Rigging Associate (Part Time)

Stores•Middletown, RI

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Rigging Associate supports Rig Shop operations by providing specialized marine rigging services, custom fabrication, and product expertise. The role involves skilled hands-on work, including splicing, swaging, and fabricating marine rigging assemblies, as well as serving retail and production customers. The associate applies trade-level craft knowledge to develop rigging solutions and provide customer service. The position includes producing and managing quotes and orders, completing rigging work to customer and OEM specifications, advising customers, supporting sales, and maintaining rigging inventory and a clean, safe workspace. It may involve occasional travel to assess or install customers’ rigging orders. The associate also supports production facility orders and OEM boat builder programs. The role requires frequent standing and walking, physical dexterity, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height unassisted frequently. A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record are required. The position may involve varied shifts based on business needs and unscheduled overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
General knowledge of sailing and boats.
Ability to read measurements in imperial and metric systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and customer service abilities.
Proven sales skills focused on customer service.
Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.
Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a high-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software applications.
Ability to interpret rigging diagrams, measurements, and terminology.
Demonstrated hands-on technical skills in splicing and rigging installation in shop and marine-vessel settings.
Ability to obtain certification from cordage vendors for splicing various types of cordage.
At least 21 years old.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Willingness to submit to a criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and DMV checks under the West Marine Driver Fleet Safety Program.
Willingness to work varied shifts based on business needs, including unscheduled overtime.
Ability to wear and communicate through a headset continuously.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience with custom rigging fabrication is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor or Manager to prioritize and complete rigging work orders efficiently and accurately.
Produce quotes, process orders, and manage production and payments for rigging products and services.
Perform line splicing, rope cutting, swaging, hardware installation, and other rigging-related fabrication services.
Drive sales through customer engagement, suggestive selling, and sharing product knowledge.
Communicate with customers and store leadership about the scope, pricing, and timelines of rigging services.
Travel occasionally for on-site assessment and installation of customers’ rigging orders.
Understand and demonstrate the proper use of equipment and tools used in the field and shop.
Assist customers with in-store purchases by providing knowledgeable and technically informed recommendations.
Educate store staff about Rig Shop services and capabilities.
Restock and organize rigging hardware, lines, fittings, and related marine components.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant Rig Shop workspace and comply with applicable legal requirements.
Perform hand splicing of running rigging lines, including eye splices, Flemish eyes, and whipped ends, using specified high-performance cordage materials.
Fabricate custom running rigging assemblies, including halyards, sheets, control lines, and guys, to customer and OEM specifications.
Measure, cut, and finish standing rigging components, including 1x19 stainless steel wire and Dyform wire, to required lengths and tolerances.
Install and service swage fittings, turnbuckles, toggles, lifeline hardware, and associated deck fittings on customer vessels.
Inspect customer-vessel rigging for wear, corrosion, fatigue, and structural integrity.
Consult with customers about rigging needs, interpret boat specifications and diagrams, and recommend materials and components.
Support production facility orders and OEM boat builder rigging programs while meeting quality and specification standards.
Perform additional tasks as assigned.