Painter J4, C12 or C14 Certification

Nassco; Norfolk, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics NASSCO in Norfolk, VA seeks a highly skilled J4 Painter with C/12 or C/14 certification to lead complex preservation operations on marine coatings. Responsibilities include coordinating activities, training staff, and ensuring NAVSEA compliance and environmental standards.

The role requires mastery of coating systems, surface preparation, and preservation procedures, with the ability to mentor junior painters and work within quality-driven processes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of NAVSEA 009-32 preservation requirements.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA 009-06 housekeeping requirements.
• Familiarity with SSPC surface preparation standards and coating application requirements.
• Experience with marine coating systems and preservation procedures.
• Understanding of environmental and quality compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced preservation operations to NAVSEA standards.
• Coordinate preservation activities across multiple work areas.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior personnel.
• Troubleshoot coating systems and equipment issues.
• Support inspections, audits, and customer reviews.

Skills

NAVSEA standards

Surface prep

Coating app

Quality assurance

Environmental compliance

Coatings knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Advanced preservation certifications

HAZWOPER certification

Respiratory protection qualifications

Job description

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Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit.In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn moreabout our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO.Come join our team!

We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Coating department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for one (1), J4 Painter with C/12 or C/14 certification.

Shift : 06:00 AM to 2:45 PM (1st Shift)

Security Clearance : No Clearance. Must be able Must be able to access all Navy installations and other shipyards by obtaining DBIDS and NAVSEA badges.

PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS

The Painter J4 is the senior-level marine preservation specialist responsible for leading complex preservation operations, providing technical expertise, coordinating work activities, and ensuring compliance with NAVSEA, customer, environmental, and quality requirements. This position serves as the department subject matter expert for coating systems, surface preparation, preservation procedures, and application methods while providing guidance and training to lower-level painters. The Painter J4 performs advanced preservation work with minimal oversight and assists supervisors in coordinating daily work activities. Must be able to perform all duties of lower J levels painter.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge
• Expert knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 preservation requirements
• Expert knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-06 housekeeping requirements
• Expert knowledge of SSPC surface preparation standards and coating application requirements
• Expert knowledge of marine coating systems including epoxy, enamel, nonskid, specialty coatings, and preservation systems
• Expert knowledge of coating compatibility, environmental limitations, curing requirements, induction times, and recoat windows
• Knowledge of quality assurance requirements, preservation checkpoints, and inspection processes
• Knowledge of environmental compliance requirements, NESHAP requirements, and preservation documentation
• Knowledge of work package requirements, specifications, and customer preservation standards
• Knowledge of shipboard preservation planning and execution
• Skills
• Skill in performing advanced surface preparation and coating application activities
• Skill in advanced spray application techniques and preservation system installation
• Skill in setting up preservation operations, equipment, and work areas
• Skill in troubleshooting coating application issues, equipment malfunctions, and preservation defects
• Skill in measuring, evaluating and documenting environmental conditions, wet film thickness (WTF) and dry film thickness (DFT)
• Skill in reviewing preservation requirements and ensuring compliance with specifications
• Skill in coordinating preservation activities across multiple work areas
• Skill in training and mentoring personnel in preservation methods, safety requirements, and quality standards
• Abilities
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and execute complex preservation work
• Ability to service as technical resource and subject matter expert (SME) for preservation operations
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex preservation-related issues
• Ability to oversee preservation activities and ensure compliance with quality requirements
• Ability to provide technical leadership and work direction to junior personnel
• Ability to coordinate preservation activities with production, quality assurance, customer representatives, and other trades
• Ability to evaluate work quality and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Ability to work safely in all shipboard and industrial environments

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS

• Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Experience
  • Demonstrated mastery of journeyman level 3 painter duties and responsibilities or equivalent senior-level marine preservation experience
• Certifications
  • Advanced preservation certifications
  • Obtain HAZWOPER certification
  • Must maintain required respiratory protection qualifications
  • Additional customer-required preservation certifications may be rquired

REQUIRED COMPANY-WIDE COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability: Anticipates and effectively handles change. Willingly accepts new ideas.
• Collaboration: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Seeks and values others’ opinions.
• Communication: Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Results Driven: Effectively manages time and resources to ensure work is completed efficiently and in line with priorities.
• Initiative: Proactively identifies a need, takes responsibility, and acts on it without being prompted.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Identifies problems, solves them, acts decisively, and shows good judgement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Core Responsibilities
• Lead and perform advanced preservation operations in accordance with NAVSEA requirements and customer requirements
• Coordinate preservation work activities and assist with work planning and execution
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and quality requirements
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to lower-level personnel
• Troubleshoot preservation equipment, coating systems, and application issues
• Support preservation inspections, checkpoints, audits, and customer reviews
• Key Duties
• Set up preservation operations, equipment, and work areas
• Interpret and apply NAVSEA requirements, work specifications, and preservation procedures
• Perform advanced surface preparation and coating application activities
• Operate and troubleshoot spray equipment, pumps, ventilation systems, and preservation support equipment
• Measure, evaluate, and document environmental conditions, WFT readings, and DFT readings.
• Verify material shelf life, batch numbers, induction periods, and application requirements
• Participate in and support preservation checkpoints, inspections, and audits
• Review completed work for compliance with preservation requirements
• Train and mentor junior personnel
• Assist supervisors with coordinating work assignments and preservation priorities
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to preservation quality, safety, and productivity
• Measurable Outcomes
• Preservation work consistently meets NAVSEA, customer, and quality requirements
• Environmental, WFT, and DFT requirements are accurately monitored and documented
• Preservation defects and equipment issues are effectively identified and resolved
• Quality inspections and checkpoints are successfully completed with minimal rework
• Junior personnel demonstrate successful development and progression
• Preservation activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 25 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights
• Ability to work in confined spaces and shipboard compartments
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel or crouch for extended periods of time.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment including respirators.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Coatings Foreman or General Foreman
• Works closely with other painters, trades personnel, and supervisors in the ship repair and maintenance activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work overtime, shifts and varying schedules as needed
• Must pass drug screening, background check and physical agility test
• Must obtain and maintain required badges and clearance (NAVSEA and DBIDS)
• Performs additional duties as assigned
• Travel up to 30% as required

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call [phone]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads
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