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Festival Rigging Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Stagehand

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... festivals and other live events in the Tucson area. We provide labor to many large and small local ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Stagehand

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$21.50 - $22/hr

... festivals and other live events in the greater Phoenix area. We provide labor to many large and ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Festival Rigging information

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

To thrive as a Festival Rigger, you need strong knowledge of rigging principles, safety standards, and experience with stage construction, typically supported by relevant certifications such as Entertainment Rigging or OSHA training. Familiarity with technical equipment like hoists, trussing systems, and load calculation software is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring safety and coordinating with production teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for safely installing and maintaining complex structures in dynamic festival environments.

What are some common challenges faced by festival rigging professionals during large-scale events?

Festival rigging professionals often encounter challenges such as working within tight timeframes, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring strict safety compliance in dynamic environments. Collaborating closely with lighting, sound, and staging teams is essential to coordinate equipment setup and modifications. Staying organized and communicating effectively with the broader production crew help address issues quickly and keep the event running smoothly. Understanding the venue's unique layout and being prepared to troubleshoot on the fly are key to success in this role.

What is festival rigging?

Festival rigging refers to the process of installing, securing, and managing the equipment used to suspend lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements at festivals. Rigging professionals ensure that all overhead structures are safely and securely set up according to strict safety standards. This includes designing rigging plots, calculating load weights, and operating hoists or trusses. Their work is crucial for both the safety of the performers and attendees, as well as the success of the overall event production.

What is the difference between Festival Rigging vs Stage Rigging?

AspectFestival RiggingStage Rigging
CredentialsRigging certifications, OSHA trainingRigging certifications, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor festival sites, temporary setupsIndoor theaters, concert halls, permanent venues
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, festivalsTheater companies, concert venues
Common Search/ComparisonFestival Rigging vs Stage Rigging

Festival rigging and stage rigging share similar skills and certifications, but festival rigging focuses on outdoor, temporary setups for festivals, while stage rigging involves indoor, permanent or semi-permanent venues. Both roles require safety certifications and involve working with rigging equipment, but their environments and specific applications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Festival Rigging jobs in Arizona? For Festival Rigging jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Festival Rigging jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Festival Rigging jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Festival Rigging jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Festival Rigging job openings:

Live Event & Production Crew Positions - Stagehand/Rigger/Heavy Machine Operator/Scaffolding Clim...

Rockforce

Glendale, AZ • On-site

$22 - $75/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

ABOUT ROCK FORCE
RockForce is the trusted team setting the stage for the greatest moments in live events. With a legacy built on the unification of nine industry leaders, we bring decades of expertise to seamlessly execute concerts, festivals, sporting events, live broadcasts, award shows, and corporate activations.
Through integrated event production, workforce solutions, innovative technologies, and payroll services, RockForce delivers precision, efficiency, and reliability at every scale.
Our people are the magic-united by passion and skill, we operate as one unstoppable force to ensure every event is executed with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment to safety and compliance.
Join us as we head into one of the most exciting eras in the live entertainment industry!
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking motivated, safety-conscious individuals to join our live event labor team. Positions include Stagehands, Riggers, Heavy Machine Operators, and Scaffolding Climbers. These roles are essential to the successful execution of concerts, corporate events, festivals, and large-scale productions. Candidates should be reliable, adaptable, and ready to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas
Stagehand Responsibilities
  • Assist with loading/unloading trucks and moving gear into venues.
  • Assemble and disassemble staging, risers, platforms, and barricades.
  • Set up and strike lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements under department leads.
  • Handle cable management, power distribution, and equipment placement.
  • Provide on-the-ground support for riggers, technicians, and production managers.
  • Follow all venue and company safety guidelines.

Stagehand Qualifications
  • Prior experience in live events or theater production preferred but not required.
  • Able to lift and carry heavy equipment (50lbs+).
  • Push/pull heavy cases and stand for long periods.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Rigger Responsibilities
  • Safely install and dismantle rigging systems including motors, trusses, chain hoists, and hardware.
  • Perform climbing duties to secure loads, attach equipment, and ensure even weight distribution.
  • Inspect and maintain rigging equipment for compliance with safety standards.
  • Operate rigging control systems during load-ins, shows, and load-outs.
  • Coordinate with production teams to determine rigging plots and load requirements.
  • Enforce fall protection and OSHA-compliant safety practices at all times.

Rigger Qualifications
  • Previous rigging experience in live events, concerts, or theater required.
  • Knowledge of knots, load calculations, rigging hardware, and safe practices.
  • Ability to climb, work safely at heights, and use fall arrest systems.
  • Familiarity with hoists, motors, trusses, and rigging software (preferred).
  • ETCP certification or OSHA 10/30 training a plus.

Heavy Machine Operator
  • Safely operate MEWPs, Straight Mast Forklifts, and Telescopic Forklifts in accordance with safety standards and venue requirements.
  • Assist with the loading, unloading, positioning, and movement of staging, truss, lighting, audio, and scenic equipment.
  • Work closely with production crews, stagehands, and supervisors to support event timelines.
  • Conduct pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical or safety concerns.
  • Maintain a safe, organized work area and follow all company, venue, and OSHA safety guidelines.

Heavy Machine Qualifications
  • Previous experience operating MEWPs and forklifts in a production, warehouse, construction, or live event environment preferred.
  • Valid equipment certifications or ability to obtain certification as required.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Scaffolding Climber Duties
  • Safely climb structures, trusses, and venue grids to perform overhead work.
  • Install and secure rigging equipment, motors, and cabling at heights.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and maintenance of overhead systems.
  • Ensure compliance with fall protection and safety protocols.

Scaffolding Climber Qualifications
  • Proven climbing experience (entertainment rigging, rope access, or related field).
  • Must be comfortable working at significant heights for extended periods.
  • Knowledge of fall arrest systems, PPE, and safety regulations.
  • ETCP Rigging Certification or equivalent training preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to work in various environments, including indoor and outdoor venues.
  • Fast-paced and high-energy work environment, requiring adaptability and problem-solving.

Location:
Phoenix, AZ
WHY ROCKFORCE
We don't just staff events - we build careers. RockForce is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent in the business. Our crews benefit from:
  • Competitive Wages
  • Eligible employees may participate in comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as a 401(k) plan, once qualification requirements are met.
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement

This commitment makes RockForce an employer of choice in the live event industry.
LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RockForce strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.
We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, RockForce will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, RockForce also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact Human Resources to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. We will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. RockForce reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. RockForce may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.