Overview

Scoop

Day-to-Day

• 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.
• Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.
• Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.

Best For You If...

In Action

Want to see what it's like to be a Hoist and Winch Operator? We've curated a playlist for you to explore.

Hoist and Winch Operator

This short video gives an overview of what this career is all about.

Pathways to this Career

Here are few pathways you can take to become a Hoist and Winch Operator. Click on a pathway to learn more about it.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

📚 College

Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

📚 Training

Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

📚 College

Finish in 4-5+ years

Learn More About The Industry

Building & Distribution

The primary activities of this group involve constructing, installing, repairing, and maintaining physical infrastructure, producing goods and materials, and transporting people and products from one location to another.