DFP Painter

Derecktor Florida; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Derecktor Florida is seeking an experienced Marine Painter to join our team in Fort Pierce, FL. This hands-on role prepares, coats, and finishes vessel surfaces according to manufacturer specs and project requirements.

You will perform surface prep, apply antifouling, primers, and coatings to hulls and equipment, with fiberglass and fairing repairs as needed. The ideal candidate has marine coatings experience and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years in marine painting or related field.
• Experience with marine surface preparation and coating application preferred.
• Experience using spray equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vessel surfaces for painting and coating.
• Inspect surfaces for damage and recommend repairs.
• Apply coatings per specs and ensure proper cure times.
• Maintain tools and work areas safely.

Skills

Marine coatings

Surface preparation

Fiberglass & fairing

Spray application

Quality control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Position Type: Full Time

Derecktor is seeking an experienced Marine Painter to join our team. This is a hands-on position responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing a variety of vessel surfaces and components in accordance with manufacturer specifications, project requirements, and Derecktor quality standards.

The Marine Painter performs surface preparation and applies antifouling paints, primers, protective coatings, and finish coatings to vessel hulls, bottoms, equipment, and other marine surfaces. This position may also perform fiberglass and fairing repairs as needed. The ideal candidate has experience with marine or industrial coatings, understands proper surface preparation and application techniques, and takes pride in producing safe, durable, high-quality work.

Reports to: Production Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare vessel surfaces for painting and coating by pressure washing, scraping, sanding, grinding, blasting, cleaning, or other appropriate preparation methods.
• Remove existing paint, coatings, rust, corrosion, marine growth, and other contaminants as required.
• Inspect surfaces prior to coating application and identify damage, corrosion, defects, or other conditions that may require repair or additional preparation.
• Perform minor fiberglass, fairing, and surface repairs as required to properly prepare areas for coating or finishing.
• Mask, cover, and protect surrounding vessel surfaces, equipment, hardware, and work areas prior to painting or coating application.
• Mix, thin, and prepare primers, paints, antifouling coatings, and other marine coating products according to manufacturer specifications and project requirements.
• Apply coatings using brushes, rollers, spray equipment, or other appropriate application methods.
• Apply primers, barrier coats, antifouling coatings, protective coatings, and finish coatings to vessel surfaces and components as required.
• Follow required coating specifications, including proper mixing ratios, application thickness, coverage, and recoat or cure times.
• Inspect completed work for proper coverage, adhesion, appearance, and overall quality, and perform touch-ups or corrective work as necessary.
• Properly operate, clean, and maintain painting, spraying, sanding, and surface-preparation tools and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout each project.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of paints, solvents, coatings, hazardous materials, and waste in accordance with company procedures and applicable requirements.
• Follow all company safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when applicable.
• Maintain accurate records of materials used and work performed when required.
• Communicate work progress, material needs, quality concerns, damage, or other issues to the Production Manager or appropriate supervisor.
• Coordinate with mechanics, welders, electricians, project managers, and other shipyard personnel to support project schedules and prevent conflicts between trades.
• Complete assigned work safely, efficiently, and within established project schedules.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of marine or industrial surface preparation and coating application techniques.
• Familiarity with primers, antifouling paints, protective coatings, finish coatings, fairing compounds, and related marine products.
• Ability to properly mix and apply multi-component coating systems according to manufacturer specifications.
• Ability to use brushes, rollers, spray equipment, sanders, grinders, pressure washers, and other surface-preparation tools.
• Understanding of proper masking, surface preparation, coating application, curing, and finishing procedures.
• Ability to recognize surface defects, coating failures, corrosion, and preparation issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to read and follow product data sheets, safety data sheets (SDS), work instructions, and coating specifications.
• Ability to safely work around paints, solvents, coatings, and other chemicals commonly used in a shipyard environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other trades.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work and work at heights, aboard vessels, and in confined or restricted spaces.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in marine painting, yacht refinishing, shipyard painting, industrial coatings, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with marine surface preparation and coating application preferred.
• Experience using spray equipment is preferred.
• Fiberglass and fairing experience is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of proper hazardous-material handling and applicable workplace safety practices preferred.
• OSHA or other relevant safety training is a plus.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and comply with company safety and quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and vessel access points.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined or restricted spaces.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and painting equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when required and medically qualified.
• Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.