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Contract Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bechtel

Rigging Field Engineer

Pecos, TX · On-site

... works contract to build one of the largest gas fired power generation facilities in the U.S. Our ... We are seeking a Rigging Field Engineer for the project in Pecos, Texas. You will mobilize to the ...

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Bechtel

Rigging Trainer

New Albany, OH · On-site

... contract administration. Knowledge and understanding of environmental, safety and health ... Bechtel Competent Person Rigger Trainer (CPRT). * Bechtel Qualified Crane Operator Examiner (QCOE)

PRESTIGE AUDIO VISUAL INC

Rigging Coordinator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform functions as a lead rigger, including up-rigging, down-rigging, and crew lead. * Leads and ... Interface directly with equipment, stagehands, and contract labor for events to ensure proper ...

PRESTIGE AUDIO VISUAL INC

Rigging Coordinator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform functions as a lead rigger, including up-rigging, down-rigging, and crew lead. * Leads and ... Interface directly with equipment, stagehands, and contract labor for events to ensure proper ...

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How much do contract rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Riggers?

Contract Riggers are skilled professionals hired on a contract basis to set up, move, and dismantle heavy equipment, structures, or stage setups, often for events, construction, or industrial projects. They use specialized knowledge to ensure safe lifting, rigging, and securing of loads, following strict safety standards and protocols. Contract Riggers typically work for event companies, construction firms, or industrial plants and are brought in for specific projects or timeframes. Their expertise helps ensure that equipment and structures are installed and removed safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Contract Rigger vs Crane Operator?

AspectContract RiggerCrane Operator
CertificationsRigger certification, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator license, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial projectsConstruction sites, industrial settings
Job RoleAssembles, installs, and secures loads for liftingOperates cranes to lift and move materials

Contract Riggers and Crane Operators often work together on construction sites, but their roles differ. Riggers focus on preparing loads and ensuring safety during lifting, while Crane Operators handle the operation of cranes. Both require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities are distinct.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Riggers when working on multiple short-term projects?

Contract Riggers often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to different worksites, equipment, and team dynamics, as each project may have unique safety protocols and operational procedures. Managing varying schedules and physical demands can also be taxing, especially when transitioning between projects with tight deadlines. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to safety are essential for navigating these challenges and ensuring smooth collaboration with other trades and onsite supervisors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging techniques, load calculations, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications such as NCCCO or OSHA. Familiarity with rigging hardware, lifting equipment, and inspection tools is essential for the role. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating with crews and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualities are critical to prevent accidents, maintain site safety, and ensure efficient completion of lifting and moving tasks.
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Contract Rigger jobs near you
Lead Mechanic - Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1377)

Lead Mechanic - Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1377)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$28.46 - $35.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Lead Mechanic Rigger - Steel America
Purpose:
Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking a Lead Mechanic Rigger to support operations at our site in Norfolk, VA.
Position will provide hands-on guidance to a small group of tradespeople, working alongside them to support assigned projects under the direction of the Lead Mechanic Supervisor (LMS) or Shop Foreman. The role includes training, mentoring, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require occasional travel.
Job Description:
Key responsibilities include:
  • Primary duty is to execute routine (and non-routine) production duties in support of operational goals and in compliance with Company procedures and policies.
  • Performs skilled tasking (relative to their assigned trade) in the maintenance, repair, installation/removal, new construction, etc. activities supporting ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
  • Supports management to facilitate daily production activities of the team and helps ensure employees (assigned to their work crew) have all necessary tools, equipment, work procedures, etc. to work safely and efficiently.
  • May assist management with training, performance management, coaching/counselling, supervision, etc. for employees assigned to their work crews.
  • Utilizing their production knowledge, make recommendations to support Plan of the Day (POD) for their assigned projects and utilizing their assigned resources to efficiently achieve operational requirements of projects.
  • Evaluates job sites and work environments prior to work starting to ensure safe project set ups and efficient work evolutions.
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all contract requirements, drawings, procedures/work instructions, etc.

Additionally, position will:
  • Review project specifications/SOWs and support creation of requisitions of all needed materials in accordance with contract requirements and associated references.
  • Generate and submits production reports to management (to include condition and surveillance reports, operational briefs, executed quality checks, etc.) meeting all technical/customer reporting requirements.
  • Support management in ensuring tools/resources are mobilized and demobilized from project appropriately, providing updates on damaged or lost equipment.
  • Attends/executes TIP inspections.
  • May serve as backup/makeup to supervisor, as needed.
  • Provides input to management and project teams to support schedule, progress, ETC/EAC updates for all projects assigned to them.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS + 5 years related trade experience (in the trade to be supervised)
  • Must have experience in one or more of the following required: operation of overhead cranes, operation of mobile cranes, and/or operations of heavy mobile equipment (ie. forklifts, combilifts, telescope handlers, electric boat trailers, shipyard transporters, and hustlers).
  • Must have experience with crane signal skills, safe rigging practices, setting gangways and platforms, staging erection inspections, ships mooring, material handling, calculating center of gravity, wire size and application, nylon size and application, shackle size and application, chain size and application, chain falls and application, beam clamp type and size, antenna removal and installation, deck machinery and installation, plate and structure installation, cranes/Davits/booms install, fendering removal and installation, hatch and door removal and installation, towing bridles removal and installation, cargo valves, hoses removal and installation, and cargo handling equipment.
  • Must possess working knowledge of weight testing IAW specified Tech manuals for equipment such as Cranes, Davits, Winches, Anchors, and anchor chains, etc... within safety guidelines.
  • Ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references.
  • Regular, reliable attendance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Some previous supervisory/mentoring experience (such as make-up supervisor)
  • Experience performing successful crane and rigging operations within a shipyard environment highly preferred.
  • Prefer knowledge and experience with underwater hull rigging of shafting, propellers, rudders, etc.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent Travel; 50% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $28.46 - $35.99
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)

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