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Bridge Operator

City of Milwaukee
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The Bridge Operator maintains and operates the City’s movable bridges across Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River, ensuring the safe passage of vessels in compliance with Federal rules and regulations.

Essential Functions

Bridge Operation

  • Operate electrical and mechanical equipment to open and close the City’s movable bridges in a smooth and safe manner and with minimal interference to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
  • Provide and maintain continuous service on designated bridges during the assigned shift.
  • Operate unattended bridges by use of a remote-control system that uses audio and visual monitors and a separate control panel.
  • Operate unstaffed bridges on a roving system as directed, traveling by use of a vehicle or on foot.
  • Operate and monitor a marine radio to communicate with vessels regarding bridge openings.

 

Bridge Inspection/General Maintenance

  • Conduct minor preventative maintenance on machinery platforms, counterweight pits, and bridge walks, including lubricating and degreasing machinery, cleaning and sweeping pits, platforms, and walks, removing snow, ice and water and dewatering pits using a pump.
  • Inspect and change bulbs on accessible lighting fixtures, such as pit lights, navigation lights, and bridge house lights.
  • Perform minor repairs on bridge equipment, such as replacing or repairing grease lines, grease guns, and pump hoses.
  • Perform housekeeping duties, such as washing windows, walls, floors, ceilings, control panels, etc.

 

Reporting

  • Accurately record and report all vessel movements, bridge openings, complaints, malfunctions, inspections and weekly reports, including accidents, damages and repairs.
  • Provide security to prevent vandalism.

 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

 

Conditions of Employment

The Bridge Operator must be willing and able to do the following:

  • Work first, second, and third shift on a rotating basis, including weekends and holidays.
  • Perform physical activities in the work environment that require walking and standing, climbing stairs and ladders up to 50 ft. in height, crawling, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching, balancing, pushing, and pulling.
  • Work alone in a small area for extended periods of time.
  • Perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and lifting and moving objects weighing 10-20 lbs. frequently.
  • Perform tasks that require repetitive motion for up to 30 minutes, such as shoveling snow from platforms.
  • Attentively view traffic, pedestrians, vessels and bridge controls to operate in a safe manner.
  • Attentively listen for and hear all types of traffic, including pedestrians, water vessels, and motor vehicles.
  • Withstand prolonged exposure to variable and extreme weather conditions including rain, wind, excessive heat, intense cold, and snow.
  • Perform snow removal on bridge sidewalks.
  • Tolerate vibrating working conditions and noise.
  • Work in proximity of moving mechanical parts.
  • Possess finger dexterity to operate controls.
  • Safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Safely use hand tools and operate a hand crank to open center locks and traffic gates.
  • Follow the step by step protocols and procedures to safely operate bridges, Training will be provided by an experienced operator.
  • The preplacement medical requirements for this title include:
    • Physical/lift test
    • Audiogram
    • Vision
    • DOT – Drug Test

 

Minimum Requirements

  1. Six months of full-time experience operating large or complex mechanical and/or electrical equipment and performing maintenance responsibilities.
  2. Valid driver’s license at the time of application and throughout the selection process. Valid Wisconsin driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.
  3. Good driving record at time of application, throughout the selection process and throughout employment.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical 

  • Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical principles to operate equipment and perform maintenance responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of safe work procedures to avoid dangerous situations for persons, property, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to public safety policies and procedures.
  • Ability to be observant to monitor equipment and controls.
  • Ability to solve problems related to equipment malfunctions, maintenance and repair, and public safety.
  • Ability to operate controls, read scales and gauges, and view monitors and computer screens.
  • Ability to perform computer data entry to record bridge openings, incident reports, and maintenance updates.
  • Ability to keep tools, equipment, and work area clean and organized.

 

Communication and Interpersonal 

  • Ability to provide exceptional customer service through clear, timely communication with boat operators, the traveling public, colleagues, elected officials, and community representatives.
  • Ability to take direction and feedback from the bridge operator lead workers and supervisor.
  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented environment with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multicultural staff, the public, various City of Milwaukee officials, and other agencies.

 

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

  • Situational awareness with a thorough understanding of safety protocols to proactively address and mitigate potential risks.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions, both written and verbal.
  • Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to effectively resolve challenges.
  • Knowledge of key contacts and escalation procedures for bridge or safety related issues.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Consistently demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and honesty.
  • Ability to represent the department positively and consistent with its mission and goals.
  • Committed to the responsible management and stewardship of departmental resources.

 

Current Salary

The current salary range (PAY RANGE 8CN) is $50,130 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $51,634 annually. 

Employees assigned to the maintenance crew on a full-day basis will be paid a premium of $0.50 per hour.