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Temporary Crane Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The rigger coordinates closely with crane operators and forklift drivers, ensuring loads are ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical ...

Rigging Engineer III

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $195K/yr

With decades of expertise in crane service, rigging, and heavy haul, we remain committed to ... Ensure client facilities can withstand temporary forces during lifting operations. * Plan Reviews:

Possess crane/rigging experience, motor replacement skills, and familiarity with pumps and fittings ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical ...

Temporary Crane Rigger information

What are Temporary Crane Riggers?

Temporary Crane Riggers are skilled workers hired on a short-term basis to assist in safely moving, lifting, and positioning heavy loads using cranes at construction sites, shipyards, or industrial facilities. Their main responsibilities include attaching loads to crane hooks, signaling crane operators, inspecting rigging equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work on specific projects or during peak periods when additional manpower is needed. Temporary rigger positions may be filled by experienced professionals through staffing agencies or directly by employers, depending on the project's requirements.

Can crane operators make 300k a year?

Crane operators, including those working as temporary riggers, typically earn salaries well below $300,000 annually. High earnings are possible for experienced operators working in high-risk environments or with specialized certifications, but such salaries are uncommon and often involve overtime, bonuses, or supervisory roles.

What are some of the common challenges Temporary Crane Riggers face on the job site?

Temporary Crane Riggers often work in fast-paced environments where project timelines can be tight. One of the main challenges is adapting quickly to different teams, equipment, and site-specific safety protocols. Riggers must communicate effectively with crane operators and ground crews to ensure loads are lifted and moved safely, and must remain vigilant about potential hazards like weather changes or shifting ground conditions. Flexibility and strong situational awareness are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining safety standards.

What is the difference between Temporary Crane Rigger vs Tower Crane Rigger?

AspectTemporary Crane RiggerTower Crane Rigger
CertificationsOSHA certifications, rigging and signal certificationsOSHA certifications, specialized tower crane rigging certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, temporary setupsConstruction sites, fixed tower cranes
Employer & IndustryGeneral contractors, construction companiesHigh-rise construction, specialized crane companies

Both roles require rigging certifications and involve working on construction sites. However, Temporary Crane Riggers typically handle various cranes on temporary setups, while Tower Crane Riggers specialize in maintaining and operating tower cranes for high-rise projects. The choice depends on the project type and specific crane operations involved.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, construction, or heavy manufacturing, where riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn higher wages. Supervisory or lead riggers, especially those with crane operator skills and safety certifications, tend to have the highest salaries in the field.

Can a crane operator be a rigger?

A crane operator and a rigger are distinct roles, but some individuals may perform both functions if properly trained and certified. Typically, riggers are responsible for attaching loads and ensuring safety during lifting, while crane operators control the crane's movement; both roles often require specific certifications and safety training. In some workplaces, experienced crane operators may also serve as riggers if they have the necessary skills and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Crane Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging techniques, load calculations, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications like NCCCO or OSHA. Familiarity with rigging hardware, crane operations, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and attention to detail help ensure safe and efficient lifts in dynamic work environments. These skills are crucial for preventing accidents, protecting team members, and maintaining operational efficiency on construction or industrial sites.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends a crane should be inspected every 3 months, undergo a thorough inspection every 3 years, and have a load test every 3 years. As a temporary crane rigger, understanding these intervals helps ensure safe operation and compliance with industry standards. Regular inspections and certifications are essential for safe lifting operations on job sites.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Rigger jobs in California? The most popular types of Crane Rigger jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Crane Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Crane Rigger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Crane Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Crane Rigger job openings:
Rigger

Rigger

Aerotek

San Diego, CA

$25 - $31/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Rigger - San Diego, CA - Immediately Hiring (1st Shift)

Job Description

  • This role sets up, tests, and operates rigging systems to safely lift, move, and position materials and equipment on ships and throughout the shipyard. The rigger coordinates closely with crane operators and forklift drivers, ensuring loads are handled efficiently and safely in both open and confined spaces.

Responsibilities

  • Rig material to lift, move, and position loads onto ships and around the shipyard in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Convey clear instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers using hand signals, loudspeakers, or telephones to indicate where to move, raise, lower, or place equipment.
  • Locate, load, and unload materials and equipment on and off ships and in and out of the yard.
  • Test and install rigging equipment such as cargo booms, elevators, boat davits, booms, and portable davits to ensure they operate safely and correctly.
  • Control the movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings and confined spaces, maintaining safety and precision at all times.
  • Select appropriate cables, ropes, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces, and cushions based on the weight, distribution, and size of the load to be moved.
  • Set up rigging tools and equipment at the job site before work begins and properly store and secure all equipment when tasks are completed.
  • Handle and operate winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines, and other rigging equipment as required for each job.
  • Collaborate with other yard personnel to ensure rigging operations support overall construction and maintenance activities efficiently.
  • Follow all safety procedures, guidelines, and best practices related to rigging and material handling in a shipyard environment.

Essential Skills

  • 2–5+ years of rigging experience, ideally gained in a shipyard environment.
  • Proven knowledge of crane rigging, inside rigging, loft rigging, or bull rigging.
  • Hands-on experience working with chain falls, come-alongs, slings, straps, spreader bars, cables, ropes, and hoisting equipment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with crane operators and forklift drivers using standard hand signals and other communication tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to control the movement of heavy equipment in narrow openings and confined spaces while maintaining safety.
  • Capability to select and configure appropriate rigging gear based on load weight, size, and distribution.
  • Flexibility to work all shifts, including third shift, as operational needs require.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience as a rigger, crane operator, or boatswain’s mate.
  • Proficiency in loft rigging or bull rigging.
  • NCCER rigging certification or equivalent industry-recognized rigging credential.
  • Familiarity with testing and installing rigging equipment such as cargo booms, elevators, boat davits, booms, and portable davits.

Why Work Here?

  • The shipyard has a long-standing history in a major West Coast industrial corridor and has been designing and building ships since 1960. It offers the opportunity to work on large-scale, complex marine projects in a full-service shipyard environment. Team members join a skilled workforce dedicated to quality, safety, and craftsmanship while contributing to significant new construction programs in a dynamic waterfront setting.

Work Environment

  • Work takes place in a large, active shipyard supporting new construction projects. The environment involves both onboard ship and yard-based work, including outdoor and industrial settings with varying weather conditions and confined spaces. You will regularly work around cranes, forklifts, and heavy equipment, using rigging tools such as winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, and mooring lines. Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, and third shift, requiring flexibility to support ongoing operations in a busy marine construction facility.
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $31.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 25, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.