Occupation AtlasHoist and Winch Operators

O*NET · 53-7041.00

Hoist and Winch Operators

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

Also called Air Hoist Operator · Air Lift Operator · Boat Hoist Operator · Boat Loader · Cable Operator · Cable Way Operator · Casing Puller · Chute Operator
43 more

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Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.89
  • C Conventional3.33
  • I Investigative1.55
  • S Social1.45
  • E Enterprising1.45
  • A Artistic1.07

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma8%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent65%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate27%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (60%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (55%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Operation and ControlImportance 3.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • InstructingImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • RepairingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • TroubleshootingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.3Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.1Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

11 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Start engines of hoists or winches and use levers and pedals to wind or unwind cable on drums.Importance 4.3
  2. Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers to verify load positions or depths.Importance 4.3
  3. Signal and assist other workers loading or unloading materials.Importance 4.3
  4. Apply hand or foot brakes and move levers to lock hoists or winches.Importance 4.3
  5. Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment, using hand tools.Importance 4.3
  6. 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.Importance 4.2
  7. Select loads or materials according to weight and size specifications.Importance 4.2
  8. Tend auxiliary equipment, such as jacks, slings, cables, or stop blocks, to facilitate moving items or materials for further processing.Importance 4.2
  9. Move or reposition hoists, winches, loads and materials, manually or using equipment and machines such as trucks, cars, and hand trucks.Importance 4.0
  10. Attach, fasten, and disconnect cables or lines to loads, materials, and equipment, using hand tools.Importance 3.9
  11. Oil winch drums so that cables will wind smoothly.Importance 3.9
Show the other 2
  1. Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.Importance 4.3
  2. Climb ladders to position and set up vehicle-mounted derricks.Importance 4.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • MechanicalImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 2.7
  • English LanguageImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • TransportationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.8
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • PhysicsImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • DesignImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • GeographyImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • ChemistryImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • BiologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Reaction TimeImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.4Level 2.8
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Far VisionImportance 3.3Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Rate ControlImportance 3.3Level 2.6
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • VisualizationImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Response OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.8Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • OriginalityImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • StaminaImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Night VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.7
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.5Level 2.8
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.7Level —
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 1.5Level —
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level —
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.4Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.5
  • Exposed to High Places4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers4.1
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.0

Technology

2 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.