Hoist and Winch Operators
Human Advantage 65%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.2 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Also Known As: Air Hoist Operator, Air Lift Operator, Boat Hoist Operator, Boat Loader, Boat Puller, Bridge Rigger, Building Rigger, Cable Operator +83 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.
- Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.
- Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.
- Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.
- Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.
- 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.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Tools & Equipment (23)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Industrial Machinery Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Conveyor Operators and Tenders 76% match
Zone 2
Hoist and Winch Operators You are here
Equipment Operation & Maintenance Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Logging Equipment Operators 76% match
Zone 2
Hoist and Winch Operators You are here
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