Hoist and Winch Operators: Career & Application Guide

What do hoist and winch operators do?

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

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.
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.
Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.
Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
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Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
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