Weekend Machine Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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:

DC/NoVa/Baltimore

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.