Freelance Rope Access Rigger Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Apave America is currently seeking two (2) NACE Level 3 Inspector with Rope Access for a long-term offshore construction project! Must have NACE Level 3 and Rope Access Level 1, 2, or 3 in order to be considered. GWO & Offshore training will be provided prior to project mobilization. Product experience with Jotun Baltoflake is strongly desired. Must have experience with Elcometer, and Elcomaster.
Anticipated Start Date: May 2026
Anticipated Duration: 6 months
Number of Positions: two (2) Accepted Certifications: NACE, FROSIO or ICORR Level 3 Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.A. or possess the required travel documentation for offshore work (e.g. B1 OCS VIsa).
Position Overview
The Rope Access, NACE Level 3 Inspector (NACE Level 3 Inspector with Rope Access Level 1, 2, or 3 certification) is responsible for leading, managing, and performing coating inspections, maintenance, and repairs of offshore structures using specialized rope access techniques and equipment, ensuring adherence to industry standards and recommending corrective actions to maintain the integrity of coating structures while carrying out standard rope access operations under the direct supervision of an authorized Level III Rope Access Supervisor. The individual will use Industrial Rope Access methods and related equipment to access and complete coating inspection, maintenance and other industrial work tasks while on ropes or in difficult areas and must have the ability to perform work that is physically demanding, have good communication skills and the ability to assimilate a large amount of new information. Responsibilities may also include rescue operations, technical reports and administrative tasks. Work hours, locations, shifts and nature of work assignments vary greatly. Offshore travel will be required.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management:
• Develop, implement, and manage coating inspections, ensuring industry standards and project requirements are met.
• Oversee and manage coating inspection teams, ensuring adherence to NACE standards and client specifications.
• May supervise other Rope Access, NACE Inspectors and provide training on safety procedures and techniques, ensuring they meet NACE standards.
• Actively lead field and offshore operations, providing leadership to work crews.
• Assist in the planning and execution of coating projects, ensuring that inspections are completed on time and within budget.
• Lead and motivate teams, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Organize work sites and manage resources efficiently.
Technical Expertise:
• Possess a deep understanding of various types of coatings, surface preparation techniques, coating application methods, testing instruments, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of rope access techniques, NDT methods, and offshore safety procedures.
• Significant experience in coating inspections in an offshore environment.
• Possess a thorough understanding of NACE standards (e.g. NACE SP01, SP02, SP03, SP04, SP05, SP06, etc.), SSPC standards and other relevant industry codes and regulations.
• Experience in rope access, coating inspections, and offshore environments.
Inspection Execution, Maintenance and Repairs:
• Conduct thorough coating inspections, maintenance, repairs and installations of offshore structures, vessels and pipelines; assist in the replacement of equipment.
• Assess coating conditions for integrity and compliance.
• Perform both non-destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings on various substrates, including steel, concrete, and other materials.
• Identify anomalies, damage, or defects, such as cracks, pits, incomplete welds, holes, dents, and excessive corrosion.
• Execute maintenance tasks, repairs, and other industrial work on offshore structures, potentially including welding, painting, and coating.
• Perform and/or support NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) and visual inspections.
Rope Access Operations:
• Utilize rope access techniques and equipment to access and execute job functions and coating inspections while at heights and difficult access points safely and with quality.
• Possess knowledge of rigging and rescue techniques; assist with rigging and other tasks as needed.
• Maintain proficiency at rescue techniques and assist in rescues as directed and in accordance with certification level; assist in high-angle rescue activities as part of the HAR (High Angle Rescue) team.
• Safety and efficiently execute rope access activities, including climbing, rigging, and working at heights.
• Follow Rope Access Supervisor's or the Rope Access Lead Technician's directions.
• Identify and resolve issues that may arise during rope access operations.
Documentation, Reporting and Analysis:
• Accurately document inspection findings, prepare detailed reports, and communicate findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• May be involved in the investigation and analysis of coating failures to identify root causes and prevent future issues.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills by communicating findings, preparing detailed reports, and collaborating with other project stakeholders.
• Analyze inspection data, identify potential issues and root causes of coating failures, and recommend effective corrective actions to ensure the quality and integrity of coating systems.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client questions and concerns related to coating inspections and quality control.
• Identify and resolve complex problems related to coating inspections and quality control.
Quality, Safety and Compliance:
• Review contract documents, inspection reports, and photos to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications.
• Ensure all rope access activities comply with safe work practices, legislation, and HSSE (Health Safety, Security, and Environment); comply with company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Perform tasks accurately and meticulously, ensuring the safety and integrity of the work.
• Maintain a safe, secure and healthy environment by adhering to Company/Customer safety standards and practices and to legal regulations, alerting others regarding potential hazards or concerns.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Display a healthy respect for heights and follow all OSHA, site specific and Apave America safety procedures.
• Understand work permits and participate in job hazard analysis (JHA).
• Work in accordance with Apave America's rope access policies and Rope Access Code of Practice.
• Recognize worksite hazards and notify Rope Access Supervisor of any unsafe conditions.
• Inspects and verifies rope access systems and components are safe and in good working condition before use.
Training and Mentoring:
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced rope access coating inspectors, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, ensuring they meet required industry standards.
• Participate in required training, rope access certification sessions and maintain a working understanding of rope access safe work practices.
Qualifications, Experience, and Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of coating-related experience in the application and inspection of coating in the petroleum or chemical industry; must be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge across all aspects of coating inspections.
• Current NACE CIP, Frosio or ICORR Level 3 certification required.
• SPRAT and/or IRATA Level 1, 2, or 3 certifications required.
• Must be at a minimum of 18 years of age.
• SNT Level II certifications in MT/PT/UTT/RT are considered an asset.
• Other AWS-CWI certifications will be considered an asset.
• Product experience with Jotun Baltoflake is strongly desired.
• Must have experience with Elcometer and Elcomaster.
• GWO & Offshore Training preferred; training will be provided prior to project mobilization.
• Pre-access drug and alcohol testing required.
• Pre-employment background checks will be required.
• Valid TWIC Card is required.
• Willingness and ability to travel/work offshore for extended periods of time will be required

Work Conditions: • Field duties require outdoor work in a diverse offshore industrial environment with varying and potentially extreme weather conditions; must be able to tolerate climate changes. • Interaction with other crew employees, as well as supervisors and client personnel. • Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection (PPE). • Offshore travel will be required. Physical and Mental Requirements: • Ability to lift and carry 75 pounds. • Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights, including climbing tanks, ladders, scaffolding, towers, piping systems, catwalks, structural steel, and wind turbines. • Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing walking and stooping. • Tasks may also include physical moving and setting up inspection equipment (maximum component weight +/- 50 pounds. • Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights, including climbing tanks, ladders, scaffolding, towers, piping systems, catwalks, structural steel, and wind turbines. • Working extended hours and standing for extended periods of time. • Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor offshore environments in all weather conditions to include but not limited to extreme heat and/or cold. • Work in and near industrial hazards. • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and climb. • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employee to communicate effectively. • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employee to investigate. • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employee to perform routine in-field or office job duties. • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodations to perform office and in-field job duties and travel when necessary to off-site locations. • Ability to maintain focus and multi-task effectively • Exhibits sensible and responsible behavior. Benefits: • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Health Insurance • Paid Time Off (PTO) • 401(k) w/Matching • Flexible Spending Account • Health Savings Account NOTE: To be considered, applicants must be able to provide documentation of current or previous certifications, as well as all classroom and/or on-the-job training (OJT) hours required for certification. *** Apave America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. *** We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.