noun
scaffolding worker; rigger; fitter
A construction worker who specializes in erecting and working on scaffolding, often at heights. The term is associated with traditional Japanese construction skills.
鳶工は高所での作業に熟練している。
Scaffolding workers are skilled at working at heights.
建設現場で鳶工が足場を組んでいる。
The riggers are assembling scaffolding at the construction site.
鳶 alone can refer to a kite (bird) or a firefighter's ladder, but 鳶工 specifically means a scaffolding worker.
足場工 is a more general term for a scaffolder, while 鳶工 often implies traditional Japanese scaffolding techniques.
Compound of 鳶 (tobi, 'kite' or 'traditional firefighter/construction worker') and 工 (kō, 'worker'). The term reflects the historical connection between firefighters and high-altitude construction work.