Gel Coat Repair Tech - Whitmire

About the role

The Gel Coat Repair Technician inspects, repairs, and restores gel coat surfaces on boats during and after the manufacturing process to ensure all fiberglass and gel-coated components meet company quality standards for appearance, durability, and finish. This role involves working with various tools, materials, and finishing techniques to correct cosmetic and structural surface defects prior to final delivery.

Responsibilities

• Inspect boat hulls, decks, and components for gel coat defects such as scratches, chips, cracks, air bubbles, blisters, and discoloration.
• Perform gel coat repairs including color matching, filling, sanding, polishing, and buffing.
• Prepare surfaces for repair by cleaning, grinding, sanding, and masking affected areas.
• Mix and apply gel coat materials according to manufacturer specifications.
• Use hand tools, power tools, sanders, buffers, and spray equipment safely and effectively.
• Ensure repaired surfaces meet company quality and cosmetic standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow safety procedures for handling chemicals, resins, solvents, and equipment.
• Document repairs and communicate recurring quality issues to supervisors.
• Assist with final finishing and detailing as needed.
• Maintain assigned Safety Training.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in gel coat repair, fiberglass repair, auto body repair, or marine finishing preferred.
• Experience in boat manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Detail-oriented with good time management skills.

Skills

• Knowledge of fiberglass, gel coat materials, and marine finishing processes.
• Ability to color match gel coat finishes accurately.
• Proficiency with sanding, polishing, and buffing techniques.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions and safety guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic math skills for mixing ratios and measurements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry/move up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Frequent needs to: climb, crawl, push, pull, lift, rotate arms at various angles, reach overhead, reach at or below shoulder level, use hand and power tools, stoop, crouch, kneel, crawl, speak, hear, and visually inspect work.
• Work in an environment with exposure to noise at levels not requiring ear protection, chemicals, and dust.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
• Seasonal temperatures may impact the work environment.