Hoist and Winch Operator

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  Career Profile

Hoist and Winch Operator

What they do

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.

Also Called: Hoist Operator, Hoistman, Material Handler, Service Operator, Winch Derrick Operator, Hoist Operator, Hoistman, Material Handler, Service Operator, Winch Derrick Operator

$33,760
Starting Salary (2023)
$55,950
Median Salary (2023)
-1.8%
Projected Job Growth
2,230
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
Move levers, pedals, and throttles to stop, start, and regulate speeds of hoist or winch drums in response to hand, bell, buzzer, telephone, loud-speaker, or whistle signals, or by observing dial indicators or cable marks.
Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Independence
Initiative
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Time Management
Operation and Control
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

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