What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paint Technician position at Owen Companies?
POSITION SUMMARY
The Paint Technician is responsible for surface preparation, painting, and refinishing of truck bodies, chassis, components, and equipment in the shop, ensuring all work is completed safely, accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with company, manufacturer, and customer specifications. Working under the direction of the Service Manager, this role owns finish quality, productivity, and timely completion of assigned work, documents labor and materials on work orders, and verifies finished work meets quality standards before release. This position works closely with the Service Manager, fellow technicians, and the Parts department to deliver a consistently high level of workmanship and customer satisfaction.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Surface Preparation, Painting & Refinishing
- Prepare surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming, including grinding welds and applying filler and seam sealer.
- Mix and match paint colors to achieve the desired finish and meet manufacturer and customer specifications.
- Apply primers, single-stage, base/clear, and specialty coatings using spray guns, brushes, or rollers.
- Perform minor body, dent, and fiberglass repair as required.
- Inspect finished work for runs, sags, contamination, and color mismatch, and make any necessary touch-ups, sanding, buffing, and polishing.
- Complete assigned paint work in the priority order set by the Service Manager, performing quality work the first time to reduce rework and control material costs.
Work Order Documentation
- Complete work orders accurately, documenting labor, paint and materials used, paint codes, and repair notes.
- Confirm preparation, painting, curing, and final inspection are complete before submitting equipment to the Service Manager for release.
Communication & Teamwork
- Represent the company professionally in any customer or vendor interactions.
- Communicate work status, delays, additional repair needs, and finish, color-match, or warranty concerns clearly to the Service Manager.
Training & Skill Development
- Continuously develop refinishing technique, color-matching ability, productivity, and finish quality.
- Participate in company, OEM, and paint manufacturer technical and product training offerings.
Safety, Organization & Policy Compliance
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, paint booth, and spray equipment.
- Follow all safety protocols, guidelines, and regulatory requirements, including proper handling and disposal of paints, solvents, and hazardous materials.
- Properly use personal protective equipment, including respirators, tools, and safe work practices at all times.
- Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional certification in painting or a related field (paint manufacturer, I-CAR, or ASE) is a plus.
- Proven experience as an automotive, truck body, or industrial painter or in a similar role; two to five years of experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of painting techniques and materials, with the ability to mix and match paint colors accurately.
- Strong attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work performed in a shop and paint booth environment with exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, and solvents.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb ladders or work platforms for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to wear a respirator and pass a fit test as required.
TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS
- Occasional travel may be required for training or certification.
- Standard Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility to meet peak periods or business needs.
- Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required.