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Hoist and Winch Operators

Also called: Hoist Operator, Hoistman, Material Handler, Service Operator

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.
  • Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Business

  • customer service

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hearing and Speech

  • recognize spoken words
  • speak clearly

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

  • Microsoft Word

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $58,950

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

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