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Winch Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

Winch cat experience preferred. * Ability to work independently trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects. * Strong verbal communication skills and adequate writing abilities. * Operator must ...

Alterra

Snowcat Operator, Winter 26-27

June Lake, CA · On-site

$20.70 - $29.51/hr

Winch cat experience preferred. * Ability to work independently trail grooming, trail grading, and push projects. * Strong verbal communication skills and adequate writing abilities. * Operator must ...

Alterra

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA

$20 - $35.21/hr

Must have minimum three years of high level terrain park building experience, including but limited to 300+hrs winch cat experience, 200+hrs Zaugg experience. * Must have high school diploma or ...

Mammoth Mountain

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$20 - $35.21/hr

Must have minimum three years of high level terrain park building experience, including but limited to 300+hrs winch cat experience, 200+hrs Zaugg experience. * Must have high school diploma or ...

Powdr

Groomer / Cat Driver Level 2

Truckee, CA

$25/hr

The Groomer /SnowCat Operator will operate SnowCat equipment, perform trail grooming and other ... Winch cat experience as a plus You make us Woodward. We are a welcoming community that celebrates ...

Pacific Medical Imaging, Inc.

Be Seen First

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81 - $121.50/hr

... Easy winch and fold-out ramp loading system.) * Registers patients by confirming patient ... Treats patients by performing imaging and flow study procedures; operating radioscopic equipment to ...

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Winch Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do winch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for winch operator in California is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Winch Operator job?

A Winch Operator controls and monitors winches to lift, pull, or position heavy loads using cables or ropes. They work in industries like construction, shipping, and oil drilling, ensuring safe and efficient material handling. Responsibilities include inspecting equipment, following safety protocols, and coordinating with other workers. Precision and attention to detail are crucial to prevent accidents and equipment damage. Winch Operators may work in challenging environments such as offshore rigs, warehouses, or industrial sites.

What are the typical work environments and daily responsibilities for Winch Operators?

Winch Operators commonly work outdoors on construction sites, oil rigs, shipyards, or industrial facilities, often in varying weather conditions. Their daily responsibilities include inspecting winches and rigging equipment, operating controls to move heavy materials safely, and following detailed instructions from supervisors or site managers. They frequently collaborate with crane operators, riggers, and other crew members to coordinate lifts and ensure proper load handling. The role can be physically demanding and requires a strong focus on safety protocols. Being proactive and communicative helps Winch Operators contribute to smooth site operations and minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Winch Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Winch Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by operator certifications. Familiarity with different types of winches, control panels, basic rigging equipment, and adherence to OSHA safety standards is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help Winch Operators excel, as they often coordinate closely with other crew members. These qualifications and abilities ensure safe, precise lifting and movement of heavy loads, minimizing risk and maximizing operational efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Winch Operator jobs in California? For Winch Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Winch Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Winch Operator jobs in California are:
Winch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Winch Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,182 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Graving Dock Shipwright

Epsilon Systems Solutions

San Diego, CA • On-site

$26.26 - $32.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full time Graving Dock Shipwright in San Diego, CA.
Summary: The position, requiring minimal supervision will provide skilled Shipwright support for Graving Dock operations. This role demands expertise in preparing drydocks, assisting with safe docking and undocking procedures, as well as operating and maintaining graving dock machinery and systems. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in ship drydocking operations along with strong mechanical and technical skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Participate in reviews of docking plans and vessel schematics as related to keel blocks and bilge blocks.
  • Utilize standard mechanic's tools, ship fitting equipment and tools, wood shaping equipment and tools, portable machine tools, fixtures, and various gauges in the maintenance and repair of SWRMC dry docks.
  • Support the building, pre-docking arrangement/alignment, disassembly and removal of docking blocks as required for all docking operations within SWRMC dry docks.
  • Operate, maintain, repair, remove, and install a variety of graving dock mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic equipment and system components, including but not limited to valves, piping, marine centrifugal pumps (both horizontal and vertical types), piston pumps, and associated capstans, winches, windlasses, and trolleys.
  • Monitor mechanical systems on a routine basis for problems or abnormalities, when identified notify supervision, analyze causes, suggest possible solutions, performing corrective action as authorized.
  • Perform machinery operational checks prior, and subsequent to dock operations as required.
  • Perform machinery operational checks subsequent to equipment repairs, changeouts or extended downtime.
  • Perform preventive maintenance equipment checks as required, reporting deficiencies to supervision.
  • Provide thorough maintenance and repair reporting, documentation, and parts inventory.
  • Strict compliance with all safety procedures and PPE requirements, to include Lockout-Tag-out procedures as required for work being performed.

Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Hold current, or be eligible to obtain and maintain a DOD Security Clearance
  • Minimum of 5 years drydock shipwright experience.
  • Knowledge of Lockout Tag-out procedures.
  • Proficient in researching, reading, and following technical manuals, blueprints, drawings, parts manuals, schematics, assembly instructions, and troubleshooting guides. Contact equipment manufacturers to obtain additional information regarding equipment operation, troubleshooting, and repair, when required.
  • Ability to make recommendations using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures and appropriate applicable technical guidance.
  • Familiar with ship construction, drydock procedures, and marine materials.
  • Strong understanding of workplace safety in a drydock environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively across a wide range of govt, active-duty military and industry personnel.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Be available to perform overtime duties as required for pre-docking, docking, duration of ship docking periods and undocking.

Additional Requirements (Post-Hire):
  • Must obtain Tag-out/Lock-out qualification within 30 days
  • Must obtain PQS 301 Craftsmen qualification within 90 days.
  • Must obtain Forklift Operator license within 90 days.
  • Must obtain Dock Rover qualification within 6 months
  • Must obtain the following qualifications within 12 months:
    • Graving Dock Sluice Gate Operator
    • Graving Dock Caisson Operator
    • Graving Dock Pump Room Operator
    • Control Room Operator
    • Trolley/Winch Operator

Pay Range:
The pay range for this role is $26.26 To $32.53 Hourly. This is a reasonable estimate for this role. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
ADA Notations:
  • Requires walking, reaching, sitting and concentration in the presence of occasional noise
  • Ability to move in narrow and restricted passageways, up/down steep and narrow ladders or stairways.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry and move objects up to 50 lbs. in weight.
  • Noise conditions range from very quiet to loud.

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

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