Riggers: Career & Application Guide

What do riggers do?

Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
Align, level, and anchor machinery.
Load machines onto trucks to prepare for transportation.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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