Assistant Painter #T00942

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking an Assistant Painter (#T00942) to perform painting tasks in residence halls on-site at Cullowhee or Biltmore. The role is temporary (up to 11 months) with opportunities for extension, and pay ranges from $12.00 to $15.00 per hour depending on experience. Duties include painting, patching, and assisting student painters while adhering to safety guidelines.

Open Date: 08/24/2026. Close Date: 10/12/2026.

Qualifications

• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and perform medium to heavy physical work.
• Must communicate effectively in writing and verbally and work well with others.
• Prior painting experience and basic drywall/patching knowledge are expected.

Responsibilities

• Paint walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and furniture using brushes or rollers.
• Refinish furniture and prepare surfaces for painting; mix and apply coats.
• Maintain and clean paint equipment; use ladders up to 12 ft safely.
• Assist and mentor student painters and support team with painting tasks as needed.
• Complete tasks while observing safety and university guidelines.

Skills

Following instructions

Physical endurance

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Paint equipment

Job description

Assistant Painter #T00942

Salary Range: $12.00 to $15.00 depending on experience.

Working Title: Assistant Painter #T00942.

Department: Residential Living.

Location: This position is on site at our Cullowhee (or Biltmore) campus.

Employment Type: This is a temporary position: the position will lapse a maximum of 11 months after the employee's start date, and may end sooner, depending on the needs of the department. A successful hourly employee will be eligible for rehire following the required one-month layoff, subject to the needs of the department. Temporary hourly employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis, and temporary salaried employees are paid monthly. Temporary positions are not eligible for state sponsored benefits but may qualify for ACA coverage depending on employment terms.

Job Responsibilities: The primary purpose of this position is painting and performing a variety of related duties in residence halls at Western Carolina University. Those duties will include but not be limited to painting with brush and roller; painting walls, ceilings, trim, and doors; refinishing furniture; regular use of oil- and latex-based paints and the occasional use of other coatings such as block sealer, primers, stains, rust and mildew inhibitors, etc.; proper cleaning and care of paint equipment; safe use of all equipment, including ladders up to 12' in height; patchwork and drywall repair; sanding and finishing a variety of surfaces/materials; minor maintenance tasks; and other necessary or related tasks/duties as assigned. This position will also be called upon to work closely with, train, and occasionally manage the work of student painters. Accordingly, it is expected that this position will at all times model positive, inclusive, considerate language/communication in sync with University goals and values. This is a physically demanding job that requires constant standing, squatting, bending, walking, pushing/pulling, and the ability to perform repetitive physical tasks for long periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs on a regular basis. Finally, this employee can expect to receive occasional requests to adjust the usual schedule, either staying late/coming in early, doing additional weekend work to meet deadlines, or being called in to assist in unusual or emergency cleanup duties. Requests such as these will be kept to a minimum but will occur throughout the course of a typical working year.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position: Must be capable of following written and verbal instruction, performing medium to heavy physical work, communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, and working effectively with others.

Minimum Qualifications: Prior painting experience and some previous experience patching and repairing walls and ceilings (drywall, cinder block, etc.). Graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of a valid driver's license is a requirement for this position.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous people management or team leadership experience and paid and/or professional painting experience are preferred.

Open Date: 08/24/2026

Close Date: 10/12/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Background/E-Verify: Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification: All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.