Painter / Sandblaster - Brady Island - Houston, TX - Full-time

SUMMARY OF COMPANY

Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, Barge and boat repair, Surface preparation and painting, water treatment and new construction services to the commercial and government marine industry. Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four (4) shipyards in South Texas with direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico. We take pride in our dedicated and experienced workforce that focuses on Quality, Safety and Environmental Excellence. Our motto is “Faster, Safer, Better”.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the preparation, setup, and utilization of specialized equipment to apply sand or other abrasive materials to surfaces to remove paint, rust, or smooth out rough spots on surface, and/or prepare vessels or other objects for painting or coating.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Paint barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, external surface areas, and specialty components & areas with the required number or coats and coverage.
• Coat barge internal cargo tanks & voids with the required number of coats and coverage.
• Operate equipment, vacuum pumps, air pumps, compressors, blowers, meters, hoses etc. to accomplish sandblast & paint duties.
• Use specialized sandblasting equipment to abrade barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, external surface areas, and clean/remove blasting material residue, adhering scale, grease, tar, rust, and dirt from those surfaces in preparation of painting.
• Prepare metal surfaces for painting by removing old finishes, grease, rust, scale, and dirt by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, or using water or abrasive blasting.
• Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
• Select the type of abrasive material, such as sand, steel shot, or grit, based on the surface being cleaned and the desired finish.
• Set up the sandblasting equipment, including the air compressor, hoses, and nozzles, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Mix colors of paint or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies or according to formula and specifications.
• Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
• Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
• Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces on metal, for finish coats per specifications.
• Apply paint, stain, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, interior or exterior of ships, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
• Adjust the flow of abrasive material and air pressure to control the depth of the blast and the speed of cleaning.
• Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering on surfaces.
• Inspect the surface after sandblasting to ensure that it meets the specifications.
• Clean the sandblasting equipment after use to prevent corrosion, perform routine maintenance as required.
• Maintain records of the types and quantities of materials used.
• Follow safety procedures to protect oneself and others from injuries.
• Maintain close communication with Supervisor on status of daily activities and issues which may arise.
• Assist with planning and preparing daily schedule to facilitate efficient completion of duties.
• Adhere to and ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards, regulations, and policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be proficient in English and be able to communicate effectively with others; Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to wear a protective suit and a respirator.
• Ability to use, operate, and maintain specialized equipment including spray guns and paint booths.
• Ability to multitask, learn quickly, and meet deadlines as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, with a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
• Be detail-oriented, have steady hands, and the ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to understand Company Quality Manual and procedures described and required.
• Ability to manage time and tasks effectively and efficiently.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

In addition, Employees in this position must also be capable of:

• Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.
• Standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, or sitting for long periods of time.
• Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work.
• Climbing stairs, and/or vertical ladders of varying heights.
• Working in confined work areas and/or elevated heights.
• Lifting objects of minimum of 10lbs, with maximum single-person lift limit of 50lbs, with frequent lifting and carrying.
• Adapting to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure to dusty, wet, or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration.
• Visually inspecting equipment and verifying information, often in small print.
• Driving and/or operating heavy machinery safely and be alert and aware of surroundings at all times.
• Applying sideways/upward/downward pressure to tighten and loosen hardware.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• 1-3 years’ experience Painting and Sandblasting in an Industrial Manufacturing environment.
• 1 year experience operating a sandblast unit.
• Bilingual – Spanish, preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE

We have Day Shift positions available.
Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Day Shift: Monday-Friday - 7:00am to 3:30pm
Overtime and/or Weekend Availability may be required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary.
• Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life).
• 401(k)/Retirement Savings.
• Friendly Work Environment.
• Paid-Time off/Holidays.
• Career Path Opportunities

EEO Statement

Southwest Shipyard, LP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Southwest Shipyard, LP participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. 

Southwest Shipyard, LP is not currently accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Southwest Shipyard, LP, via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at Southwest Shipyard, LP in any form without a valid written agreement in place for that specific position will be deemed the sole property of Southwest Shipyard, LP. As a result, no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Southwest Shipyard, LP.