PART-TIME SEASONAL BRIDGE TENDER

The Town of Falmouth welcomes applications for a part-time Seasonal Bridge Tender to operate the iconic Woods Hole drawbridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Woods Hole. Bridge Tenders play a vital role in safely coordinating boat and vehicle traffic across the Water Street channel connecting Eel Pond and Great Harbor, while serving as ambassadors for one of Cape Cod’s busiest waterfront communities.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, interacting with residents and visitors, and performing meaningful public service in a busy waterfront setting bustling with vessels, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and tourists.

The part-time Seasonal Bridge Tender position reports to the Department of Public Works (DPW) Highway Division and works a flexible seasonal schedule that supports drawbridge operations during the boating season:

• May 15th through June 14th: up to 20-25 hours per week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• June 15th through Sept 15th: up to 20-25 hours per week between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Sept 16th through Oct 14th: up to 20-25 hours per week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Oct 15th through May 14th: on call, as needed, and as available for day-shift coverage

This is a part-time, seasonal, non-benefited, non-union, non-exempt position that is paid by the hour for hours worked.

Under the general direction of the Highway Superintendent and the full-time Bridge Tender, the part-time Seasonal Bridge Tender performs responsible work operating the drawbridge and coordinating the safe movement of boat and vehicle traffic across the Water Street channel connecting Eel Pond to Great Harbor. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Safely operating the Woods Hole drawbridge according to established schedules and applicable regulations;
• Coordinating the safe movement of vessels, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicle traffic through the drawbridge area;
• Monitoring vessel signals and using bridge controls and the public address system to communicate with mariners and the public;
• Determining the safe order and number of vessels permitted to pass through the drawbridge;
• Performing routine inspections and basic maintenance of the drawbridge, gatehouse, sidewalks, and surrounding work area;
• Maintaining operational logs and other required records;
• Providing courteous assistance and information to residents, visitors, and boaters; and
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Located in the heart of Woods Hole, the Bridge Tender's shack is a familiar landmark and a popular stop for residents and visitors. Bridge Tenders are an important part of the Woods Hole waterfront community and help ensure the safe and efficient movement of both marine and vehicle traffic throughout the boating season.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience involving public interaction, traffic control, equipment operation, public works, boating, transportation, facilities operations, or a related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment CORI background check.

The Town provides on-the-job training regarding bridge operations, safety procedures, and applicable operating regulations.

The successful candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, courteous, attentive, and able to remain calm while working independently in a busy public setting. Candidates must exercise sound judgment, communicate effectively with the public, operate equipment safely, and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, residents, visitors, and boaters.

Required Licenses:

• Massachusetts Class C Passenger Motor Vehicle Operator’s License; and
• Class 2B Hoisting Engineer License