Why Join Schaefer Autobody, a Quality Collision Group brand? Top-5% Benefits Plan in

America:

Our team is our heartbeat. We invest in benefits that support your health, financial well-being, and future.

Earning Potential:

Competitive compensation with six-figure earning potential in select roles.

Career Growth:

Ongoing training, certifications, and advancement opportunities to support your professional development.

Supportive Team Culture:

Work with a team that values integrity, customer-focused service, and continuous improvement. Job Summary The Painter Prepper / Buffer prepares collision-repaired vehicles and body panels for refinishing and supports the paint department through final finish work. This role performs sanding, masking, priming, surface preparation, buffing, and related refinish operations to help achieve a high-quality paint finish. The Prepper works closely with painters and production teammates to ensure vehicles are prepared safely, accurately, and on schedule according to manufacturer and collision industry standards.

Responsibilities / Essential

Functions Prepare repaired panels and vehicles for refinishing through sanding, feathering, masking, and cleaning. Apply primer and perform block sanding and final surface preparation as assigned. Assist with paint application and refinish processes within demonstrated skill level. Buff and polish finished surfaces to correct minor finish imperfections and achieve delivery-ready quality. Use refinish products, abrasives, compounds, and materials according to manufacturer instructions. Support color tinting and paint-material organization as assigned. Inspect prepared surfaces and communicate defects or additional repair needs before paint. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized paint-preparation area and follow PPE requirements. Qualifications Minimum 1 year of professional automotive refinish, paint preparation, or collision repair experience required. Hands-on experience sanding, masking, priming, and preparing automotive panels for paint required. Working knowledge of automotive refinish procedures, paints, coatings, abrasives, and finishing compounds. Experience buffing and polishing freshly painted automotive surfaces. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing a high-quality finish. Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to safely operate refinish equipment. Ability to work efficiently as part of a skilled collision repair team. Valid driver's license required. Benefits Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Days 401(k) with employer match Paid Training