Marine Painter/Powertooler in Norfolk

Energy Jobline ZR; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Steady shipyard work

Weekly pay options

Long-term placement opportunities

PPE guidance and onboarding assistance

Job summary

Tidewater Staffing, Inc. is seeking experienced Marine Painters / Powertoolers to support major shipyard operations in the Hampton Roads area.

Candidates with shipyard or industrial surface prep experience, able to work with grinders, needle guns, and sanders, and comfortable in confined spaces, are encouraged to apply. This role offers steady work, competitive hourly pay, and long-term placement.

Join a safety-driven team with opportunities on large naval and commercial vessels.

Qualifications

• Experience in shipyard or industrial surface preparation.
• Ability to operate grinders, needle guns, sanders and related tools.
• Knowledge of surface prep standards for marine coatings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform surface preparation using power tools (grinders, needle guns, sanders, etc.).
• Remove rust, scale, old coatings, and debris from ship structures.
• Prep surfaces for painting and coating applications.
• Apply marine coatings and paints as required (if painter qualified).
• Work on ships, in dry docks, confined spaces, and elevated areas.
• Follow all shipyard safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Maintain clean work areas and care for tools and equipment.
• Collaborate with other trades to meet production schedules.
• Meet quality, productivity, and workmanship standards.

Skills

Power tools operation

Surface preparation

Safety compliance

Quality workmanship

Team collaboration

Tools

Grinders

Needle guns

Sanders

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Marine Painter / Powertooler

Shipyard Positions Available | Hampton Roads, VA

We are actively seeking experienced Marine Painters / Powertoolers to support major shipyard operations throughout the Hampton Roads area. This role is ideal for dependable tradespeople with shipyard or industrial surface preparation experience who are ready for steady work and long-term opportunity.

This is a safety-driven position offering competitive pay, consistent hours, and the chance to work on large naval and commercial vessels.

What You’ll Do

• Perform surface preparation using power tools (grinders, needle guns, sanders, etc.)
• Remove rust, scale, old coatings, and debris from ship structures
• Prep surfaces for painting and coating applications
• Apply marine coatings and paints as required (if painter qualified)
• Work on ships, in dry docks, confined spaces, and elevated areas
• Follow all shipyard safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Maintain clean work areas and properly care for tools and equipment
• Collaborate with other trades to meet production schedules
• Meet quality, productivity, and workmanship standards

What We’re Looking For

• Previous shipyard or industrial powertooler / marine painter experience ()
• Comfortable working in confined spaces, heights, and industrial environments
• Ability to operate grinders, needle guns, sanders, and related tools
• Knowledge of surface prep standards for marine coatings is a plus
• Must be reliable, safety-focused, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening requirements
• DBIDS credential a plus (or ability to obtain)

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Steady shipyard work in Hampton Roads
• Weekly pay options
• Long-term placement opportunities
• Supportive staffing team with shipyard industry expertise
• PPE guidance and onboarding assistance

Company Description

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”