Event Lead Rigger, Audio Visual - Gaylord Opryland

Rigging Specialist

Responsible for performing rigging activities in a hospitality or convention center environment while upholding safety and quality standards per all trade, Encore/property guidelines and SOPs. Act as primary contact for venue's clients during rigging load ins/outs. Perform hands-on rigging as well as the supervision of rigging team members during events. Reports to Rigging Manager/Senior Rigging Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance, supervise, and execute event rigging plots as necessary.
• Gather and organize all rigging tools and equipment per event needs.
• Confirm carpet protected as required by local conditions.
• Coordinate and assign rigging related tasks to crew.
• Supervise crew building truss as needed.
• Establish hang-point, connect hoist and attachments to permanent rigging points, connect GAC Flex spanset attachments to truss as per Encore SOPs, connect/run and dress motor cables, run cable picks, ensure safety of scenic elements to hang-points and proper use of all truss protection equipment, inspect all cabling tie-offs.
• Check that all truss bolts are tight, and pieces of flown equipment are safetied to truss.
• Support other trades needing help raising gear through use of motor or lift, and check work for safety.
• Remain on site until all motors have been raised to trim, final safety check has been performed, and client acknowledges completion of rigging.

Equipment Compliance

• Use all equipment, including personnel lifts according to manufacture specification, and local conditions.
• Visually inspect all hardware in use including motors and personnel lifts on an on-going basis.
• Escalate any problems with equipment or hardware to the Rigging Manager.
• Assist other technical trades with coordination efforts to execute show plot in harmony with all floor activity.

Client Relations

• Act as liaison between rigging crew and venue or on-site client.
• Obtain necessary and appropriate client signoff.
• Report any damages to the appropriate venue representative or the DET/Operations Manager.
• Double check future call times with client at the close of each show call and report back changes to Rigging Manager.

Safety

• Secure and maintain proper lift and/or working at height certifications as necessary.
• Responsible for all rigging labor efforts and overhead safety during an event, which may include removing personnel who are acting in an unsafe manner.
• Follow all manufacturer specifications and local conditions when using personnel lifts.
• Riggers must go through Encore's Working at Height program, or be SPRAT certified prior to making any temporary rigging points or any points outside of a protected lift of any kind.
• Inspect all rigging equipment prior to and following all rigging events.
• Ensure the power phasing of motor controller is appropriate to prevent limit switches from being defeated.
• Inspect all motors at trim to verify chain is in bag and will not run out.
• Verify all elements are securely fastened and checked for safety.
• Be knowledgeable and practice safe rigging operations in accordance with Encore's Rigging SOPs.
• Use experience and other learning opportunities in the field to work towards ETCP certification.

Project Management

• Work with vendors and clients in verifying loads applicable to their production are in accordance with venue loading capabilities.
• Review/produce detailed rigging plot, identify any possible rigging obstacles or safety concerns and review with Rigging Services team to recommend possible solutions.
• Work with Rigging Manager, DET and hotel teams to identify and coordinate storage and show flow opportunities.
• Support the Rigging Manager in all inventory and organizational efforts with equipment.
• Coordinate scheduling efforts with Rigging Manager/DET/DOS and discuss load-in/out efforts and hanging order with the Rigging Manager or Regional Rigging Manager.
• Ensure pre-use inspection has been completed on all lifts before beginning any rigging.
• Complete any paperwork as assigned, i.e., rigging report, incident report, any other reports as assigned.
• Maintain Hospitality Rigging environment while supervising crew, including Encore, vendor or union rigging labor, maintaining, supporting, and mentoring crews on Encore and trade standards, including but not limited to workplace and rigging safety and professional conduct and appearance.

Staff Development

• Supervise the Riggers and external workers during rigging events and provide input on the scheduling and performance management of these team members.
• Mentor team members in the field to improve their rigging skills.
• Assist Rigging Manager in identifying potential rigging team members and help prepare them in the field to take Encore Rigging Training class.

Maintenance

• Provide ongoing visual safety inspection of all hardware in use including truss, motors, lighting, sound, projection, and personnel lifts.
• Escalate any problems with hardware and recommend solutions to resolve issues to supervisor.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ year of onsite rigging experience
• Qualified-Basic Rigging certification
• MEWP Certification
• ETCP Certification is preferred
• MEWP operation experience
• Ground rigging experience
• High rigging with harness experience
• Previous experience supervising a rigging team

Competencies

• Deliver World Class Service
• Hospitality
• Ownership
• Do The Right Thing
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Drive Results
• Ensures Accountability
• See The Big Picture
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
• Value People
• Collaborates

Work Environment

• Hotel
• Work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times will include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or a representation of hotels in that city or area.

Hourly Pay Range: $25.19 - $32.75

The compensation offered for this role is determined based on the qualifications outlined in the job posting for the specified location. Final compensation is based on a number of factors including location, travel, relevant work experience, or particular skills and expertise. In addition, some positions may be eligible for other compensation such as potential overtime, bonuses or incentives.