Rigger - Columbus, OH

MEI Rigging & Crating•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rigger sets up, assembles, or disassembles job-specific rigging by selecting appropriate gear and equipment based on load size, weight, dimensions, movement area, and job specifications. The role safely secures machinery, tools, and equipment for relocation or transportation and may control, manipulate, fabricate, and repair rigging and support structures. Riggers communicate with operators and coworkers using hand signals, flag signals, and/or verbal directions. When not rigging, they may drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist with warehouse activities, or take on other necessary tasks. The position is based in the Columbus, Ohio area. Candidates from outside the area may apply, but relocation to Columbus or the surrounding area is required. Travel outside the Columbus area may be required, and per diem is provided for overnight stays outside the area. Schedule and work hours may vary according to project requirements, customer needs, and travel. Advanced positions—including Rigger 3, Lead Rigger levels 1–4, and Rigging Foreman—require a high school diploma or equivalent and three to five years of rigging or directly related experience; additional experience is preferred. Advanced responsibilities may include supervising and mentoring others, managing their time, and applying advanced rigging techniques. This is physically demanding, hands-on work involving climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may take place at varying heights, around moving machinery, outdoors in all types of weather, and in non-temperature-controlled environments or over uneven terrain. Employees are expected to maintain strong safety awareness, work effectively in a team, and demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality customer service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred for general Rigger positions; required for advanced Rigger positions. Higher education is preferred for advanced positions.
Able to take direction and closely follow instructions.
Able to visualize or predict job outcomes using deductive and inductive reasoning.
Able to use precision measuring equipment, including hand, power, and pneumatic tools.
Able to read or use a tape measure, levels, calipers, and gauges, and use welding and cutting tools as necessary.
Able to estimate the weight-bearing capacity of tools and equipment correctly.
Able to read blueprints, schematics, or technical manuals as required.
Familiar with hand or flag signals, including their use and meaning.
Willing to learn, understand, and follow safety requirements, including correct use of personal protective equipment.
Valid driver’s license; a CDL and/or endorsements may be required for certain positions.
Must be able to obtain a DOT medical card upon hire; the company will assist as needed.
Must hold a current NCCCO Rigger Level II certification, a current NCCER Advanced Rigger certification, or a current NCCCO Rigger Level I certification together with a current Signal Person certification.
For advanced positions, three to five years of rigging or directly relatable experience; additional years of experience are preferred.
For advanced positions, ability to supervise others and manage their time efficiently.
For advanced positions, knowledge of employee life-cycle processes, including hiring and firing, employee relations, or employment changes.
For advanced positions, advanced use of or knowledge of jack skating, leveling tools, and dollies.
Able to perform physically demanding work, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials up to 50 pounds.
Able to work at varying heights and around moving machinery or parts.
Willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather, in non-temperature-controlled environments, and over uneven ground or terrain.
Able to work in a high-functioning team environment and communicate openly.
Demonstrates safety awareness, honesty, integrity, professionalism, pride in work, and commitment to quality service.

Nice To Haves

Higher education for advanced Rigger positions.
Additional years of rigging or directly relatable experience for advanced Rigger positions.

Responsibilities

Visually inspect and test rigging materials for safety and reliability.
Align, level, and anchor machinery or equipment.
Use hand and/or power tools to attach loads to rigging, support them, prepare them for movement, or secure them against movement.
Select suitable rigging gear, such as cables, pulleys, vices, and winches, based on load weights and sizes, work area, and job specifications.
Monitor obstacles, surrounding structures, barriers, objects, and the location of other people.
Signal or verbally communicate with workers involved in hoisting, suspending, and moving loads to protect workers and materials.
Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, heavy equipment, and machinery.
Move heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces using chain falls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver around obstacles using multi-point suspension techniques.
Install ground rigging for yarding lines using chokers, logs, and other necessary tools.
Assist with fabricating, setting up, and repairing rigging, support structures, hoists, and pulling gear using hand and power tools.
Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.
Dismantle, inspect, clean, organize, and store rigging equipment after use.
Operate or drive vehicles and mechanized equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts.
When not rigging, as needed, drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist with warehouse activities, or perform other tasks.
For advanced positions, supervise and manage the work of others, provide instruction and mentoring on safety protocols and standard rigging practices, and apply advanced rigging techniques.