseeing their performance appraisals, and ensuring that they are provided with the proper equipment, materials, and supplies.
Ability to carry out department rules and regulations governing the operation of state movable bridges.
Ability to carry out United States Coast Guard regulations relating to the navigable water of the United States.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain the necessary records relating to the operation of the drawbridge including reports of bridge openings and marine, highway, personal injury, and property damage.
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner while giving instructions during emergencies.
Ability to respond to emergency situations including snow removal and ice control.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
CODES: R18- DDC 12/05/94