Description
Operate and tend navigation locks and dams to pass vessels and regulate river levels on inland waterways. Monitor traffic and hydrologic conditions, control gates and valves, ensure safe lockage, and maintain equipment and facilities. May supervise crews and coordinate flood and navigation operations.
- • Issue navigation warnings; restrict or suspend lockages when hazardous.
- • Manage queues and schedule lockages to optimize throughput.
- • Operate debris and ice control equipment; clear trash racks and drift.
- • Enforce safety and environmental procedures, including lockout/tagout.
- • Submit maintenance work requests and assist with outages.
- • Operate lock gates and valves to pass vessels safely.
- • Regulate dam gates, spillways, and sluices to control water levels and flow.
- • Activate navigation lights, horns, and alarms from control panels.
- • Monitor approaching vessels to determine size, speed, and priority.
- • Direct vessel movements in approaches and chambers via radio or signals.
- • Secure vessels with lines or instruct crews on mooring.
- • Log water levels, gate positions, and weather conditions.
- • Coordinate lockages with adjacent facilities and marine traffic control.
- • Record vessel names, types, cargo, and destinations.
- • Inspect locks, gates, valves, and structures; report defects.
- • Clean, lubricate, and perform minor repairs on equipment.
- • Test generators, backups, and emergency systems.
- • Prepare incident and accident reports and maintain logs.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
