Rigger

MEI Rigging & Crating•North Kingstown, RI

About The Position

A Rigger sets up, assembles, and disassembles job-specific rigging. The work includes selecting suitable gear and equipment based on load size, weight, dimensions, movement area, and job specifications to safely secure machinery, tools, and equipment for relocation or transportation. Riggers control, manipulate, fabricate, and repair rigging and supporting structures, and use hand signals, flag signals, or verbal communication to coordinate with operators and other workers. When not rigging, they may drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist with warehouse activities, or complete other necessary tasks. This is physical, hands-on work that may involve climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Riggers may work at varying heights, around moving machinery, outdoors in all types of weather, in non-temperature-controlled environments, and on uneven terrain. The stated schedule is 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Requirements

Ability to take direction and closely follow instructions.
Ability to visualize or predict job outcomes using deductive and inductive reasoning.
Ability to use precision measuring equipment and hand, power, and pneumatic tools.
Ability to read or use a tape measure, levels, calipers, and gauges, and to use welding and cutting tools as necessary.
Ability to correctly estimate the weight-bearing capacity of tools and equipment.
Ability to read blueprints, schematics, or technical manuals as required.
Familiarity with hand or flag signals, including their use and meaning.
Willingness to learn and follow safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
Valid driver’s license; a CDL or endorsements may be required for certain positions.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work off the ground at varying heights and around moving machinery or parts.
Willingness and ability to work in non-temperature-controlled environments, outdoors in all types of weather, and over uneven ground or terrain.
Ability to work in a high-functioning team environment.
Demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism, pride in work, and open communication.
For advanced positions (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): high school diploma or equivalent is necessary.
For advanced positions: three to five years of rigging or directly relatable experience.
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 in jack skating, leveling tools, dollies, and related equipment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred for the general Rigger position.
Higher education is preferred for advanced Rigger positions.
Additional years of experience are preferred for advanced Rigger positions.

Responsibilities

Visually inspect and test rigging materials for safety and reliability.
Align, level, and anchor machinery or equipment.
Use hand or power tools to attach loads to rigging for support or movement, and secure equipment against movement when needed.
Select appropriate rigging gear, including cables, pulleys, vices, and winches, based on load weights and sizes, work area, and job specifications.
Remain aware of obstacles, surrounding structures, barriers, objects, and the locations of other people.
Signal or communicate verbally with workers engaged 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.
Control heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces using equipment such as chainfalls, gin poles, and gallows frames.
Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver them 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, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear using hand and power tools.
Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, including beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.
Dismantle, inspect, clean, organize, and store rigging equipment after use.
Run, operate, maneuver, navigate, or drive vehicles or mechanized equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts.
When not rigging, potentially drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist in warehouse activities, or perform other necessary tasks.
For advanced positions, supervise and manage others’ work, and instruct, guide, or mentor them in safety protocols and standard rigging practices.
Follow safety requirements, use personal protective equipment correctly, and maintain safety awareness for oneself and everyone at the job site.
Work effectively in a team, communicate openly, and deliver the quality of service expected by MEI customers.