Rigger

MEI Rigging & Crating•Southbridge, MA

13d

About The Position

The Rigger sets up, assembles, and disassembles job-specific rigging, 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 supporting structures. Riggers communicate with operators and coworkers using hand signals, flag signals, and verbal instructions. When not rigging, they may drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist with warehouse activities, or complete other tasks as needed. The position involves physically demanding, hands-on work, including lifting and handling materials up to 50 pounds, climbing, balancing, walking, stooping, and working at varying heights. Work may take place outdoors in all types of weather, in non-temperature-controlled environments, and on uneven terrain. Riggers must remain safety-conscious, work effectively as part of a team, and demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism, and pride in their work. The stated schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred for general Rigger positions and required for the listed advanced positions; higher education is preferred for advanced Rigger positions.
Ability to take direction and closely follow instructions.
Ability to use deductive and inductive reasoning to visualize or predict job outcomes.
Ability to use precision measuring equipment, hand tools, power tools, 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 estimate the weight-bearing capacity of tools and equipment correctly.
Ability to read blueprints, schematics, or technical manuals as required.
Familiarity with hand and flag signals, including their use and meaning.
Willingness to learn 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.
For advanced positions (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman), three to five years of rigging or directly relatable experience.
Ability to work at varying heights and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in a high-functioning team environment and demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism, and open communication.

Nice To Haves

Higher education for advanced Rigger positions.
Additional years of experience for advanced Rigger positions.
Advanced knowledge or use of jack skating, leveling tools, dollies, and similar equipment.
For certain positions, a CDL and/or relevant endorsements may be required.

Responsibilities

Visually inspect and test rigging materials to ensure safety and reliability.
Align, level, and anchor machinery or equipment.
Use hand and power tools to attach loads to rigging, provide support, prepare loads for moving, or secure equipment against movement.
Select appropriate rigging gear, such as cables, pulleys, vices, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, work area, and job specifications.
Remain aware of obstacles, surrounding structures, barriers, objects, and the location of other people.
Signal or verbally communicate 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 movement of 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 around obstacles using multi-point suspension techniques.
Install ground rigging for yarding lines using chokers, logs, and other necessary tools.
Assist in 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 using bolts and clamps.
Dismantle, inspect, clean, organize, and store rigging equipment after use.
Operate or drive vehicles and mechanized equipment, including forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts.
When not rigging, potentially drive commercial vehicles, perform maintenance or welding and fabrication, assist with warehouse activities, or carry out other necessary tasks.
Follow safety requirements, use personal protective equipment correctly, and maintain awareness of safety at the job site.
For advanced positions, supervise others, manage their time, and instruct, guide, or mentor them in safety protocols and standard rigging practices.