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Hoist and Winch Operators

O*NET files this work under Hoist and Winch Operators: people who operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment. The skills rated most useful are critical thinking, operations monitoring, and monitoring. One core duty is to signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (6.9 of 7), then Conventional (3.3) and Investigative, which gives it the code RCI. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
  • Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
  • Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
  • Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
  • Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.
  • Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.

Skills

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

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Hoist Operator
  • Hoisting Operator
  • Hoistman
  • Service Operator
  • Winch Derrick Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.