Paint Assistant

SJS Industrial, a veteran-owned media blasting, industrial painting, powder coating, and light fabrication shop in Virginia Beach, VA serving military and maritime customers, is seeking a full-time Painter's Assistant. The role works Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with the goal of a steady, reliable 40-hour work week. Occasional Saturday or evening shifts may occur for special projects with tight deadlines.

Pay & Benefits

Pay ranges between $18/hr–$20/hr.

• 80 hours of accumulated PTO
• 7 paid federal holidays
• A variety of benefits

About the Role

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Painter Helper with knowledge of surface preparation, masking, coating application support, and general painting operations in industrial, marine, or commercial environments. This individual will be safety-focused, dependable, and capable of assisting painters with all phases of the coating process while maintaining quality standards and productivity goals. Experience with industrial coatings, power tools, and shipyard or construction environments is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate enjoys collaborating with others within a fast-paced team environment and will exhibit conscientious and careful workmanship to ensure customer technical requirements are fulfilled.

Responsibilities

• Assist painters with surface preparation, coating applications, and finishing activities on marine, industrial, commercial, or construction projects
• Hang products for paint
• Perform surface preparation tasks including sanding, grinding, scraping, wire brushing, pressure washing, cleaning, and removing old coatings
• Mix paints, primers, coatings, and solvents in accordance with manufacturer specifications and project requirements
• Assist with masking, taping, covering, and protecting adjacent surfaces prior to painting operations
• Support coating application activities using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment
• Perform cutting-in, touch-up painting, and detail work as directed by supervisors
• Hang, move, stage, and prepare parts, materials, and equipment for painting and coating processes
• Assist with containment setup, overspray protection, and environmental control measures
• Support corrosion control and preservation efforts on vessels, industrial equipment, structures, and facilities
• Clean, maintain, and store painting tools, equipment, and work areas
• Load, unload, transport, and organize materials and supplies at job sites
• Follow project specifications, work instructions, and quality standards to ensure proper coating application
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Accurately complete timesheets and required work documentation
• Perform general labor duties and assist crew members as needed
• Comply with all company safety policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
• Complete other production-related tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors or the Production Manager

Qualifications

• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience in painting, construction, shipyard, industrial, manufacturing, or general labor environments required
• Basic knowledge of painting tools, materials, and surface preparation techniques
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, grinders, sanders, and painting equipment
• Ability to learn proper coating application methods and industry best practices
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in physically demanding environments for extended periods
• Must be capable of wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship