Bridge Operator-Part-Time

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake’s Public Works – Bridges Division seeks a motivated substitute Bridge Operator to support water traffic operations on an as-needed basis. Work involves operating moveable bridges and ensuring safe, smooth navigation for marine and road traffic.

Responsibilities include monitoring traffic, logging data, maintaining equipment, and responding to emergencies. Applicants should meet the education requirements and be prepared for a variable, on-call schedule.

Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• At least one month of related, full-time experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate drawbridges to accommodate marine and roadway traffic.
• Monitor waterway and roadway traffic flow.
• Respond to signals and operate bridge control equipment.
• Complete operational logs and paperwork accurately.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Manually crank traffic gate arms during mechanical malfunctions.

Skills

Operate moveable bridges

Monitor traffic

Log paperwork

Gate arm operation

Climb/Walk heights

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Bridge control equipment

Marine radio

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is substitute part-time. Medical Marijuana Information:

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-Part-Time

Job Type

Job Type Seasonal/Substitute

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 2026339

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week As needed not to exceed 25 hours/week

Work Schedule

As needed to substitute for full time Bridge Operators operating moveable bridges on a 24/7 schedule. Employee expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement N - Never

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE01

Pay Basis

Advertised Salary

$16.93-$22.43; depending on qualifications and experience.

Job Description

The City of Chesapeake’s Public Works – Bridges Division is seeking a motivated and reliable Substitute Bridge Operator to support water traffic operations on an as-needed basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently while playing a vital role in keeping Chesapeake moving.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate drawbridges to accommodate marine and roadway traffic.
• Monitor waterway and roadway traffic flow.
• Respond to signals and operate bridge control equipment.
• Complete operational logs and paperwork accurately.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
• Manually crank traffic gate arms during mechanical malfunctions.
• Ability to walk up to 900 feet on an inclined walkway.
• Ability to climb up to 60 feet vertically via stair tower.
• Ability to follow a set sequence when operating control panels.
• Physical ability to manually operate equipment in emergency situations.

Join a team that keeps our city’s vital infrastructure functioning safely and smoothly!

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 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 08/26/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/06/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is substitute part-time. Medical Marijuana Information:

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 D = Daily

Chemical Hazards S = Seasonally

Electrical Hazards D = Daily

Fire Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases N = Never

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 D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures W = Several Times Per Week

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity M = Several Times Per Month

Darkness or Poor Lighting M = Several Times Per Month

Primary Work Location Other - bridge house

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 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

Professional References

Professional References Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

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