Depending on the industry in which he or she works, a rigger can do a variety of tasks. Job positions known as “riggers” exist in a variety of industries, including entertainment, manufacturing, and the military, and people in these positions perform a variety of tasks. All senses of the word date back to the days of sail, when those in charge of setting and maintaining the sails were referred to as riggers, after the rigging that held the sails up and controlled them. This provided sailors with a set of unique skills that were useful both on and off the water.
A rigger is a person who moves heavy loads or deals with the placement of heavy machines in the workplace. Construction workers, people who install heavy and specialized equipment like MRI machines, and others fall into this category. Riggers of this type can use block and tackle haulers, as well as cranes and other more sophisticated equipment, which may have been familiar to sailors centuries ago. Physical fitness, a high level of skill, and the ability to work cooperatively are all required for this type of job, which is learned through apprenticeship.
Riggers have a place in the entertainment industry as well. Riggers in the entertainment industry are in charge of set construction and any necessary movement, such as moving set pieces and actors on flies. Riggers can be part of a production’s traveling crew, or they can be stationed at a specific location. Entertainment riggers, like heavy load lifters, use a variety of tools to get the job done.
Parachutists, also known as parachute riggers, are in charge of packing and inspecting parachutes in the military. Because safety risks must be identified before a parachute is distributed and used, this job requires extensive training and a keen eye for detail. Riggers are also used by the military for heavy lifting and military installation setup in all branches of the military.
Whether or not traditional rigging is involved, the term “rigger” can refer to someone who sets things up and prepares them for use. In this case, the rigger performs safety checks, double-checks that everything is in place, and assists in the unpacking and reassembling of objects that have been disassembled for shipping or storage. Working as a rigger of this type can be interesting because it often allows you to travel.