Bridge and Lock Operator 1 or 2

Nunez Community College; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

457 Plan with employer match

Paid Holidays and Leave

Wellness Center

Ship Shape Wellness Program

Job summary

Port of New Orleans is seeking dependable Bridge and Lock Operators to control and monitor bridge, lock, and railroad systems in a safety‑conscious role. You will communicate with marine, rail, and dispatch personnel to maintain smooth, 24/7 operations across three drawbridges.

The ideal candidate is dependable with basic mechanical or electrical aptitude. No prior experience is required, and premium pay up to $1.50 per hour is available as part of compensation.

Qualifications

• Dependable and safety-conscious candidates
• Basic mechanical aptitude
• Basic electrical aptitude
• No experience required

Responsibilities

• Bridge Operations: Operates and monitors three drawbridges to provide safe passage for marine, rail, and vehicular traffic; performs dispatching and routine maintenance.
• Maintains detailed bridge logs and prepares reports on openings, closings, movements, weather, and incidents.
• Completes required annual training on bridge procedures and interlock systems; cross-trains on all Port-owned bridges.
• Performs additional duties to support Bridge Operations and Maintenance, including response during severe weather events.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Reliability

Education

No specific education required

Job description

At the Port of New Orleans, our mission is to drive economic prosperity throughout our tri-parish jurisdiction: Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard. We collaborate with state and local partners to ensure that we can continue to be a vital link to the world for businesses and consumers throughout Louisiana and beyond.

The Port of New Orleans is seeking dependable and safety-focused individuals to serve as Bridge and Lock Operators.

This hands-on position plays a vital role in maintaining safe and efficient movement of vessels, vehicles, and trains.

As a Bridge and Lock Operator, you’ll control and maintain bridge, lock, and railroad systems; communicate with marine, rail, and dispatch personnel; and help keep Louisiana’s maritime and rail infrastructure running smoothly.

The ideal candidate will be dependable, safety-conscious and have basic mechanical or electrical aptitude.

Be part of a team that connects river, rail, and road.

No experience or training is required.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Bridge Operations: Operates and monitors the Port’s three drawbridges to provide safe and efficient passage for marine, rail, and vehicular traffic. Performs dispatching, emergency response, and routine maintenance duties to support 24/7 bridge operations.
• Bridge Logs and Other Bridge Reports: Maintains detailed bridge logs documenting openings, closings, vessel and train movements, weather conditions, visitors, and unusual events, and prepares reports on accidents or bridge damage.
• Training: Completes required annual training and testing on bridge operating procedures and interlock systems. Regularly cross-trains on all Port-owned bridges to maintain operational proficiency.
• Other Duties, Including Emergency Support: Performs various assignments as directed to support Bridge Operations and Maintenance activities. May be required to report before, during, or after severe weather events to maintain and restore safe bridge operations.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Bridge and Lock Operator 1 or 2.

Work Schedule: Work hours are 7:00 am – 7:00 pm or 7:00 pm – 7:00 am

Compensation:This position is eligible for premium pay of up to $1.50 per hour.

Port NOLA offers competitive benefits that prioritize safety, health and wellness for our employees. Employees have access to the following benefits:

• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance options
• Long Term Disability Plan
• State of Louisiana LASERS state pension program
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) with employer match
• Paid Louisiana State Holidays and paid Annual and Sick Leave
• Wellness Center located in the Port Administration Building
• Ship Shape Wellness Program

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.