Varnisher

The Hinckley Company; Southwest Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Full benefits package

Paid time off

Waterfront location

Job summary

Hinckley Yachts in Maine is seeking a skilled Varnisher to prepare and finish wood, fiberglass, metal, and other surfaces to Hinckley’s exacting standards. You will work with painting and varnishing processes, focusing on surface prep, color matching, and achieving a flawless finish.

Join a team that values craftsmanship, safety, and pride in workmanship. This on-site role offers a waterfront work environment, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow skilled finishing capabilities in

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of painting experience, preferably in boatbuilding or marine repair.
• Proficiency in various painting and varnishing techniques.
• Knowledge of basic hand tools and power tools, including sandpaper, paintbrushes, cleaning agents, masking tape, grinders, surface sanders, dual-action (DA) sanders, block sanders, and polishers.
• Familiarity with color matching and blending techniques.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Surface Preparation: Prepare wood, metal, fiberglass, and other surfaces for painting and varnishing. Preparation includes stripping, scuffing, sanding, masking, and priming surfaces, hardware, and windows.

Skills

Painting experience

Finish techniques

Color matching

Basic computer skills

Teamwork/independence

Education

Woodworking course

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Sanders

Polishers

Job description

Description

Since 1928, Hinckley Yachts has continued to push boundaries of what’s possible on the water. Our heritage is built on bold ideas, uncompromising craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—principles that guide every yacht we design and every customer experience we deliver. Joining our team means stepping into an environment where precision, curiosity, and initiative are celebrated. Here, your work doesn't just support a legacy—it helps shape the future of yachting.

Job Summary

As a Varnisher, you’ll be part of a skilled team responsible for preparing and finishing wood, fiberglass, metal, and other surfaces to meet Hinckley’s high standards for quality and craftsmanship. The ideal candidate will have experience in painting and varnishing, with knowledge of surface preparation, finishing techniques, and color matching. If you take pride in detailed work and are passionate about craftsmanship, we invite you to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Surface Preparation: Prepare wood, metal, fiberglass, and other surfaces for painting and varnishing. Preparation includes stripping, scuffing, sanding, masking, and priming surfaces, hardware, and windows.
• Tools & Equipment: Use appropriate hand tools, power tools, scrapers, sandpaper, steel wool, and chemicals to prepare and finish surfaces.
• Application: Apply paint, varnish, stain, gelcoat, enamel, and lacquer as appropriate, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with Hinckley quality standards.
• Safety Compliance: Follow prescribed safety rules and regulations while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area.
• Quality: Perform all work to Hinckley quality standards.
• Other: Follow established instructions and procedures and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of painting experience, preferably in boatbuilding or marine repair.
• Proficiency in various painting and varnishing techniques.
• Knowledge of basic hand tools and power tools, including sandpaper, paintbrushes, cleaning agents, masking tape, grinders, surface sanders, dual-action (DA) sanders, block sanders, and polishers.
• Familiarity with color matching and blending techniques.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining Hinckley’s standards for quality and craftsmanship.

What Hinckley Can Offer

Our culture values collaboration, continuous learning, and pride in craftsmanship. Here, your work doesn’t just make an impact; it becomes part of a tradition that defines performance and luxury.

Hinckley offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision coverage, a full benefits package, paid time off, and the unique benefit of working in a stunning waterfront location. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. Hinckley actively promotes a culture free from discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of painting experience, preferably in boatbuilding or marine repair.
• Education: Woodworking course preferred.
• Certifications: Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for prolonged periods.
• Pre-Employment: All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check as a condition of employment.

The Hinckley Company is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, genetics, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of painting experience, preferably in boatbuilding or marine repair.
• Education: Woodworking course preferred.
• Certifications: Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for prolonged periods.
• Pre-Employment: All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check as a condition of employment.