Navy Jobs

Principal Rigger Full Time NEW

Full Job Description

The National Museum of the Royal Navy has a vacancy for a Principal Rigger at its Portsmouth Historic Dockyard site. The job is mainly about looking after the rigging on historic naval ships and managing the people who carry out this work. The person hired will lead a team of riggers and plan maintenance work across several vessels, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33. The role also covers HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool and HMS Caroline in Belfast. A major part of the job will be the rigging work on HMS Victory, including its restoration and future maintenance. The Principal Rigger will also work with other museum staff and outside contractors when specialist work is needed. This is a permanent position with 37.5 working hours per week. The salary is between £48,185 and £54,185 a year, based on the candidate’s experience.

This job is suited to someone who has worked in traditional rigging and rope access and has experience leading a team. The museum prefers applicants with an IRATA Level 3 qualification. A good understanding of LOLER rules and health and safety requirements is also needed. Experience of working at height and maintaining the masts, yards and rigging of historic ships will be useful. The employer offers a pension scheme through Royal London, starting with a 6% employer contribution and a 2% employee contribution. Staff also receive 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with an increase to 30 days after five years. Other benefits include flexible working, enhanced family leave, free entry to participating museums, discounts at shops and cafes, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Visa sponsorship may be available for this position. Applications are made through the museum’s official recruitment website.

Requirements

  • Previous experience in traditional rigging and rope access.

  • Experience leading rigging work on historic ships.

  • Ability to manage and supervise a team of riggers.

  • Professional qualification, with IRATA Level 3 preferred.

  • Good knowledge of LOLER regulations.

  • Understanding of health and safety procedures.

  • Experience working at height.

  • Knowledge of maintaining ship masts, yards and rigging.

  • Understanding of historic ship conservation.

  • Ability to work with specialist contractors.

  • Good communication and teamwork skills.

  • Ability to manage work programmes safely.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a team of Lead Riggers and Riggers.

  • Plan and organise maintenance work on historic ships.

  • Oversee rigging work on HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33.

  • Support maintenance work on HMS Trincomalee and HMS Caroline.

  • Lead the design and reinstatement of HMS Victory’s rigging.

  • Manage the ongoing care of historic ship rigging.

  • Make sure all rigging work follows safety procedures.

  • Arrange specialist contractors when required.

  • Work closely with the Conservation Team.

  • Support the HMS Victory: The Big Repair project.

  • Provide rigging advice to museum colleagues.

  • Assist the Collections and Visitor Experience teams.

  • Maintain high standards of historic ship conservation.

Benefits

  • Salary of £48,185 to £54,185 per year.

  • Permanent, full-time employment.

  • Royal London group pension plan.

  • 6% employer pension contribution.

  • 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

  • Annual leave increases to 30 days after five years.

  • Option to purchase additional annual leave.

  • Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.

  • Enhanced paternity pay.

  • Flexible working arrangements.

  • Employee Assistance Programme.

  • Free admission to participating museums and attractions.

  • Discounts at museum shops and cafes.

  • Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.

  • Cycle-to-work scheme.

  • Paid reservist leave.

  • Death-in-service benefit.

    Principal Rigger

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