1

Hoist Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Automation Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

... operating unit. This includes exposure to industry sectors such as Mining, Power Generation ... feeder radio; hoist signaling and Wi-Fi / LTE coverage. Selecting network hardware including ...

Showing results 21-34

Hoist Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$26

$39

How much do hoist operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for hoist operator in Colorado is $26.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hoist operator?

As a hoist operator, your job is to operate hoisting equipment like forklifts, clamps, and elevating platforms to move products and inventory where they need to be. Hoist operators often help transport materials to a warehouse or worksite, load and unload trucks, choose which type of hoist is most appropriate for the situation, and interact with other workers to ensure they move materials when and where they are needed. You may perform safety checks, lubricate equipment, recharge batteries, fill fuel tanks, and operate equipment over difficult or uneven terrain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hoist operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Hoist Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hoisting equipment, rigging systems, and sometimes certification such as OSHA or NCCCO is typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and reliability help operators coordinate effectively and respond to changing worksite conditions. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure safe, efficient lifting operations and to prevent workplace accidents.

What are some common challenges hoist operators face on construction sites, and how can they overcome them?

Hoist Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams in a fast-paced environment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and managing equipment malfunctions. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations. Staying up-to-date with regular maintenance checks and promptly reporting any issues helps minimize downtime and hazards. Adapting to shifting site conditions and maintaining focus under pressure are key skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Hoist Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectHoist OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a hoist operator certification or licenseRequires crane operator certification/license
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly with hoists in construction, manufacturing, or shippingOperates various types of cranes on construction sites or industrial settings
Industry UsageCommon in shipping yards, factories, and constructionPrevalent in construction, shipping, and heavy industry

While both roles involve lifting and moving heavy loads, a Hoist Operator primarily operates hoists, whereas a Crane Operator handles cranes. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their equipment focus differs, making each role specialized within the heavy lifting industry.

How to be a hoist operator?

To become a hoist operator, you typically need to complete a training program that covers safety procedures, equipment operation, and load handling. Many employers require a valid certification or license, such as OSHA certification, and prior experience with heavy machinery is beneficial. Physical fitness and attention to safety are also important for this role.

What are the duties of a hoist operator?

A hoist operator is responsible for operating and controlling hoisting equipment such as cranes and lifts to move heavy materials safely and efficiently. They inspect equipment before use, follow safety protocols, and communicate with ground personnel to ensure proper load handling. Certification and knowledge of load limits are often required for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Hoist Operator jobs in Colorado?

For Hoist Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Hoist Operator jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Hoist Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Hoist Operator jobs in CO?

For Hoist Operator jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hoist Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,344 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Energetics Technician II

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Pueblo, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.
Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies
The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.
You'll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.
If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.
The Energetics Technician II for Voyager Technologies is responsible for supporting energetic production efforts. The Energetics Technician II is a skilled, hands-on role responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining production equipment while ensuring product quality and adherence to safety procedures. This role provides technical support to energetics technician I, operators, and works closely with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams.
The position reports to the Energetics Manufacturing Supervisor and is part of the Manufacturing and Operations team based in Penrose, CO/Pueblo, CO. This role is onsite based in Penrose, CO and Pueblo, CO.
In this role, the essential functions are:
  • This job requires working with explosives. Teamwork is especially important in all aspects of the job as we strive for safety.
  • Set up, operate, and troubleshoot specialized mixing, molding, extrusion, or curing equipment for propellant and explosive formulations.
  • Lead assembly of rocket propulsion subsystems, integrating mechanical, electrical, and energetic components.
  • Train personnel in operating procedures, safety protocols, and technical tasks.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements to ensure accurate builds.
  • Conduct in-process inspections and assist with root cause analysis for nonconformances in accordance with ISO 9001 and internal quality procedures.
  • Train and guide Technician I and Energetics Operator employees in procedural compliance and best practices.
  • Support engineering project preparation and execution, including safe loading, wiring, and monitoring of energetic test articles.
  • Troubleshoot minor process issues and perform adjustments according to established tolerances. Interface with engineering and facilities
  • Maintain production documentation, batch records, and quality assurance paperwork per company and regulatory standards.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Understanding of explosive safety and energetic material handling.
  • Skill in measuring equipment, precision assembly, and process control.
  • Proficiency in reading blueprints, schematics, and technical instructions.
  • Strong documentation discipline to support traceability and audit readiness.
  • Ability to operate under minimum supervision with sound judgment in safety-sensitive environments.
  • Effective communication and teamwork across engineering, quality, and operations functions.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement;
  • Problem-solving and root-cause analysis abilities; comfortable making decisions under time pressure.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical training preferred.
  • 3-5 years of manufacturing experience, ideally within energetics, aerospace, or defense sectors.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with energetic materials processing or rocket motor assembly.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
    • Be 21 years of age or older.
    • Pass pre-employment drug test.
    • Pass State and Federal background checks.

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Forklift, hoist, or pressure-vessel operation experience (as applicable).
  • Experience with automated manufacturing systems
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and six sigma methodologies.
  • Ability to be a self-starter and solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and recommend advancement, corrective action, or additional training as needed

Supervisory Responsibility
  • Direct daily activities of Operators and Technicians in assigned work areas.
  • Provide input to performance evaluations as requested by Site Manager.

Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:
  • Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods in an outdoor industrial environment
  • Ability to work in a high-hazard explosive manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and explosives
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including flame-resistant clothing and other safety equipment, and comply with site-specific requirements such as end-of-day showering
  • Ability to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses
  • Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including minimum age requirements (21 and over), a drug-free workplace in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. ยงยง 8101-8106), Executive Order 12564 (Drug-Free Federal Workplace), applicable Department of Defense directives including DoD Instruction 1010.09 and DFARS 252.226-7003 and successful completion of any legally required background investigations.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. ยง 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The good faith hourly range for this role is $31.50 - $31.50 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.
Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
  • Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
  • Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
  • Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
  • The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
Colorado pay range
$31.50-$31.50 USD