Lock Gate (Kōmon) Keeper (Sluice Gate)
こうもんばん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Security and Public Safety Occupations
- Middle : Other Public Safety Occupations
- Minor : Other Public Safety Occupations
Summary
Occupation that operates and monitors sluice gates and lock gates on rivers and canals, adjusting water levels and ensuring safe ship passage.
Description
Lock gate keepers (sluice gates) are responsible for the opening and closing operations as well as daily inspections and maintenance of sluice gates and lock gate equipment installed on rivers and canals. They monitor and measure water levels, adjust for ship passage, and perform drainage operations during floods. They detect equipment abnormalities or failures early and, in emergencies, perform immediate responses while reporting to the relevant departments. Work is mostly outdoors with shift duties, requiring precise adherence to procedures and record management.
Future Outlook
With the aging of infrastructure equipment, the demand for maintenance and management remains stable, and operational efficiency is expected to improve with the introduction of IoT and automation technologies.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Good teamwork / Sharp observation skills / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Night shifts / On-site stationed / Outdoor work / Shift work / Team-based
Career Path
Junior Operator → Operator → Shift Leader → Equipment Manager → River Management Engineer → Supervisor (Chief or Section Chief)
Required Skills
Emergency Response Procedures / Equipment Inspection and Maintenance / Record and Report Creation / Sluice Gate Operation / Water Level Measurement Technology
Recommended Skills
Automated System Operation / Basic Knowledge of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment / GIS Operation / Reading Meteorological and Hydrological Data
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because mistakes in tasks like water level adjustment can have serious consequences. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Mostly follows established procedures, so little need for new ideas. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Few occasions requiring advanced mathematical or quantitative analysis. |
Aliases
- Lock Gate Operator
- Sluice Gate Operator
Related Jobs
- Dam Operator
- River Monitor
- Sluice Gate Manager