Rigging Associate (Full Time)

Stores•Annapolis, MD

13d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Rigging Associate supports Rig Shop operations by providing specialized marine rigging services, custom fabrication, advanced product expertise, and customer service. The role performs skilled hands-on work, including splicing, swaging, and fabricating marine rigging assemblies for retail and production customers. The position includes producing custom running rigging assemblies to customer and OEM specifications; measuring, cutting, and finishing standing rigging components; installing and servicing fittings and hardware; and inspecting rigging on customer vessels. The associate also consults with customers about rigging needs and recommends suitable materials and components. The role may involve occasional travel for on-site assessments and installations, and supports production facility orders and OEM boat-builder programs. This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, general knowledge of sailing and boats, the ability to read imperial and metric measurements, and demonstrated hands-on technical skills in splicing and rigging installation. Custom rigging fabrication experience is strongly preferred. The associate must be at least 21, maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record, and be willing to complete background, drug-screen, and DMV checks. Work shifts vary according to business needs and may include unscheduled overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
General knowledge of sailing and boats.
Ability to read measurements in both imperial and metric systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and customer-service abilities.
Proven sales skills focused on customer service.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
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 cordage-vendor certification 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 continuously stand and walk throughout the retail space and wear and communicate through a headset.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to frequently climb, bend, stoop, crawl, and twist.
Ability to occasionally operate equipment, including forklifts.
Manual dexterity to evaluate, install, and modify equipment.
Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height without assistance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with custom rigging fabrication is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor/Manager to prioritize and complete rigging work orders efficiently and accurately.
Prepare quotes, process orders, and manage production and payments for rigging products and services.
Perform line splicing, rope cutting, swaging, hardware installation, and other rigging fabrication services.
Drive sales through customer engagement, suggestive selling, and product knowledge.
Communicate with customers and store leadership about the scope, pricing, and timelines of rigging services.
Travel occasionally to assess and install customers’ rigging orders on site.
Understand and demonstrate proper use of equipment and tools used in the field and shop.
Assist customers with in-store purchases and provide 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 and comply with applicable legal requirements.
Perform hand splicing of running rigging, including eye splices, Flemish eyes, and whipped ends, using materials such as Dyneema, Spectra, Technora, Vectran, and polyester braid.
Fabricate custom halyards, sheets, control lines, guys, and other sail-control lines to customer and OEM specifications.
Measure, cut, and finish standing rigging components, including 1x19 stainless steel wire and Dyform wire, to specified lengths and tolerances.
Install and service swage fittings, turnbuckles, toggles, lifeline hardware, and associated deck fittings on customer vessels.
Inspect customer-vessel standing and running rigging for wear, corrosion, fatigue, and structural integrity.
Consult with customers to assess rigging needs, interpret boat specifications and diagrams, and recommend materials and components.
Support production facility orders and OEM boat-builder rigging programs, ensuring work meets brand quality and specification standards.
Perform additional tasks as assigned.