Industrial Painter - Vintage Equipment (Athol)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Industrial Painter – Heritage Restoration is responsible for all surface preparation, finishing, and coating work within the Heritage Group’s restoration center in Athol, Idaho. This position serves as the sole dedicated painter supporting the restoration, preservation, and presentation of antique steam-powered tractors and related heritage equipment dating primarily from the early 1900s.

 This role requires a unique blend of industrial painting skill, craftsmanship, and historical sensitivity. The painter will work closely with mechanics and fabricators to ensure that finishes are historically appropriate, visually exceptional, and durable—reflecting the quality standards expected of a museum-grade restoration environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform all surface preparation activities including cleaning, degreasing, sanding, grinding, filling, masking, and priming of metal components and assemblies.
• Apply industrial coatings, enamels, primers, and specialty finishes using spray systems, brushes, and rollers as appropriate for heritage equipment.
• Select and apply historically accurate colors, textures, and finishes in alignment with restoration standards and reference materials.
• Coordinate closely with vintage mechanics and fabrication staff to sequence painting activities within restoration workflows.
• Operate, maintain, and clean paint booths, spray equipment, and associated tools.
• Mix paints and coatings per manufacturer specifications and restoration requirements.
• Inspect finished surfaces for quality, correctness, and durability; rework as needed to meet appearance and preservation standards.
• Manage all painting-related materials including paints, solvents, abrasives, PPE, and supplies; assist with inventory tracking and reordering.
• Follow all safety protocols related to coatings, solvents, ventilation, and PPE at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area reflective of a flagship restoration facility.
• Support preparation, staging, and detailing of restored equipment for display, storage, or transport.
• Promote the Company’s Mission and Values, including an accountable, innovative, and results-oriented culture that promotes craftsmanship, teamwork, mutual trust, and respect.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years documented experience in industrial, automotive, or heavy equipment coating application.
• Strong knowledge of surface preparation techniques and industrial coating systems.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with a multidisciplinary restoration team.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to premium-quality workmanship.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions, product data sheets, and safety documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.
• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable motor vehicle history for business travel in company vehicles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience painting vintage, antique, or museum-quality equipment.
• Familiarity with historically accurate finishes or restoration best practices.
• Experience with large cast iron, steel, and fabricated assemblies.
• Maintenance Management System experience (Dynastar) preferred.
• Forklift or material handling equipment experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Production

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – frequent
• Twist upper body – frequent
• Stoop – occasional
• Stand/walk – constant
• Sit – occasional
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust). 

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.