Marine Paint & Blast Foreman (Bi-Lingual)

Main Industries; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Hourly Pay

Paid Vacation

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Career Growth Opportunities

Stable, Year‑Round Employment

Job summary

Main Industries in Charleston, SC is seeking a Marine Foreman – Coatings & Blasting to provide hands-on leadership for marine surface prep and coatings crews. You will coordinate daily work assignments, ensure safety, quality, and productivity, and collaborate with project leadership to complete work on schedule.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, familiarity with marine coatings, and the ability to manage blasting and painting operations in shipyard or industrial settings.

Qualifications

• Experience leading marine coatings/blasting crews in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of abrasive blasting, surface prep, and coating application requirements.
• Ability to read project specifications and enforce safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily hands-on supervision of marine blasters, painters, and helpers.
• Coordinate manpower, tools, and materials to complete work on schedule.
• Enforce safety policies and coordinate with supervision to ensure quality control.

Skills

Leadership

Abrasive blasting

Surface preparation

Coating application

Reading specs

Safety leadership

Communication

Tools

Blasting equipment

Painting equipment

Respirators

Job description

Marine Foreman (Bi-Lingual)

Location: Charleston, SC

Job Type: Full-Time | Hourly

Build Your Career with Main Industries

For over 50 years, Main Industries has been a trusted leader in the marine and industrial services industry. From our beginnings as a premier marine coatings company, we've grown into a multi-craft leader specializing in surface preparation, protective coatings, scaffolding, and industrial access solutions.

We're seeking an experienced Marine Foreman – Coatings & Blasting to provide hands‑on leadership for our marine surface preparation and coatings crews. If you're safety-minded, dependable, and experienced leading blasting and painting crews in shipyard or industrial environments, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay: Competitive hourly pay, depending on experience, qualifications, certifications, and applicable licenses.

Location: Charleston, SC. Local candidates are preferred.

What You'll Do

As a Marine Foreman – Coatings & Blasting, you'll provide direct, hands‑on supervision of marine blasting, surface preparation, and coatings crews. You'll coordinate daily work assignments, monitor safety, quality, and productivity, and work closely with the Superintendent and project leadership to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide daily hands‑on supervision and direction to marine blasters, painters, helpers, and other assigned crew members.
• Assign daily work activities and ensure employees understand job responsibilities, project specifications, and production expectations.
• Coordinate manpower, tools, equipment, and materials needed to complete assigned work.
• Monitor crew productivity and daily progress to ensure work remains on schedule.
• Oversee abrasive blasting, surface preparation, brush and roll painting, spray painting, and related coating activities.
• Ensure surface preparation and coating application are performed in accordance with project specifications, quality standards, and manufacturer requirements.
• Inspect work areas and completed work and coordinate with quality control personnel to address deficiencies.
• Communicate daily progress, manpower needs, equipment issues, delays, and production concerns to the Superintendent and project leadership.
• Conduct or participate in daily safety meetings, pre‑job briefings, and job hazard analyses as required.
• Enforce company safety policies, customer requirements, and applicable OSHA and regulatory standards.
• Ensure employees properly use required personal protective equipment and follow respiratory protection and fall protection requirements.
• Immediately address unsafe conditions, behaviors, or work practices.
• Monitor the proper use and condition of blasting, painting, ventilation, dehumidification, and other project equipment.
• Coordinate the staging and movement of materials, tools, and equipment to support efficient production.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation related to manpower, work progress, production, and project activities as required.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to crew members.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and effective communication within assigned crews.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.
• Work effectively with Superintendents, Project Managers, Quality Control, Safety, and other departments to support successful project completion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience as a Foreman, Lead, or similar supervisory role in marine or industrial coatings and blasting operations.
• Strong experience with abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and marine or industrial coating application.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead field crews in a fast‑paced project environment.
• Knowledge of blasting equipment, painting equipment, surface preparation methods, and protective coating systems.
• Ability to read and understand project specifications, work instructions, and technical requirements.
• Knowledge of marine and industrial safety requirements and safe work practices.
• Ability to plan daily work, assign personnel, and coordinate resources effectively.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to hold employees accountable for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and job performance.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, dependability, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading crews in a shipyard or marine coatings environment.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items and applicable marine preservation requirements.
• Familiarity with SSPC/AMPP surface preparation and protective coating standards.
• Experience working on U.S. Navy, commercial shipbuilding, or ship repair projects.
• Experience with production tracking and labor‑hour management.
• Current TWIC Credential or the ability to obtain one if required for assigned work.
• OSHA, forklift, JLG, aerial man‑lift, or other applicable marine or industrial safety certifications.

Physical Requirements

This position requires work in demanding marine and industrial environments. Candidates must be able to:

• Regularly walk and inspect active jobsites, shipyards, and marine vessels.
• Work aboard maritime vessels and in industrial facilities.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Climb ladders, scaffolding, stairs, and work at elevated heights.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, fall protection, and protective clothing.
• Stand and walk for extended periods while supervising field operations.
• Perform work in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Respond to crew and operational needs throughout active work shifts.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet all applicable federal and state employment requirements.
• Reliable transportation is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required pre‑employment screenings, including drug screening (including marijuana), employment eligibility verification, and background screening where permitted by law.
• Must be able to successfully complete required respirator fit testing and respiratory safety training when applicable.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, night shifts, and varying schedules based on project requirements. Overtime opportunities may be available but are not guaranteed.

Benefits

Main Industries offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Benefits include:

• Competitive Hourly Pay
• Paid Vacation
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Stable, Year‑Round Employment

Why Main Industries?

• Celebrating over 50 years of industry leadership.
• Safety‑first culture.
• Challenging marine and industrial projects.
• Opportunities for advancement and specialized training.
• Leadership opportunities with a direct impact on project success.
• Team‑oriented environment where your contributions make a difference.

Main Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.