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Winch Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Winch Operator information

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$12

$18

$25

How much do winch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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?

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 as a winch operator?

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.

How to become a winch operator?

To become a winch operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a certification program. Skills in machinery operation, safety procedures, and knowledge of winch equipment are essential, and some positions may require a commercial driver's license or specialized certifications depending on the industry environment.

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:

Infographic showing various Winch Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% 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.

Distribution Groundman - Desert Region

Southern California Edison

Cathedral City, CA • On-site

$1.3K - $1.6K/wk

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
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Become a\u00a0Distribution Groundman\u00a0at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you\u2019ll be responsible for the construction, inspection, maintenance, and restoration of all overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
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As a\u00a0Distribution Groundman, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions, and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to tackle the challenge to help us build the future?
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Responsibilities
  • Assists Linemen to gain poles, frame cross-arms, assemble guys, and splice wire.
  • Loads and unloads material.
  • Raises material and tools on pole or tower by use of handline.
  • Dismantles material removed from the line and places on trucks.
  • Digs holes for poles and anchors.
  • Drives ground rods and pull wires and guys to tension.
  • Attends winch while handling heavy material and attends reels while stringing wire.
  • Makes and maintains trails, fells trees, hoes weeds around poles and towers.
  • Learns tools, materials, and methods of line construction and maintenance.
  • Operates truck and power equipment used in overhead and underground line construction. May occasionally operate vehicles up to the 12,000 lb. unladen weight class.
  • Maintains a safety "own it" attitude where you choose to be safe for what and who you value.
  • Performs other miscellaneous manual labor functions as advised.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
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Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience or training with basic construction activities.
  • Possess a valid Class A motor vehicle operator's license.
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Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with electrical tools, materials, and methods employed in overhead and underground line construction and maintenance.
  • Experience as a Groundman working on overhead and underground construction.
  • A certificate of completion from an SCE-accredited training program with Pole Climbing Endorsement such as East LA Skills Center, LA Trade Tech, Northwest Lineman's College, Electrical Lineman Apprentice, Electrical Line Worker or Electrical Utility Program.
  • Experience with performing heavy manual labor.
  • CPR certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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Additional Information
  • Visit our\u00a0Candidate Resource\u00a0page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!\u00a0\u00a0
  • Relocation assistance will not be offered.
  • This position is a DOT (Department of Transportation) covered classification and is subject to random drug and/or alcohol screening.
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act\u00a0
  • We have multiple Groundman postings specific to the work location that is hiring. Please apply to locations you\u2019re interested to work in.\u00a0
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Testing
  • This position requires testing and applicants who are identified to continue through the selection process will be invited to test via email. Reference our\u00a0Information Guides\u00a0for the following tests: \u00a0EEI CAST (Test #5108) and Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015).\u00a0 Candidates who have previously passed these assessment(s), in some cases, may not need to retest again for this position.
  • The EEI CAST (Test #5108) is held in Irwindale, California. The Groundman Physical Performance (Test #4015) is held in Chino or Westminster, California. We do not offer travel reimbursement for this position. Please note that the EEI CAST and Physical are held on different days, usually a few weeks apart.

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About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We\u2019re fueling the kind of innovation that\u2019s changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you\u2019ll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
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Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
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We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at (833) 343-0727.