Painter

mwaa; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

MWAA seeks a Painter to maintain painted surfaces at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). This role supports the Paint Division within the Airport Maintenance Department and involves surface prep, applying finishes, and handling pavement markings per FAA and VDOT specs.

Responsibilities include operating access equipment, ensuring safety, and maintaining tools and equipment.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the painting trade.
• Full journey-level knowledge of painting interior and exterior surfaces of buildings, pavement, and vehicles.
• Knowledge of painting tools and equipment to achieve durable finishes.
• Knowledge of primers and additives for coatings preparation.
• Skill in using tools and equipment for painting structures, pavements, and vehicles.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics and analyze data.
• Commitment to safety rules and procedures; able to work safely.
• Excellent spoken and written communication; proficient with computers and work orders.

Responsibilities

• Applies paint and finishes using appropriate tools on interior and exterior surfaces.
• Prepares surfaces and selects materials; ensures proper surface prep.
• Protects unpainted areas with drop cloths or masking; maintains clean work areas.
• Removes old coating or grime using sanding, grinding, or hydro blasting methods.
• Lays out airfield and roadway markings per FAA/VDOT specs; uses schematics.
• Operates and maintains airfield striping truck; uses striping equipment.

Skills

Experience in painting trade

Blueprints

Safety awareness

Effective communication

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Class B CDL

Airfield endorsement

AirMarking Certification

Job description

Compensation Grade: T16 Salary Range: $28.58-$37.15 Opening Date: September 4, 2026 Closing Date: September 19, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Painter, you will be part of a team that maintains all painted surfaces at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Painter

Serves in the Paint Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Prepares surfaces and applies paint and other finishes to various interior and exterior structures, pavement, equipment, and vehicle exteriors. May assist with wallpapering and sign making. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies paint and other finishes using appropriate tools to interior and exterior surfaces.
• Determines steps and equipment needed to ensure proper preparation of surfaces. Prepares surfaces according to the type of finish desired.
• Protects areas not to be painted by covering with drop cloths or masking.
• Removes old coating or grime using appropriate methods (e.g., sanding, grinding, sand blasting, hydro blasting).
• Repairs surfaces by spackling, plastering, caulking, filling nail holes, or sanding rough spots.
• Works from scaffolds or lifts; uses elevated platforms, bucket trucks, ladders, or other equipment.
• Lays out Airfield and Roadway pavement markings, using schematics and blueprints, to precisely measure placement and alignment of markings to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) specifications.
• Cleans and removes old markings from pavement with high-pressure water blasting equipment and/or surface grinder.
• Uses push striper, airfield striping truck, and thermal-plastic, preformed traffic tape for pavement markings. Drives, operates, and maintains the airfield striping truck.
• Creates new roadway and airfield stencils, as needed.
• Applies automotive finishes. [DCA ONLY]
• Cleans work area and materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assembles and disassembles scaffolds as required. [DCA ONLY]
• Ensures that hazardous waste materials are disposed of according to established safety procedures.
• Maintains equipment; and may make minor repairs to tools and equipment, as needed.
• May substitute for the Painter Leader in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the painting trade.
• Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in the painting trade to perform a wide range of work in painting interior and exterior surfaces of buildings, pavement, and vehicles.
• Knowledge of and skill in using painting tools and equipment to achieve durable industrial or commercial finishes in accordance with specifications, instructions, and trade standards and practices.
• Knowledge of and skill in the proper use and application of various materials, primers, and additives to prepare paint preparation materials and coatings.
• Skill in using a wide variety of tools and equipment for painting structures, pavements, and vehicles.
• Ability to analyze data and information (including blueprints and schematics).
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Skill in using a computer and computerized work order, time, and attendance systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of pavement striping procedures and equipment.
• Experience in automotive painting or repair.
• Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver (CDL)

EDUCATION

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver's license in good standing.
• A Class B CDL within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
• Able to obtain an Airfield Movement Area (DM) endorsement on ID Badge within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
• Successfully complete the "Air Marking Professional Certification" Program within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Works midnight shifts 6-7 months, on Airfield, spring to early fall. [DCA ONLY]
• Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 50 pounds). Moves a 500-pound, self-propelled push striper. Moves 700-pound drums of pavement paint using a forklift. May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position or work on ladders and scaffolds.
• May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and painting trade, including adverse weather conditions and dust/grease/dirt. Wears personal protective gear, as needed.
• May work nights/weekends.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services a