What are the responsibilities and job description for the Floor Technician position at Abel hardwood Flooring?
1. Job Site & Surface Preparation
- Move and protect items
- Assist in moving furniture and rugs from the work area.
- Place protective coverings (plastic, paper, drop cloths) over cabinets, counters, and nearby surfaces.
- Tape off baseboards, vents, and doorways as directed.
- Initial floor inspection
- Walk the floor and note any loose boards, squeaks, or visible damage.
- Mark high spots, deep scratches, and pet-stain areas with tape for the lead tech to review.
- Fastener and hardware check
- Locate and set any raised nails or screws below the surface using a nail set.
- Remove or tape over floor registers and hardware so they’re not damaged during sanding.
2. Sanding Support Tasks
- Equipment setup (under supervision)
- Help bring in sanding machines, hoses, and vacuums.
- Assist in plugging in extension cords safely and routing them to avoid trip hazards.
- Grit change management
- Retrieve and organize sanding belts, discs, and screens by grit (e.g., 36, 60, 80, 100).
- Label containers or shelves clearly so the correct grit is easy to find.
- Edge and corner prep
- Use a scraper or hand-sanding block in corners and along edges where machines can’t reach.
- Light hand-sanding between machine passes to smooth rough spots.
- Dust control
- Operate shop vac or dust extractor as directed, keeping hoses clear and filters clean.
- Vacuum thoroughly between grit changes and after each sanding stage.
- Safety checks
- Keep cords, hoses, and tools organized to prevent tripping.
- Confirm dust masks, eye protection, and hearing protection are available and worn correctly.
3. Cleaning Between Sanding Stages
- Detailed vacuuming
- Vacuum the entire floor, including corners, edges, and under radiators.
- Vacuum window sills, vents, and nearby surfaces where dust settles.
- Fine dust removal
- Use microfiber mops or cloths to pick up remaining dust after vacuuming.
- Wipe baseboards and trim to remove dust before finishing.
- Floor inspection after sanding
- Look for swirl marks, missed areas, and uneven sanding; mark any issues with tape for the lead tech.
- Check for remaining old finish near walls and doorways.
4. Staining & Color Tasks (Under Close Supervision)
- Stain preparation
- Shake or stir stain according to manufacturer directions.
- Label stain cans with room name, color, and date opened.
- Test area assistance
- Help apply stain in small test areas as directed by the lead tech.
- Note drying time and color changes for documentation.
- Stain application support
- Work on less visible areas (closets, under radiators) with applicators, following the lead tech’s pattern and pace.
- Wipe excess stain with clean rags, ensuring even coverage.
- Rag handling and safety
- Place used rags in proper metal containers or water-filled buckets to prevent spontaneous combustion.
- Label and store stain materials safely at the end of the day.
5. Finish Application Support (Sealer & Topcoats)
- Product and tool prep
- Set out finish cans, trays, rollers, and applicators.
- Check rollers and pads for lint and defects before use.
- Room setup for finishing
- Confirm doors and windows are arranged as directed for proper ventilation.
- Post signs or tape off entries so no one walks on wet finish.
- Finish application assistance
- Apply finish in small, low-visibility areas (closets, behind doors) under supervision.
- Maintain wet edges by following the lead tech’s direction and pace.
- Dry-time monitoring
- Record application times and note when surfaces are dry to touch, ready for recoating, or ready for light foot traffic.
6. Repair & Touch-Up Tasks
- Minor repairs
- Fill nail holes and small gaps with wood filler, matching color as closely as possible.
- Lightly sand filled areas flush once dry.
- Edge and trim touch-ups
- Hand-sand small missed spots or uneven edges.
- Carefully touch up finish near thresholds and transitions using a small brush.
7. End-of-Day & Final Cleanup
- Tool cleaning and maintenance
- Clean sanding dust from machines, hoses, and vacuums.
- Rinse or replace rollers, brushes, and pads according to company standards.
- Job site cleanup
- Remove tape and protective coverings without damaging surfaces.
- Sweep and vacuum the work area and nearby rooms.
- Waste handling
- Collect and dispose of used sandpaper, plastic, and debris properly.
- Store or dispose of used rags safely following fire-safety procedures.
8. Documentation & Communication Tasks
- Job notes
- Record grits used, number of sanding passes, stain color, and finish type.
- Note any issues encountered (soft spots, heavy pet stains, repairs needed).
- Photo documentation
- Take before, during, and after photos of the floor as directed.
- Organize photos by room or area for easy reference.
- Customer-ready walkthrough prep
- Help ensure floor is free of debris and clearly marked as “wet” or “do not enter” if applicable.
- Assist in setting up fans or signage for the final cure period.
9. Apprentice Development Tasks
- Skill-building under supervision
- Practice controlled use of edger or small sander on test boards or scrap material.
- Observe lead tech’s technique for sanding patterns, edging, and finish application.
- Safety and product knowledge
- Read product labels and safety data sheets for stains and finishes.
- Learn and repeat company’s standard sanding sequence and finishing procedure.
Pay: $25.49 - $30.70 per hour
Benefits:
- On-the-job training
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $25 - $31