Reports To:

Lead Painter /

Field Foreman Classification:

Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Location:

Big Sky, MT Position Summary The Painter's Helper supports the painting crew by preparing surfaces, masking and protecting adjacent work, staging materials and equipment, assisting the lead painter during application, and keeping the work area and jobsite clean throughout the project. This is an entry-level to mid-level field position with a clear path to Painter for anyone who shows up, learns the trade, and takes pride in the finish. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSurface Preparation Clean surfaces prior to coating: sweep, vacuum, wipe down, degrease, and remove dust, dirt, grease, mildew, and chalking Wash and rinse surfaces using detergents, TSP substitutes, or pressure washer as directed Scrape, wire brush, and remove loose, flaking, or failed paint and coatings Sand surfaces by hand and with power sanders to the specified profile; feather edges and de-gloss existing finishes Fill nail holes, cracks, dents, and gouges with spackle, putty, wood filler, or patching compound; sand smooth Caulk joints, seams, gaps, and penetrations with the specified sealant Apply primer, sealer, and blocking primer to prepared substrates as directed Identify and report substrate issues before coating: moisture, rot, rust, efflorescence, failed sealant, incompatible existing coatings Masking and Protection Mask and protect all adjacent surfaces not scheduled to receive paint: glass, glazing, frames, hardware, trim, fixtures, flooring, casework, mechanical and electrical devices, signage, and finished surfaces Install drop cloths, ram board, poly sheeting, and floor protection prior to any prep or application Cut and apply masking tape, paper, and plastic to clean lines; back-mask and seal edges to prevent bleed and overspray Build and hang containment and overspray protection for spray operations Remove and reinstall hardware, cover plates, switch plates, and fixtures as directed; bag, tag, and store removed items so nothing is lost Pull masking at the correct time to avoid pulling finish or leaving adhesive residue Protect vehicles, landscaping, neighboring property, and adjacent trades from overspray and drips Painting Support Assist the lead painter with rolling, brushing, cut-in, back-rolling, and spray operations under direction Mix, stir, box, strain, and thin coatings per manufacturer's instructions and the project spec Load and tend sprayers, pressure pots, and hoses; keep tips, guns, and filters clean and functional Apply touch-up and second coats where directed Set up and move ladders, scaffolding, planks, and lifts safely Maintain wet edges and follow the crew's sequence so work is not disturbed Materials, Tools, and Equipment Load, unload, stage, and transport paint, sundries, tools, and equipment to and from the jobsite and shop Keep accurate track of materials used and notify the foreman before running out Clean brushes, rollers, sprayers, buckets, and tools daily; return them to the truck or shop in working order Report damaged or missing tools and equipment immediately Store and handle coatings, solvents, and rags per label and SDS requirements, including proper storage of oily rags to prevent spontaneous combustion Cleanup Keep the work area swept, organized, and free of trip hazards throughout the day, not just at the end Remove all masking, tape, plastic, and drop cloths at completion of the work Clean overspray, drips, splatter, and residue from adjacent surfaces, glass, and floors Dispose of waste, empty containers, and used materials in accordance with company procedures and environmental regulations; never dump wash water or solvents down drains or on the ground Perform final punch-quality cleanup so the area is turned over clean to the general contractor or owner Load out and clean the truck/trailer at end of shift Safety Follow all company, OSHA, and site-specific safety requirements at all times Wear required

PPE:

safety glasses, gloves, respirator/dust mask, hearing protection, hard hat, high-vis, and fall protection as conditions require Participate in daily huddles, toolbox talks, and JHA/pre-task planning Inspect ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and equipment before use; tag out and report defects Maintain 100% tie-off when working at height where required Follow lockout/tagout, hot work, confined space, and silica/lead procedures when applicable Immediately report all injuries, near misses, spills, and property damage to the foreman General and Miscellaneous Report to the assigned jobsite on time, ready to work, with required tools and PPE Take direction from the lead painter and foreman and complete tasks without repeated follow-up Assist other crew members and trades as needed to keep the job moving Communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, general contractors, other trades, and the public; jobsites are often occupied Maintain a clean, professional appearance and keep company vehicles clean and fueled Assist with shop work, inventory, material staging, and equipment maintenance during weather days or between projects Document daily work with photos and time entries as directed Learn and apply product data sheets, coating specs, and color schedules Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Required Reliable transportation and consistent, on-time attendance Ability to follow verbal and written direction Willingness to learn the trade and take direction and correction Basic hand tool familiarity Ability to read a tape measure Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; must pass pre-employment screening and any site-required background check Preferred 1+ year of painting, drywall, or general construction experience Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record OSHA 10, first aid/CPR, aerial lift, or scaffold certification Experience with sprayers (airless/HVLP), power sanders, and pressure washers Bilingual English/Spanish Physical Requirements Lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly and up to 75 lbs occasionally Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crouch, and reach overhead for extended periods Climb and work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial lifts at height Work with arms extended overhead for extended periods Full manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination Distinguish colors and detect surface defects and sheen variation Work Environment Work is performed on active construction sites and in occupied buildings, both interior and exterior, in all seasons and weather conditions. Exposure to dust, fumes, solvents, noise, heights, and moving equipment is expected. Occasional overtime, early starts, evenings, weekends, and out-of-town travel with per diem may be required to meet schedule.

Compensation and Benefits Pay range:

28-34/hour, depending on experience Overtime after 40 hours Health insurance / retirement / PTO / holidays Per diem and lodging for out-of-town work Tools, PPE, and training provided Advancement to Painter based on performance This job description is not exhaustive and may be modified at any time. Employment is at will.

Pay:

$28.00 - $34.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 60.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance

Work Location:

In person