1st Class Rigger (Job ID: 1540)

Colonna's Shipyard; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is hiring a 1st Class Rigger to securely handle heavy equipment in Norfolk, VA. Onsite work with extended hours and possible travel supports production and operations.

The role requires rigging gear, hoists, and cranes operation with emphasis on safety, plan reading, and coordination with crane operators and crews. Strong physical readiness and adherence to procedures are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of rigging experience or completed registered apprenticeship.
• Proficiency with rigging gear, hoists, and cranes; understand load calculations.
• Ability to lift heavy materials, work at heights, and operate in confined spaces.
• Ability to read technical drawings, blueprints and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and set up rigging equipment using ropes, cables, pulleys, winches and cranes to move and secure loads.
• Safely lift, move and position heavy machinery and materials within the shipyard and aboard vessels.
• Read and interpret schematics and lifting plans for proper rigging techniques.
• Inspect rigging gear for wear and damage and perform maintenance as needed.

Skills

Rigging experience

Blueprint reading

Load calculations

Team communication

Education

Apprenticeship program

Tools

Rigging gear

Hoists

Cranes

Job description

Position:1st Class Rigger (Job ID: 1540)

Location: Norfolk, VA

Job Id:1540

# of Openings:1

1 st Class Rigger

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Rigger at 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 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 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:

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).