Rigger

Required Experience: Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience in heavy rigging. Candidates must able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces. Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb. Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test. Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs. Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test. Contractor must be able to report to Norfolk Naval location and be able to complete a DBIDS application process based on client needs.

Required Skills: Proper use and care of chain hoists (1 ton to 40 tons) to rig steel piping and machinery where cranes are not available. Knowledge of the proper use of wire rope lashing to rig where lifting pads are not installed or available. Knowledge of weight calculations, center of gravity and how to apply rigging gear (chain hoists, shackles, and wire ropes) to safely rig and move loads. Knowledge of rigging knots, splicing of rope and wire rope reeving and seizing. Experience in rigging loads from a crane hook to other rigging points inside a structure or building. Familiarity with OSHA regulations relative to the shipbuilding industry.

Job Description: Riggers provide the kinetic energy of the shipbuilding business. They operate the vast majority of cranes throughout the shipyard in addition to a wide assortment of forklifts with various capacities. Riggers are also responsible for operation of the shipyard's tug boats - moving ships between dry docks and piers, and mooring ships while at the piers and outfitting berths. Riggers handle every component of a ship - from pipes and valves, to pumps, motors and electronic equipment, to the largest machinery and structural components - riggers are able to lift, manipulate, and set them into place. To accomplish this, riggers must be able to calculate the weight and center of gravity of the item being handled, determine the capacity of the lift points, and calculate the angle imposed on the handling gear in order to select the most appropriate gear for the task at hand. Riggers erect, maintain, and dismantle various types of scaffolding throughout the shipyard. Each type is selected to best suit the physical location and intended use, to provide a safe working platform for personnel where none existed. The Rigger's Department is also responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and issuing the myriad assortment of tools used in the shipbuilding business. This section of the department also installs and maintains various types of ventilation equipment onboard ships to prevent dangerous atmospheres from developing.