Auto Body Painter

Gilleland-Chevrolet-Cadillac; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Union wages via AFL-CIO Local 623

Pension plan + 401(k)

Paid time off

Workplace protections

Job summary

Gilleland-Chevrolet-Cadillac in Saint Cloud, MN is seeking an Auto Body Painter to prepare, color-match, and apply high-quality finishes to a wide range of vehicles. You will work in a union environment under AFL-CIO Local 623 with standard shop hours.

Responsibilities include surface prep, color matching, spray painting, finishing, and maintaining equipment. The role requires 3–5 years of painting experience, ASE B2 or ICAR certifications preferred, and ability to meet safety and quality

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional automotive painting or collision repair experience.
• Proficiency with spray equipment, paint-mixing systems and surface preparation techniques.
• ASE B2 (Painting & Refinishing) or ICAR certification preferred (or ability to complete within probation).
• Must be a member in good standing of AFL-CIO Local 623 or eligible to join on hire.

Responsibilities

• Surface preparation: clean, sand, mask and prime surfaces to standard.
• Color matching & mixing: use digital and manual methods for paints and primers.
• Paint application: apply basecoats, clearcoats, and specialty finishes.
• Finishing & quality control: inspect for defects, perform color sanding and buffing.
• Equipment maintenance: clean spray guns, booths, filters and safety equipment.
• Documentation: track materials used and work order details.

Skills

Experience 3–5 yrs

Spray equipment

Paint-mixing systems

Surface prep

Tools

ASE B2 Cert

ICAR certification

Job description

Description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Painter to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, color-matching, and applying high-quality finishes to a wide range of vehicles.

This is a bargaining unit position represented by AFL-CIO Local 623, offering competitive union wages, structured progression, excellent health benefits, and standard work hours defined by our collective bargaining agreement.

Key Responsibilities

• Surface Preparation: Clean, sand, mask, and prime vehicle surfaces prior to painting according to manufacturer and shop standards.
• Color Matching & Mixing: Utilize digital color-matching systems and manual techniques to mix custom paints, topcoats, and primers to precise specifications.
• Paint Application: Apply basecoats, clearcoats, and specialty finishes using spray guns and automated equipment in a spray booth environment.
• Finishing & Quality Control: Inspect completed work for runs, sags, or defects; perform color sanding, buffing, and polishing to achieve a factory finish.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and clean spray guns, booths, filters, and safety equipment in compliance with OSHA and local environmental standards.
• Documentation: Track materials used and work order details accurately.

Union Compensation & Benefits

• Wages: Competitive hourly pay scale set by AFL-CIO Local 623 CBA with predictable step increases.
• Healthcare: Full union medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement: Union pension plan and optional 401(k) program.
• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, vacation/sick leave based on seniority.
• Workplace Protection: Strong workplace safety guidelines, seniority protections, and representation.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of [3–5] years of professional automotive painting or collision repair experience required.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with spray equipment, paint-mixing systems, and surface preparation techniques.
• Certifications: ASE B2 (Painting & Refinishing) or ICAR certification is preferred (or ability to complete within standard probationary period).
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods, wear required PPE (including respirators), lift up to 50 lbs, and work in paint booth environments.
• Union Requirement: Must be a member in good standing of AFL-CIO Local 623 or eligible to join upon hiring per agreement terms.