Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Rigger

🎯 Role Definition

A Rigger is a skilled tradesperson responsible for planning, preparing, and executing the safe movement, lifting, securing, and installation of heavy equipment, structural components, scenery, and materials across construction, industrial, marine, oil & gas, and entertainment environments. Riggers evaluate loads, select and inspect rigging gear, coordinate with crane operators and rigging crews, perform complicated lifts using slings, hoists, and cranes, and ensure compliance with safety standards (OSHA, industry-specific regulations). This role combines technical judgment, physical skill, and strict adherence to safety and documentation practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Rigger Helper / Rigger Trainee
Stagehand / Stage Rigger Assistant
General Laborer with crane exposure

Advancement To:

Lead Rigger / Senior Rigger
Rigging Supervisor / Rigging Foreman
Lift Engineer / Rigging Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Crane Operator (NCCCO-certified)
Maintenance Technician / Mechanical Technician
Offshore Deckhand / Marine Bosun

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Plan, prepare, and execute complex lifts by assessing load weights, center of gravity, rigging points and environmental constraints, and then selecting appropriate hoisting equipment, slings, shackles, and rigging hardware to ensure safe and efficient movement.
Perform pre-lift inspections and functional checks of cranes, hoists, slings, wire rope, shackles, hooks, chainfalls and other rigging equipment; document findings and immediately remove defective components from service.
Read and interpret blueprints, lift plans, rigging schematics and load charts to determine lift methodology, required capacities and optimal rigging configurations for structural components and heavy machinery.
Calculate load tensions, sling angles and working load limits; apply basic rigging mathematics and safety factors to confirm equipment adequacy and avoid overload conditions.
Set up, operate, and position derricks, gin poles, tag lines, chainfalls and block & tackle systems to control load movement and prevent rotation, swaying or uncontrolled descent.
Signal and communicate clearly with crane operators and crew using standard hand signals and radio communications to coordinate lift sequencing, movement and placement of loads.
Assemble, install, reseat and secure heavy equipment and structural elements in place using mechanical fasteners, temporary supports, alignment tools and torque procedures as required by project specifications.
Conduct pre-task risk assessments and participate in toolbox talks / pre-lift meetings to identify hazards, define lift roles, assign tag-line handlers, and agree on emergency stop procedures.
Implement fall-protection and work-at-height controls for rigging operations performed from elevated platforms, scaffolds or suspended loads; inspect and use harnesses, lanyards and anchor points properly.
Perform wire rope splicing, end-fitting installation, and basic fabrication/repair of slings, custom hoists and rigging assemblies to meet project-specific requirements.
Secure loads for transport, including blocking, bracing, chocking and load covering, and verify compliance with DOT and company load securement standards when moving components by truck or marine vessel.
Coordinate lift schedules and access requirements with site superintendents, crane rental companies, logistics, and subcontractors to minimize downtime and ensure staging areas are prepared.
Execute rigging tasks in confined spaces and marine environments following confined space entry permits, lockout/tagout, and vessel stability considerations; communicate and comply with all associated safety protocols.
Install temporary rigging and shoring to support structures during demolition, replacement or maintenance activities, ensuring structural integrity and worker safety.
Operate mobile cranes, boom trucks, forklifts and hoists when certified and authorized; verify certifications and conduct pre-operational checks in accordance with company policy.
Maintain accurate inspection records, lift plans, equipment certifications and daily logs, ensuring audit readiness and traceability of all rigging assets and maintenance activities.
Participate in post-lift reviews, incident investigations and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk, optimize procedures and update rigging standards and checklists.
Mentor and train junior riggers, apprentices and helpers in safe rigging practices, equipment inspection, load handling techniques and company procedures to build team capability.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, industry codes (e.g., API in oil & gas, NFPA for entertainment) and site-specific safety programs; stop work authority exercised when conditions are unsafe.
Assist with maintenance and inventory of rigging gear, including tracking service intervals, repair needs and ordering replacement hardware to ensure readiness for upcoming projects.
Adapt rigging solutions for specialty applications such as theatrical flying systems, overhead conveyor installations, offshore module lifts, precision placement of mechanical equipment, and atypical angled lifts.

Secondary Functions

Support pre-construction planning by providing rigging input for site access, crane placement, lift sequencing and temporary works to reduce schedule risk and mobilization costs.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of rigging procedures, lift-plan templates and safety checklists to enhance team efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with engineers, project managers and health & safety personnel to interpret technical drawings, propose rigging alternatives and confirm structural attachment points.
Participate in emergency response drills, rescue planning for suspended workers or entrapment scenarios, and maintain competency in rescue and first-aid related to rigging operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified sling and hardware inspection and maintenance (wire rope, chain, webbing, shackles, swivel hoists)
Proficient in reading and applying crane load charts, rigging load calculations and sling angle math
Competent with wire rope splicing, end fitting installations and basic metal fabrication for custom rigging
Hands-on experience operating and signaling for mobile cranes, overhead cranes, boom trucks and chainfalls (NCCCO familiarity preferred)
Strong knowledge of hoisting gear selection, rigging hardware capacities, and working load limit (WLL) application
Proficiency in creating and following detailed lift plans, lift drawings and rigging schematics
Skilled in using precision alignment tools, torque wrenches, come-alongs, tension meters and load monitoring devices
Trained in fall protection systems, confined space entry protocols, lockout/tagout and permit-to-work processes
Experience with load securement standards for transportation and maritime lashing and blocking
Familiarity with industry regulations and standards (OSHA, ANSI, API, NFPA) and site-specific safety management systems
Competent in basic mechanical maintenance, rigging gear repair and preventative maintenance tracking
Practical understanding of temporary works, shoring and cribbing for structure support during lifts

Soft Skills

Excellent situational awareness and hazard recognition under dynamic, high-risk working conditions
Clear verbal communication and disciplined use of hand signals and radio protocols during coordinated lifts
Strong teamwork and ability to lead small crews during multi-step lifts and complex installations
Problem-solving mindset with ability to improvise safe rigging solutions when faced with non-standard conditions
Dependability, punctuality and professional appearance when interfacing with clients, site management and inspectors
Calm decision-making under pressure with demonstrated stop-work authority for safety-critical decisions
Willingness to train others and document best practices to raise team skill level and consistency

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED required; vocational or technical school coursework in rigging, heavy equipment, mechanical trades, welding, or related field preferred.

Preferred Education:
Technical diploma, certificate in industrial rigging, marine maintenance, mechanical trades, or relevant apprenticeship completion.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Heavy Equipment Operation / Rigging Technology
Mechanical / Industrial Maintenance
Marine Operations / Deck Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–8+ years of hands-on rigging experience depending on industry (stage/entertainment, construction, marine or oil & gas).

Preferred:

3–5 years for mid-level riggers; 5–10+ years for senior or lead rigger positions.
Demonstrated lift planning and leadership experience on multi-ton, multi-crane or offshore module lifts.
Certifications such as NCCCO crane signalperson, NCCCO rigger (where applicable), OSHA 10/30, API or BOSIET for offshore roles are highly desirable.
Valid driver’s license; CDL or specialized vehicle certifications a plus for roles involving boom truck operation or heavy haul coordination.