BRIDGE OPERATOR

What Milwaukee can offer YOU  

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.    

BRIDGE OPERATORS ARE SEASONAL POSITIONS (APRIL THROUGH NOVEMBER)  

PERSONS HIRED MAY BECOME YEAR-ROUND

In accordance with Federal and Coast Guard rules and regulations to ensure safe passage for vessels, the Bridge Operator maintains and operates the City’s movable bridges.

• Operate electrical/mechanical equipment to open and close bridges in a smooth and safe manner and with minimum interference to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Provide and maintain continuous service on assigned bridges at all times during the assigned shift.
• Operate unattended bridges by use of remote control system that utilizes audio and visual monitors and a separate control panel.
• Operate unstaffed bridges on a roving system as directed, traveling by vehicle or on foot.
• Conduct daily inspections of all bridge platforms and machinery mechanisms such as gearing, cables, bearings, center locks, bumper beams, sheaves, and traffic gates.
• Inspect, clean and perform minor preventative maintenance on machinery platforms, counterweight pits, and bridge walks by lubricating and degreasing machinery; sweeping and hosing down pits, platforms and walks; and removing snow, ice, and water.
• Make minor repairs to bridge equipment such as replacing or repairing grease lines, grease guns, and pump hoses.
• Perform housekeeping duties, such as washing windows, walls, floors, ceiling, and control panels.
• Inspect and report outages of bulbs on accessible lighting fixtures such as pit, navigation, and bridge house lights.
• Operate and monitor a marine radio; communicate with vessels for bridge openings.
• Accurately record and report all vessel movements, bridge openings, complaints, malfunctions and inspections in the weekly report.
• Monitor and report incidents of vandalism and security issues.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Must be able to work first, second, and third shift on a rotating basis, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to 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.
• Must be able to work alone in a small area for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and lifting and moving objects weighing 10-20 lbs. frequently.
• Must be able to perform tasks that require repetitive motion for up to 30 minutes, such as shoveling snow from platforms.
• Must be able to see in order to read controls, and to hear all types of traffic, including pedestrians, water vessels and motor vehicles.
• Must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to variable and extreme weather conditions including rain, wind, excessive heat, intense cold and snow.
• Must be able to tolerate vibrating work conditions and noise.
• Must be able to work in proximity of moving mechanical parts.
• Must possess finger dexterity to operate controls.

1. Six months of full time experience operating large or complex mechanical and/or electrical equipment and performing maintenance responsibilities.
2. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

• Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical principles in order 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.
• Verbal communication skills to relay messages to co-workers, supervisors and the public.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to accurately and consistently record data.
• Ability to be observant in order to monitor equipment and controls.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions both written and verbal.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers and citizens whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to work alone in a small area for extended periods of time.
• Ability to solve problems related to equipment malfunctions, maintenance and repair, and public safety situations.
• Ability to operate controls, read scales and gauges, view monitors and computer screens.
• Ability to shovel snow from assigned bridge and other bridges as needed.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and to operate hand crank to open center locks and traffic gates.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

THE CURRENT STARTING SALARY (Pay Range 8GN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $40,021 annually, and the non-resident starting salary is $39,039.    

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2018.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.  

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after January 30, 2018. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.  However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.

• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO = 803  

“The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.”