Assistant Rigger Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for supporting Rig Shop operations through specialized marine rigging services, custom fabrication, and advanced product expertise. As a Rigging Associate, you will be responsible for performing skilled, hands-on rigging work including splicing, swaging, and custom fabrication of marine rigging assemblies, along with providing exceptional customer service. The Rigging Associate applies trade-level craft knowledge to produce rigging solutions for both retail and production customers. West Marine is Drug-Free and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor/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 effective customer engagement, suggestive selling, and sharing product knowledge
• Communicate with customers and store leadership to ensure clarity of scope, pricing, and timelines for rigging services
• Occasional travel for on-site assessment and installation of customers’ rigging orders
• Understand and demonstrate the proper use of all equipment and tools utilized in both the field and the shop.
• Assist customers with in-store purchases, providing knowledgeable and technically informed recommendations
• Educate store staff about the services and capabilities of the rigging shop to enhance team performance
• Support restocking and proper organization of rigging hardware, lines, fittings, and related marine components
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant Rig Shop workspace, while complying with all legal requirements to maintain the reputation of the business both in the shop and in the field.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned

Craft & Technical Rigging Responsibilities

A core function of this role is the skilled, hands-on execution of marine rigging work. The following craft responsibilities require technical knowledge and are performed to professional trade standards:

• Perform hand splicing of running rigging lines, including eye splices, Flemish eyes, and whipped ends, using high-performance materials such as Dyneema, Spectra, Technora, Vectran, and polyester braid.
• Fabricate custom running rigging assemblies — halyards, sheets, control lines, guys, and other sail control lines — to precise 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.
• Conduct rigging inspections on customer vessels, assessing standing and running rigging for wear, corrosion, fatigue, and structural integrity.
• Consult with customers to evaluate rigging needs, interpret boat specifications and diagrams, and recommend appropriate materials and components.
• Support production facility orders and OEM boat builder rigging programs, ensuring output meets brand quality and specification standards.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, facilitating clear and effective interactions
• Strong interpersonal and customer service abilities, fostering positive relationships with customers and team members
• Proven sales skills with a focus on delivering outstanding customer service
• Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all tasks
• Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively
• Ability to thrive in a high-paced and sometimes stressful environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software applications
• Ability to interpret rigging diagrams, measurements, and terminology to assist customers and complete work accurately.
• Demonstrated hands-on technical skills in splicing and rigging installation in both shop and marine vessel settings.
• Ability to obtain certification from cordage vendors for splicing various types of cordage

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• General knowledge of sailing and boats, with the ability to read measurements in both imperial and metric systems
• Experience with custom rigging fabrication strongly preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous standing and walking throughout the retail space
• Ability to wear and communicate through a headset continuously
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, crawling and twisting
• Occasionally operate equipment, including forklifts
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Manual dexterity to evaluate, install, and modify equipment
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height unassisted frequently

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Willing to submit to a criminal background check, a pre-employment drug screen and DMV checks per the West Marine Driver Fleet Safety Program
• Willing to work a varied shift based upon business needs, including unscheduled overtime

West Marine offers a wide range of benefits, which include medical/dental/vision, various voluntary benefits, 401k, and paid time off. To view eligibility and additional information on these benefits, along with starting pay ranges for select states, please visit our benefits page at www.embbenefits.com/wm-home/.

Join us at West Marine and help us provide the best boating experience for our customers!