Bridge managers are professionals who carry a lot of responsibilities. The day-to-day management of the bridge is in their hands. Some of the tasks of a bridge manager are ensuring quality and safety, coordination of utility of the third party, minor electric and paving, and the facilitation of relationships with the public. Bridge managers are responsible for the security of the bridge and need to take care of everything that leads to that security. Maintenance is very important to the efficient working of any structure. The bridge manager will make sure that all maintenance is scheduled for the right times and that the quality of the maintenance is appropriate to the structure. Unless the bridge is standing in the middle of nowhere, the bridge manager has to make sure that the entire staff is able to work and maintain a good relationship with all the governing agencies that it comes in contact with. The relationship with the community is equally important. Making sure that all the staff members are trained is also a part of the job description.
Bridge managers have to know all about the administration that comes with the job. Usually candidates are being tested on their knowledge on the subject. Bridge managers have to know how to develop objectives. They have to be able to do the planning and organizing. Bridge managers evaluate and lead daily operations. They need to be capable of keeping a record of anything that is being done. Bridge managers have to be good supervisors who can deal with just about any staffing issue at the workplace. A lot of the work that needs to be done involves writing. Therefore it is essential that spelling, grammar, and punctuation knowledge is up to date.
A bridge manager is a high-skilled job. A bachelor’s degree is usually a requirement. Experience is highly valued and advertised job openings overall state that five years of experience in that sector are an absolute must, but more is appreciated. If your goal is to become a bridge manager in a major city or of a landmark bridge, it is definitely a good idea to work as a bridge manager for a small bridge in the country first.
High-skilled jobs are usually paid accordingly. A bridge manager of a bridge of little to medium importance makes about $40,000 to $50,000 per year, but those that work for a major bridge can make up to twice that amount a year. The enormous responsibility, the educational background, and the long-time experience are of course the reason for the nice paycheck that comes with this position.
Good bridge managers will always be in demand. American bridge managers have a very good reputation internationally and that opens portals to most countries on every continent.