Bridge Tender/Drawbridge Operator

Job Overview:
We are seeking a skilled Operator to join our team. The Bascule Operator is responsible for performing a variety of tasks required in the operation of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission (“GNOEC”) - Causeway drawbridge.

The Operator is directly responsible for monitoring marine traffic and coordinating openings and closings of the drawbridge and must have a thorough understanding of its electrical and mechanical operation. The Operator will be responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Opens and closes a drawbridge, exercising established procedures to stop bridge traffic flow; including the activation of gates and lights to alert motorists of marine traffic
• Maintains a record reflecting times of bridge openings and closings with the names and description of vessels passing through; prepares reports concerning incidents that occur during shift as required
• Operates marine radar system; monitors and regulates marine navigational safety procedures and marine radar for vessel activity and possible weather conditions
• Responds to emergency situations occurring in the operation of a drawbridge and reports any problems to proper authorities, especially those of such a nature as to present potential loss of life, personal injury or property damage
• Establishes and maintains protective “Prohibitive Zone” 1 mile parallel to east and west sides of bridge
• Operates a two-way radio and telephone communication station to summon law enforcement officers or supervisory assistance and to receive instructions
• Assists local police agencies in useful search and rescue operations
• Performs other duties as requested by Supervisor

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. General knowledge of the physical construction and mechanical operation of drawbridges; emergency response procedures; and U.S. Coast Guard requirements relative to signals, clearance gauges, and navigation lights. Mechanical knowledge is essential for this role. Experience in heavy equipment operation is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Language Skills

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence that conform to the GNOEC’s prescribed style and format. Ability to communicate tactfully with general public and to exchange information with agency and non-agency personnel.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts normal and usual to general business applications. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, rate, ratios, proportions, percentages, basic geometry, trigonometry and algebra.

Computer Skills

Ability to operate personal computers with an average level of proficiency.

Reasoning Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret a variety of reports furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form such as policy and procedure manuals, safety rules, and operation and maintenance instructions. Ability to define and resolve problems as they arise, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make rapid decisions.

Physical Skills

To successfully perform the essential functions of this job, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met. The employee is regularly required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, push and/or pull objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; communicate via radios; and lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to speak and hear; to taste or smell; to observe objects peripherally and at close and far distances; to detect color and depth; to adjust focus; and to be alert at all times

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work under stressful and hazardous conditions. Ability to deal with the public and co-workers in a courteous and tactful manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to organize and maintain accurate records.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The employee must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and hours other than on regular shifts and in all types of weather. The employee must possess a telephone in residence to receive emergency messages. The employee must have the ability to complete an initial on-the-job training program and six-month probationary period; and to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check. The employee must possess a valid Louisiana State driver’s license. The employee must possess, or be able to obtain, a United States Coast Guard Marine Radar Observation Certification and re-certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work exposes employee to hot, cold or inclement weather. Work occasionally exposes employee to risk of electrical shock and frequently to sudden vibrations caused by large vehicles crossing roadway. Work exposes employee to possible bodily injury from moving vehicles and/or vessels.

This description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Employee may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you are a motivated individual with mechanical aptitude and experience in heavy equipment operation, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and be part of a dynamic work environment where your skills will be valued and developed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Marine Radar: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Mandeville, LA 70448 (Required)

Work Location: In person