Bridge Tender

Bridge Tender

Thank you for your interest in joining Door County Government!

Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit. We serve nearly 30,000 year-round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.

Within the County organization, the Highway & Airport Department is responsible for maintaining and improving essential transportation infrastructure. The Highway Division performs construction and maintenance on the County Trunk Highway system, provides general maintenance for State Highways under contract, and completes roadway work for local municipalities through established agreements.

The Airport Division carries out policies of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics to ensure the safe and efficient operation of airport facilities. The department oversees compliance with federal, state, and county regulations related to air transportation and supports the long-term reliability of Door County's aviation services.

To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.

The Bridge Tender operates and maintains drawbridges in Door County to ensure the safe and timely passage of marine, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic. This position supports public safety and infrastructure reliability by executing operational protocols, conducting preventative maintenance, and complying with state and federal regulations. Work is performed independently and requires vigilance, mechanical aptitude, and precise communication with vessels and agency personnel.

• Situational Awareness: Maintains focused attention across multiple inputs (visual, auditory, and mechanical) to detect and respond to operational or safety issues.
• Technical Proficiency: Operates complex mechanical and electrical systems with accuracy and adheres to procedural safety standards.
• Communication: Provides clear, timely, and professional communications, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external audiences.
• Problem Solving: Identifies operational anomalies or equipment issues and applies appropriate responses within regulatory and procedural guidelines.
• Documentation: Accurately records operational data, maintenance actions, and incident details in compliance with reporting standards.
• Judgment & Independence: Makes real-time decisions affecting public and vessel safety with minimal supervision, under established protocols.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of relevant work experience, preferably in mechanical operations, public works, or transportation.
• Valid driver's license.

• Prior experience with bridge operation, marine navigation, or mechanical maintenance in a regulatory environment.
• Familiarity with Coast Guard protocols and maritime communication standards.
• At least one (1) year of computer experience with scheduling and data entry.

Work is primarily performed indoors in a controlled environment but requires frequent movement between indoor and outdoor settings. Exposure to extreme weather conditions occurs during seasonal maintenance and operational duties. Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds. The role requires crouching, bending, kneeling, twisting, and visual monitoring for extended periods. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 with normal depth perception and no night blindness.

Hearing must fall within a normal…