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Shipyard Rigger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$31.30 - $39.58/hr

As a Rigger at Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, Inc., you will be responsible for the safe and efficient handling, movement, and securing of heavy machinery, equipment, and ...

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Tecnico Corporation

Rigger 1st & 2nd Class

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Crawling (including but not limited to, through scuttles, manhole covers, tanks, and voids) Experience Requirements: * 3rd Class = 1 ½ - 3 years of experience as a Rigger in a shipyard. * 2nd Class ...

Department of the Navy - Agency Wide

RIGGER

Portsmouth, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Summary You will serve as a RIGGER in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work sites of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor, and ...

US Department of the Navy

RIGGER

Portsmouth, VA

$27.38/hr

You will serve as a RIGGER in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work sites of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor, and Pearl ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

RIGGER

Portsmouth, VA

$27.38/hr

You will serve as a RIGGER in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work sites of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor, and Pearl ...

US Department of the Navy

RIGGER LEADER

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$28.59/hr

You will serve as a RIGGER LEADER in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work sites of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor and ...

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Shipyard Rigger information

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How much do shipyard rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard rigger in Virginia is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Shipyard Rigger?

A typical day for a Shipyard Rigger involves inspecting and setting up rigging gear, coordinating with crane operators, and safely hoisting and positioning large ship components or materials. Rigging tasks often require reading blueprints or load charts, communicating effectively with team members, and adhering strictly to safety protocols to prevent accidents. Shipyard Riggers work as part of a crew and frequently interact with welders, engineers, and supervisors to complete complex projects on schedule. The work is hands-on and physically demanding, usually conducted outdoors or in large industrial facilities, offering a dynamic environment for those who enjoy challenging, team-oriented roles.

What is a Shipyard Rigger job?

A Shipyard Rigger is responsible for lifting, moving, and securing heavy equipment, machinery, and ship components using ropes, cables, hoists, and other rigging gear. They work closely with crane operators and other tradespeople to ensure safe and efficient transportation of materials within a shipyard. Rigging requires knowledge of weight distribution, load limits, and proper securing techniques to prevent accidents. Shipyard Riggers must follow strict safety protocols and often work in challenging environments, including heights and confined spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Shipyard Rigger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shipyard Rigger, you need hands-on skills in rigging, hoisting, and securing heavy loads, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and related experience or apprenticeship. Proficiency with rigging equipment, cranes, load charts, and safety protocols—including OSHA certifications—are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication are essential soft skills for efficiently coordinating with various trades on site. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring the accurate and timely movement of materials and equipment within the shipyard.

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia? For Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipyard Rigger jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Shipyard Rigger job openings:
Shipyard Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipyard Rigger job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,650 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
1st Class Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1413)

1st Class Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1413)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$31.30 - $39.58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

1st Class Rigger - Steel America
POSITION SUMMARY:
As a Rigger at Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, Inc., you will be responsible for the safe and efficient handling, movement, and securing of heavy machinery, equipment, and materials in a shipyard and heavy industrial environment. This role involves using rigging gear, hoists, and cranes to position loads and ensure they are safely secured during transport and installation.
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 limited travel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assemble and set up rigging equipment, including ropes, cables, pulleys, winches, and cranes, to move and secure heavy loads.
  • Safely lift, move, and position heavy machinery, equipment, and materials within the shipyard, heavy industrial, and aboard vessels, ensuring balance and stability.
  • Read and interpret schematics and lifting plans to determine the appropriate rigging techniques and equipment for each task.
  • Regularly inspect rigging gear and equipment for wear and damage, performing maintenance and repairs as necessary to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Communicate and coordinate with crane operators, supervisors, and other team members to ensure smooth and efficient rigging operations.
  • Identify and resolve rigging-related issues on the job site, ensuring safe and effective solutions are implemented.
  • Maintain accurate records of rigging operations, including equipment used, loads handled, and any incidents or near misses.
  • Collaborate with other tradespeople and departments to complete projects within specified timelines.
  • Effectively perform work on multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities successfully.
  • Mentor department employees and other assigned crew members, providing support and training as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must have at least 5 years of experience in rigging, preferably in a marine or shipyard environment; or have graduated from a registered apprenticeship program relevant to the trade.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using rigging gear, hoists, and cranes. Strong understanding of load calculations and rigging techniques.
  • Ability to lift heavy materials, work at heights, and operate in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous technical training highly preferred.
  • Relevant certifications in rigging or related fields such as Rigger Level 1.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% 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.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. 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.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • 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.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

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.
Pay Range: $31.30 - $39.58
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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