Head Rigger

HotFoot Recruiters is hiring a Head Rigger to lead rigging and equipment movement operations for a large-scale data center / industrial equipment installation project in the Dallas and Austin, TX areas.

This role will oversee unloading, staging, equipment movement, final placement, and team coordination for heavy equipment being transported through controlled facility environments. The ideal candidate has strong rigging leadership experience, understands safe heavy-load movement, and can lead crews through detailed site logistics and installation requirements.

Position: Head Rigger

Location: Dallas, TX and Austin, TX Areas | On-Site

Type: Full-Time | Project-Based / Contract

Pay Rate: $42/hr

Schedule: Full-Time | Schedule subject to project needs

Start Date: ASAP

Responsibilities

• Lead rigging crews during unloading, staging, transportation, and final placement of heavy equipment.
• Oversee safe movement of large equipment through facility entry points, corridors, ramps, and data hall areas.
• Coordinate use of rigging tools, tugger equipment, pallet jacks, and other heavy-load movement equipment.
• Review jobsite logistics, equipment dimensions, ramp constraints, and travel paths prior to execution.
• Ensure equipment is moved safely without mechanical or structural damage.
• Supervise equipment inspection, staging protocol, asset documentation, and final placement activities.
• Coordinate with project managers, site representatives, riggers, and installation teams.
• Ensure racks/equipment are properly leveled, positioned, and prepared for final mechanical installation.
• Support baying operations and equipment alignment as required.
• Maintain clear communication with crew members and leadership regarding progress, delays, risks, and safety concerns.
• Enforce all site safety protocols, PPE requirements, and rigging best practices.
• Assist with daily reporting, labor tracking, and work progress updates as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5 years of rigging, heavy equipment moving, industrial installation, data center, construction, or related field experience preferred.
• Prior experience leading rigging crews or serving as a head rigger, rigging lead, or field lead required.
• Strong understanding of heavy-load movement, rigging safety, equipment handling, and site logistics.
• Experience moving heavy cabinets, racks, machinery, or large industrial equipment preferred.
• Comfortable working in active construction, industrial, or data center environments.
• Able to read site plans, work instructions, equipment dimensions, and movement routes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to coordinate crews and maintain safe work practices under schedule pressure.
• Comfortable standing, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, and working physically throughout the shift.
• Reliable transportation to project sites in the Dallas/Austin areas.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 preferred.
• Forklift, rigging, signal person, or related certifications are a plus.