Bridge Tender

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the draw bridges in Door County. In addition, duties include doing maintenance and repairs. Reports directly to the Chief Bridge Tender or the Highway Commissioner and indirectly to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the United States Coast Guard. Regular attendance and punctuality along with being prepared to commence work at designated work locations, on the assigned or scheduled days and hours is expected.
 

1. Operates bridge openings in a safe, effective, and efficient manner to prevent injury or damage to boaters, pedestrians, or vehicle operators.
2. Performs repairs or requests repairs if the bridge does not operate properly.
3. Conducts minor maintenance to include but not limited to, grease bearings, pinion gears, racks, and gates.
4. Maintains records of bridge openings and closings and sends said records to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
5. Maintains and installs clearance guards, removes snow from sidewalk, gates, and gears. Do minor touch up painting of bridge. Keeps work area clean.
6. Operate two-way radio in communicating with ships and boats and the Highway Department office.
7. The Chief Bridge Tender will train new employees about navigational rules and bridge operational procedures.
8. The Chief Bridge Tender will schedule workers on a rotating basis to insure the bridges are manned at all times according to regulations. Check daily time slips and submit timely to Highway Commissioner.  Responsible for maintenance upkeep on the emergency generator..

Training and Experience 

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. One (1) year of responsible work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
3. Current valid Wisconsin driver's license required.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
 

1. Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate, both verbally and in writing as well as effectively administer by written, and verbal communications.
2. Must have ability to react quickly to traffic situations involving vehicular, pedestrian and vessel traffic.
3. Must be able to determine and react to security issues regarding bridge operations.
4. Ability to perform minor maintenance duties on the bridges such as replacing navigation lamps, inspecting and removing debris from track girders or rear locks, and cleaning and greasing center locks.
5. Ability to keep clear and accurate records concerning vessel movements, maintenance activities, equipment malfunctions, or accident information occurring on the bridge.
6. Possess a working knowledge of, and have experience with, heavy-duty mechanical/electrical equipment.
7. Ability to continuously monitor for up to 16-hours at a time, video monitors and audio equipment, ensuring safe gate operation and safe passage of vessels on locally and/or remotely operated bridges.
8. Ability to use tack and courtesy in maintaining an effective working relationship with department employees, county supervisors, county officials, and general public. 

Employees hired to work a full time schedule (40 hours per week) are eligible for full time benefits. Benefits to promote employee/family wellness (full time status):

• Health Insurance including prescriptions – 85% of premium paid by the County of Door
• Wellworks wellness participation – health insurance premium discount
• Dental Insurance – 100% of premium paid by the County of Door!
• Vision Insurance
• Term Life Insurance - offered through WI Dept of Employee Trust Funds (ETF)
• Income Continuation Insurance – ask about premium holiday!
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Wisconsin Retirement System – required participation in Employee/Employer match
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation plans – (Wisconsin Deferred Comp & Nationwide)
• County of Door is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer!

Benefits to promote work/life balance (full time status):

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Plan
• Personal Day(s) by position
• Flexible/Alternative Work Schedule by position

Salary : $21