Join the Kniesel's Collision Family!

Automotive Paint Prepper / Entry-Level Painter /Apprentice Painter

Location: Kniesel's Collision – Shingle Springs, 4031 Wild Chaparral Dr., Shingle Springs, CA

Company Overview

Kniesel's Collision has proudly served Northern California for over 58 years as a family-owned and operated leader in collision repair. With 13 state-of-the-art locations across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties, we're known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a customer experience that stands above the rest.

When you join Kniesel's, you're not just taking a job—you’re building a career with a team that values your expertise, invests in your growth, and supports you every step of the way. Be part of a company where quality matters, people come first, and your future has room to grow.

Position Summary

Kniesel's Collision is seeking motivated individuals interested in building a rewarding career in automotive refinishing. Whether you have experience as a paint prepper, are currently assisting in a paint department, or are looking to begin your career as an automotive painter, we want to hear from you.

As a Paint Prepper / Entry-Level Painter, you will work alongside experienced refinish technicians to prepare vehicles for paint, perform refinishing support tasks, and progressively develop your painting skills. Depending on your experience level, responsibilities may include vehicle preparation, masking, sanding, priming, paint mixing, color matching, spray application, polishing, and final quality inspections.

This position offers hands-on training, career advancement opportunities, and a clear pathway toward becoming a fully qualified Automotive Refinish Technician within one of Northern California's leading collision repair organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicles and parts for refinishing through sanding, masking, feather edging, cleaning, and priming.
• Assist painters with vehicle preparation, including washing, sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces.
• Perform paint-related prep work while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Follow OEM, PPG, and Kniesel's Collision repair and refinish procedures.
• Mix paint and materials according to manufacturer specifications.
• Assist with color matching, blending procedures, and material preparation.
• Learn and properly operate paint equipment, spray guns, paint booths, and related tools.
• Apply primers, sealers, basecoats, and clearcoats as skills and experience allow.
• Perform denibbing, buffing, polishing, and final finish corrections.
• Follow repair plans and work orders to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Inspect completed paint work and perform quality checks in accordance with Kniesel's Quality Control standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
• Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure repairs meet manufacturer specifications.
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Kniesel's Collision's core values, quality standards, and customer service expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and leadership.
• Ability to read and understand repair orders, work orders, SOPs, and manufacturer procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, bend, and move throughout the workday.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Maintains a well-groomed, professional appearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in automotive paint preparation, detailing, collision repair, or a related trade.
• Basic understanding of sanding, masking, priming, or automotive refinishing processes.
• Familiarity with paint equipment and shop safety procedures.
• I-CAR or other industry certifications are a plus but not required.

Our Core Values

The ideal candidate reflects Kniesel's core values:

1. WOW Customer Service
2. Integrity
3. The Golden Rule
4. Quality
5. Humility
6. Family

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and skill level
• Performance-based incentives
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Personal Time (PTO)
• Competitive 401(k) Savings Program with Company Contribution
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Travel Assistance Program
• Additional Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and AFLAC options available
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Advancement opportunities within a growing, family-owned company

Pay Range

$18.00 – $35.00 per hour DOE (Depending on Experience)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kniesel's Collision is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $18 - $35