Bridge Operator

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake is seeking a Bridge Operator in Chesapeake, VA. This full-time, safety-sensitive role requires operating bridge equipment, monitoring marine and road traffic, and coordinating bridge openings to keep waterways and roadways moving safely.

The position offers a semi-monthly pay basis and a salary advertised between $34,360 and $50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, with at least one month of related

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED and any combination of education and experience equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education.
• Minimum of one month of related, full-time equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor waterway and roadway traffic for safe passage and coordinate bridge openings.
• Operate bridge equipment following a defined control sequence.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork; perform light cleaning and routine maintenance.
• Possess the ability to walk long inclines and climb heights as required.
• Support emergency operations and work outside normal duties when needed.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Medical Marijuana: In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Bridge Operator

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department PUBLIC WORKS

Division

Division PUB WORKS BRIDGES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026453

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

To be determined. 8 hour shifts for 24/7 operation

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement N - Never

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE01

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$34,360 – $50,000; Depending on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Are you someone who enjoys working independently, staying alert, and being part of something vital to your community? The Bridges Division of Public Works is seeking a motivated and dependable Bridge Operator to help keep Chesapeake’s waterways and roadways moving safely and smoothly.

In this critical role, you will:

• Monitor both waterway and roadway traffic for safe and efficient passage
• Respond to signals from marine traffic and coordinate bridge openings
• Operate bridge equipment following a defined control sequence
• Maintain clear, accurate operational records and paperwork
• Perform light cleaning and routine maintenance on bridge equipment and facilities
• Manually operate bridge gate arms in the event of equipment failure
• Ability to walk up to 900 feet on an inclined walkway
• Ability to climb vertically up to 60 feet via stair tower
• Capacity to follow a set operating sequence with precision
• Physical ability to manually crank traffic gate arms when necessary
• High level of attention to detail, reliability, and situational awareness

This is a unique opportunity to serve the City of Chesapeake in a visible and impactful role. If you’re looking for a steady, meaningful position and are ready to be part of a team that keeps our city connected—we encourage you to apply!

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires high school diploma or GED and any combination of education and experience equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one month of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : None required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/25/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/12/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Medical Marijuana: In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crouching

Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crawling

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Talking

Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Operation of moveable bridges, marine radio, electrical control panel in bridge house, binoculars, standard office equipment, broom, mop, cleaning materials, 40 pound hand crank

Protective Equipment Required

All required PPE

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards D = Daily

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards S = Seasonally

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards D = Daily

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases N = Never

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse W = Several Times Per Week

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures W = Several Times Per Week

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity M = Several Times Per Month

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting M = Several Times Per Month

Primary Work Location

Primary Work Location Other

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

Noisy/Distracting Environment Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).