Hoist & Winch Operators

Also called: Hoistman, Material Handler,

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.

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

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

They do well at jobs that need:

Independence
Initiative
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Persistence

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

Data base user interface and query software

Data entry software

high school diploma/GED
no high school diploma/GED

usually needed

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

$59,720

$30,680

$101,550