Ep 27. Soo Locks Technician

Mike Rowe is back with another episode of Dirty Jobs, and this time, he's exploring the world of Soo Locks Technicians. The Soo Locks Technician episode is the 27th episode of the fifth season of the show, and it promises to be an exciting one.

At the start of the episode, viewers are introduced to the Soo Locks, which are a series of locks located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The locks connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron, and they are an essential part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. As Mike explains, the Soo Locks are responsible for moving billions of dollars worth of cargo each year.

Mike's first stop is the Soo Locks Park, where he gets a crash course in the complex system of locks and dams that make up the Soo Locks. He meets with a team of Soo Locks Technicians, who explain the different types of locks and how they work. Mike is fascinated by the intricate system of gates, valves, and pumps that make up the locks, and he's excited to learn more.

Next, Mike meets with Soo Locks Technician Dan, who takes him on a tour of the locks. Dan explains that the locks are made up of two chambers, each of which can hold up to 22 million gallons of water. The gates between the chambers are massive, weighing up to 300 tons each. The locks are also home to a series of ladders and platforms that the technicians use to access the gates and valves.

As Mike watches the technicians at work, he gets a sense of the danger and physicality involved in the job. The technicians have to maneuver heavy equipment and climb up and down ladders in all kinds of weather conditions. They also have to be vigilant for any signs of leaks or other problems that could disrupt the flow of water through the locks.

Mike then joins Dan and his team on a maintenance job, where they are working to replace a gate. The process involves draining one of the lock chambers, removing the massive gate, and then carefully maneuvering a new gate into place. The job is exceptionally challenging and requires a lot of skill and precision.

Throughout the episode, Mike gets a sense of the pride and dedication that the Soo Locks Technicians have for their work. They know that their job is critical to keeping the shipping industry moving, and they take that responsibility seriously.

As the episode comes to a close, Mike reflects on the impressive engineering feat that is the Soo Locks. He marvels at the skill and expertise of the technicians who keep the locks running smoothly, and he's grateful for the important role that they play in our economy.

In conclusion, the Soo Locks Technician episode of Dirty Jobs is a fascinating look at the challenging and essential work of the technicians who keep the Soo Locks running. Viewers will learn about the complex system of locks and dams that make up the Soo Locks, and they'll get a sense of the physicality and danger involved in the job. Most importantly, they'll come away with a deep appreciation for the skilled workers who keep our shipping industry moving forward.