Rigger/Master Rigger

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a Rigger (LG7) / Master Rigger (LG10) to perform rigging operations for heavy machinery relocation, lifting, and positioning. The role involves selecting gear, directing crane operators, and ensuring safe handling according to strict safety standards.

Candidates at LG7 must complete required training and achieve Master Rigger certification within 12 months. The position includes route to progression and adherence to Lab policies and bargaining-unit

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of rigging experience and knowledge of rigging tools, equipment capacities, and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to assess lifting requirements and apply appropriate rigging techniques.
• Must complete required training and certification within 12 months if hired at LG7; progression to LG10 requires certification.

Responsibilities

• Determine weight, dimensions, center of gravity and characteristics of loads for safe lifting.
• Select and inspect rigging equipment, attach to loads, and evaluate capacities and sling angles.
• Direct crane operators using hand signals and verbal instructions.
• Maintain and store rigging tools; ensure certification records are up to date.
• Prepare lift plans and complete related documentation.

Skills

Rigging experience

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Heavy equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NCCCO certification

Job description

Organizational Overview

The Facilities & Operations (F&O) Directorate's mission is to support the science and technology and environmental restoration missions of the Laboratory by providing a safe, environmentally sound, and reliable infrastructure, to provide high-quality crafts and fabrication services to our customers as needed and to protect people, property, and national security.

The Production Division (SI), within Brookhaven National Laboratory's Facilities & Operations (F&O) Directorate, provides mechanical, architectural, and civil services to build, support, and maintain the Laboratory's infrastructure. The Rigging Services work group provides rigging support for F&O-owned building systems, operations, and Laboratory programmatic needs.

Position Description

The SI Rigging work group seeks a Rigger / Master Rigger to join its team. This position may be filled at either the Rigger (LG7) or Master Rigger (LG10) level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and certifications.

The successful candidate will perform rigging operations involving the relocation, lifting, hoisting, and positioning of heavy machinery and equipment. Responsibilities include selecting and attaching appropriate rigging equipment; safely moving heavy loads using cranes, forklifts, chain falls, pallet jacks, vault jacks, air mats, and other specialized equipment; and inspecting, maintaining, and storing rigging equipment.

The individual will be expected to safely direct lifting and hoisting operations, communicate with crane operators and other personnel, and maneuver loads through confined spaces or around obstacles using appropriate rigging techniques.

Certification and Career Progression

Brookhaven National Laboratory's expectation is that individuals hired at the Rigger (LG7) level will obtain the qualifications and certifications necessary to become eligible for progression to the Master Rigger (LG10) level.

Candidates hired at the LG7 level must successfully complete all required training, assessments, and certification requirements to qualify as a Master Rigger within12 months of their date of hire.

Obtaining the required certification within the established timeframe is a condition of continued employment in this position. Failure to meet this requirement may result in employment action, up to and including termination, in accordance with applicable Laboratory policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Successful completion of the certification requirements establishes eligibility for consideration for progression to the Master Rigger (LG10) level but does not guarantee automatic advancement. Progression is subject to applicable classification requirements, approvals, and Laboratory policies.

Candidates who already possess the required certification and meet the qualifications for Master Rigger may be considered for placement at the LG10 level upon hire.

This position reports to the Multi-Trade Supervisor. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Rigging Operations and Load Preparation

• Determine the weight, dimensions, center of gravity, and other characteristics of loads to ensure safe lifting and movement.
• Select appropriate rigging equipment, including slings, shackles, chains, hoists, and other lifting devices.
• Inspect rigging equipment for wear, damage, and safe operating condition before use.
• Safely attach and secure rigging equipment to loads, evaluating equipment capacities, sling angles, and other relevant factors.
• Apply appropriate rigging techniques for routine and complex lifting operations, including the movement of heavy or fragile equipment.

Lifting, Hoisting, and Equipment Movement

• Direct crane operators and other equipment operators using standard hand signals, verbal instructions, and communication devices.
• Guide and control loads during lifting, hoisting, positioning, and movement operations.
• Safely maneuver equipment through confined spaces, narrow openings, and around obstacles.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure safe and efficient handling of materials and equipment.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow applicable Laboratory safety requirements, procedures, and regulations governing rigging and lifting operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate hazards associated with each task.
• Apply safe rigging practices to protect personnel, equipment, and Laboratory facilities.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions to supervision.

Equipment Maintenance and Documentation

• Properly inspect, maintain, and store rigging tools and equipment.
• Maintain required inspection and certification records for rigging equipment.
• Participate in the preparation of lift plans, checklists, and other required documentation.
• Complete work orders and associated records accurately and in a timely manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Minimum Qualifications - Rigger (LG7)

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of five years of rigging experience.
• Knowledge of rigging tools, equipment capacities, limitations, and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to assess lifting requirements and apply appropriate rigging techniques.
• Ability to successfully complete all requirements of the Laboratory's Job Training Assessment.
• Ability and commitment to complete the required Master Rigger training, assessments, and certification within 12 months of hire.
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills, including:
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow written instructions - including procedures, work orders, and related documentation while maintaining a questioning attitude and consistently prioritizing and enforcing safety practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to accurately complete written documentation, including work orders, reports, and other required records.
• Must possess, maintain and provide telephone contact information to BNL for callout and communication purposes.
• Demonstrate commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.
• Possess a valid NYS Driver's License.

Additional Qualifications - Master Rigger (LG10)

In addition to meeting the applicable qualifications above, candidates considered for the Master Rigger (LG10) level must:

• Hold current certification as a Master Rigger or Advanced Rigger from a nationally recognized accredited organization, such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), Crane Institute Certification (CIC), or another BNL-approved certifying organization.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of rigging techniques, equipment capacities, load calculations, and safe lifting operations.
• Meet all applicable qualification and classification requirements for the Master Rigger (LG10) position.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Vocational school certification or completion of a 40-hour rigging training course.
• Possession of a valid New York State Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake, tank (N), and hazardous materials (H) endorsements, or the ability to obtain the required license and endorsements.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements

Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including but not limited to:

• Able to stand and bend
• Ability to perform heavy lifting greater than 30 pounds
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to climb fixed and portable ladders.
• Ability to work outdoors, including in cold and warm environments.
• Ability to work around moving machinery.
• Ability to use powered and air-operated hand tools.
• Ability to operate forklifts.
• Ability to use respirators and other required safety equipment.‑li>
• Have physical coordination, dexterity, and balance.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection.

Other Information

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

Testing Designated Position

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Employees in DOE-defined testing designated positions are subject to drug testing, including pre-placement, random, reasonable suspicion, occurrence, post-accident, and follow-up drug testing.

Bargaining Unit

The successful applicant will be required to join IBEW Local 2230 and maintain membership within 30 days of their start date.

Position Classification and Placement

The successful candidate may be placed at the Rigger (LG7) or Master Rigger (LG10) level, based on qualifications, experience, certifications, and applicable Laboratory classification requirements. Candidates hired at the LG7 level will be required to obtain Master Rigger certification within the established timeframe as a condition of continued employment. Certification does not guarantee automatic progression to LG10.

The Laboratory's placement policy is to select the best-qualified candidate for an available position. With respect to bargaining unit positions, candidates are considered in the following order (1)Present benefits-eligible employees within the department/division and/or appropriate bargaining unit. (2) preference for those within the immediate work group. Present benefits-eligible employees within the Laboratory and (3) outside applicants.Starting pay rate for Rigger (LG7): $43.37 per hour (subject to verification of current rates). Master Rigger (LG10) $48.47.

Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory - view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews.

As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.