Rigger

Job Summary

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison dedicates itself to the mission of providing athletic opportunities to a wide range of students in an environment in which all student-athletes can achieve their academic and competitive goals. The Division strives to provide equitable opportunities for all student-athletes and fosters the principles of sportsmanship, respect and fair play on the field of play. The Division sponsors teams in 23 sports competing under the regulatory guidelines established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Big Ten Conference and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

UW-Madison is located in the heart of Madison which is the state capital and the state's second largest city. Madison has a solid and long-standing national reputation as a vibrant and thriving city.

Job Responsibilities

Provide equipment and operations service and support associated with Division I rowing teams:

Equipment Setup

• Assemble, and attach riggers to rowing shells according to precise technical measurements tailored to specific boat setups.
• Position and adjust oarlocks, foot stretchers, shoes, and tracks to meet individual athlete proportions, weight classes, and rowing styles.
• Work closely with the coaching staff to implement rigging adjustments optimized for varying water conditions and race strategies.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Perform repairs on carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite rowing shells, oars, and components.
• Conduct routine inspections of all hardware, steering mechanisms, fin/skeg assemblies, and moving parts to minimize equipment failure during training.

Launch and Facility Management

• Maintain, service, and winterize outboard motors and hulls for all coaching launches.
• Ensure all towing vehicles and trailers are properly maintained and in safe working order.
• Oversee the general maintenance of the boathouse facility, including athlete training equipment, race course and buoy systems, dock systems, boat racks, work bays, and tool storage.

Safety Checks

• Ensure all equipment is secure and safe before launching.
• Identify potential issues that might affect boat stability or athlete safety.

Inventory Management

• Keep track of equipment inventory.
• Order or request new parts as necessary.

Transportation and Travel to Competitions and Trainings

• Plans, prepares and executes the transport of shells, trailers, and other equipment

Supervision of student staff

Key Job Responsibilities

• Supervises part-time and student staff
• Supervises and instructs athletes regarding rigging and the care and handling of rowing equipment
• Collaborates with coaching staff to ensure that all equipment is properly stored
• Oversees, repairs, and maintains all equipment
• Responsible for installation of design improvements and equipment within the boathouse and auxiliary training locations
• Assist with water safety issues during practices and collaborates with facilities staff to ensure security, operation, and maintenance of the boathouse
• Plans, prepares, and executes travel for team's equipment