Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

Riggers set up and dismantle broadcast equipment on location, often working at height. They also drive OB trucks and are typically the first to arrive and the last to leave at each production.

Riggers, who also serve as drivers of OB (Outside Broadcast) trucks, are responsible for arriving on location ahead of the production and are typically the last to leave. After the shoot, they are tasked with dismantling and stowing all equipment before driving the OB unit back to base or to the next assignment.

An key part of the role involves parking and stabilising OB units in precise positions that allow each one to function independently and in coordination with others. This setup must follow the unit manager’s detailed plan exactly.

Upon arrival, Riggers consult the unit manager’s plan and begin rigging power cables, communication lines, and all camera, sound recording, and mixing equipment at pre-assigned locations. Much of this work may need to be carried out at height, requiring recognised industry-standard training for safe working at elevation. After the shoot, they reverse the process, carefully de-rigging and stowing all equipment and cables.

Riggers must hold a valid Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence and have solid experience driving across Ireland and Europe. They must also be fully trained in, and compliant with, all health and safety regulations relevant to live television environments.

As the role includes overseeing the loading and unloading of equipment based on detailed inventories before and after each shoot, strong attention to detail is essential. Riggers must also have a broad understanding of the different types of equipment used, including their functions, visual identification, and how they are stored.

Given the significant amount of travel involved—on top of long working hours on location—Riggers must be highly flexible and adaptable regarding working hours and conditions.

Role and Responsibilities

• Arrive on location ahead of the shoot and remain until the end, ensuring all equipment is safely stowed and the OB unit is driven back to base or to the next assignment.

• Drive and operate OB trucks, requiring a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence and extensive experience driving across Ireland and Europe.

• Park and stabilise OB units so that crews can operate them independently and in coordination with other units, following the unit manager’s plan precisely.

• Review the unit manager’s plan upon arrival and rig all required equipment—power cables, communications, cameras, sound recording, and mixing gear—in their designated locations.

• Perform rigging tasks at height where necessary, requiring up-to-date industry-standard training in working at height.

• After the shoot, de-rig and stow all equipment and cables in accordance with safety and transport standards.

• Adhere strictly to all relevant health and safety regulations in live television environments.

• Oversee the loading and unloading of equipment based on detailed inventories, both before and after shoots.

• Maintain a strong attention to detail and a broad understanding of different equipment types, their functions, appearance, and how they should be stowed.

• Demonstrate flexibility in working hours and conditions due to long travel times and extended periods on location.

Works with

• Unit Manager
• OB Crew
• Location personnel
• Local authorities where relevant.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
• Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
• Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
• Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
• Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sises, facilities, and work schedules.
• Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
• Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
• Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
• Align, level, and anchor machinery.
• Load machines onto trucks to prepare for transportation.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Last Updated: May, 2025

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