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Stagehand Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Stagehand Rigger information

What is a stagehand rigger?

Stagehand riggers are professionals responsible for setting up, securing, and operating the rigging systems used in theaters, concerts, and other live events. They handle tasks such as suspending lighting, audio equipment, scenery, and sometimes even performers, ensuring that everything is safely and properly installed overhead. Riggers must have a strong understanding of safety standards and mechanical systems to prevent accidents and ensure smooth event operations. Their work is essential for creating dynamic visual environments on stage and behind the scenes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stagehand rigger?

To thrive as a Stagehand Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications such as ETCP or OSHA. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hoists, counterweight systems, and safety harnesses is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew and ensuring safe operations. These abilities are vital for preventing accidents, ensuring efficient setup and teardown, and delivering successful live events.

What are the typical challenges a stagehand rigger faces during live event setups?

Stagehand Riggers often face challenges such as working in tight timeframes, adapting to last-minute changes in production layouts, and collaborating safely with teams in high-pressure environments. Ensuring all rigging meets safety standards while managing heavy equipment overhead requires constant attention to detail and clear communication with lighting, sound, and production crew members. Weather conditions, especially during outdoor events, can also add complexity to rigging tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential skills in this role.

What is the difference between Stagehand Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectStagehand RiggerStagehand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsBasic safety training, general labor certifications
Work EnvironmentRigging setups, hanging lights, securing equipmentAssisting with equipment setup, moving scenery
Industry UsageConcerts, theater productions, live eventsConcerts, theater, events, and touring

Stagehand Riggers specialize in rigging and securing equipment, requiring specific certifications and working primarily on setup and safety tasks. Stagehands perform general labor tasks like moving equipment and assisting with setups. While both roles are vital in live event production, riggers focus on safety-critical rigging work, whereas stagehands handle broader setup duties.

What are popular job titles related to Stagehand Rigger jobs in California?

For Stagehand Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Stagehand Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Stagehand Rigger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Stagehand Rigger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Stagehand Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Stagehand Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Lighting Designer (Performing Arts Technician III) - Green Music Center Updated

Agupdate

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$52 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Lighting Designer (Performing Arts Technician III) - Green Music Center *Updated*

Job No: 558829

Work Type: Staff

Location: Sonoma

Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Theatre Arts, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Production, with additional lead work direction from show related stage manager, the Lighting Designer is primarily responsible for providing live lighting support including the setup/rigging of lights, wiring and focus of lights and programming/operating professional digital lighting consoles. These events include performances by world-class artists, touring companies, faculty/staff/and student performances, as well as rental events. In addition, the incumbent serves as a stagehand and assists with stage changes both before and during the performance. The incumbent also provides backup support for live audio including wiring of the stage, patching audio, assisting with the rigging and wiring of both the indoor and outdoor PAs., along with live video support including setup and operating video equipment and streaming equipment. Additional duties include amplified sound setup for live performances, rigging, professional audio & video recording, load-in, setup & strike, load-out, utilizing lighting, video and audio software and hardware for recording and postproduction.

Duties will take place at the Green Music Center however additional duties may be performed in various locations on the Sonoma State University campus, or at University events off campus, including working both indoors and outdoors to support and participate in university activities and events. Overtime, weekend, and evening hours will be required and specified only by the supervisor to meet operational needs, often with support needed past midnight.

Key Qualifications

This position requires ten years of responsible and related experience providing live lighting, video and audio services for indoor and outdoor concerts, live entertainment events and activities such as performing arts organizations, theatre and dance companies, and music organizations or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In depth knowledge of lighting consoles required. Detailed knowledge and experience of live lighting, video, rigging of lighting hardware, stage wiring and patching, rigging projection screens, drapery, running and connecting power cables, and related equipment. Knowledge of stage etiquette desired. Membership in professional Audio/Theatrical organizations desired.

The incumbent must successfully complete a pre-placement physical exam.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full time, non-exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period. Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 19 ($6,606). The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $4,626 - $6,739 per month (step 1 - step 20).

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.

Supplemental Information About Sonoma State University:

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting:

The University is an Affidative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions:

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Education Code 89521 - Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Annual Reports & Safety Information:

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report (https://clery.sonoma.edu/annual-security-report) includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.

Application Close: Open Until Filled

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