BRIDGE OPERATOR

 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.

 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.

 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.

 REQUIREMENTS:

 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 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:  40350 / 0-14               3-21-2015