Job Description: Blaster Painter
Reports To: Foreman / Site Superintendent / Operations Management
Work Location: Project Sites (Regional / Nationwide as Assigned)
Position Summary
The Blaster Painter is responsible for safely performing abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and industrial coating application on steel, concrete, piping, tanks, vessels, structural components, and related industrial assets. This position supports Gemstone Industrial Services projects by preparing surfaces to specified standards, applying coatings in accordance with manufacturer and project requirements, maintaining equipment, and contributing to a safe, productive, and quality-focused job site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Surface Preparation & Blasting
· Perform abrasive blasting and surface preparation in accordance with project specifications and applicable industry standards.
· Remove rust, mill scale, corrosion, existing coatings, and contaminants from surfaces prior to coating application.
· Operate blast pots, hoses, nozzles, compressors, vacuum recovery systems, and related equipment safely and efficiently.
· Protect adjacent surfaces, equipment, and work areas from overspray, dust, abrasive media, and damage.
· Verify cleanliness and surface profile requirements before coating work begins.
Safety Responsibilities
· Follow all Gemstone Industrial Services safety policies, OSHA requirements, and site-specific safety procedures.
· Use required PPE including respiratory protection, blast hood, hearing protection, fall protection, gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
· Participate in toolbox talks, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, and safety inspections.
· Maintain awareness of confined space, lead/hazardous coatings, ventilation, fire prevention, and environmental containment requirements.
· Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, equipment concerns, or environmental issues to supervision.
Coating Application & Quality
· Apply primers, intermediate coats, and finish coats using airless spray, conventional spray, brush, roller, or other approved methods.
· Mix coatings according to manufacturer instructions, including proper ratios, induction times, thinning limits, pot life, and environmental conditions.
· Apply coatings to specified wet film and dry film thickness requirements.
· Assist with readings and documentation using surface profile gauges, wet film gauges, dry film thickness gauges, dew point meters, and related inspection tools.
· Identify and correct coating defects such as runs, sags, holidays, pinholes, missed areas, overspray, or insufficient coverage.
Equipment, Materials & Housekeeping
· Set up, operate, clean, and maintain blasting, painting, spray, containment, and support equipment.
· Inspect hoses, fittings, nozzles, air lines, filters, spray tips, pumps, and related components before use.
· Handle, store, and dispose of abrasives, coatings, solvents, and waste materials according to project and environmental requirements.
· Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout each shift and at project closeout.
Teamwork & Communication
· Work cooperatively with foremen, inspectors, supervisors, and other craft personnel to complete assigned tasks.
· Communicate production progress, material needs, equipment issues, and quality concerns to supervision.
· Follow daily work plans, project schedules, and instructions from field leadership.
· Maintain a professional attitude and appearance while representing Gemstone Industrial Services on client sites.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
· High school diploma or GED preferred.
· Minimum of 1–3 years of industrial blasting, painting, coatings, construction, shipyard, refinery, marine, or related field experience preferred.
· Experience with abrasive blasting, surface preparation, spray application, brush/roller application, and industrial coating systems preferred.
Certifications (Preferred)
· AMPP / SSPC abrasive blasting, spray application, or Coating Application Specialist certifications preferred.
· OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification preferred.
· Respirator fit test, fall protection, aerial lift, confined space, and lead/hazardous coatings training preferred where required by project scope.
· Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Working knowledge of industrial coatings, abrasive blasting methods, surface cleanliness standards, and coating application techniques.
· Ability to safely operate blasting and painting equipment, hand tools, power tools, and support equipment.
· Ability to read and follow coating data sheets, safety data sheets, work instructions, and project specifications.
· Strong attention to detail, quality, productivity, and safe work practices.
· Ability to work independently or as part of a crew in fast-paced industrial environments.
Physical & Work Environment
· Ability to work in industrial settings including plants, refineries, power facilities, marine facilities, bridges, tanks, infrastructure, and other project sites.
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, work at heights, and access confined spaces as required.
· Ability to wear respiratory protection, blast hood, protective clothing, fall protection, and other required PPE for extended periods.
· Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, hoses, materials, and equipment as required by job tasks.
· Willingness to work extended hours, nights, weekends, overtime, shutdowns, turnarounds, and travel assignments as project needs require.
Pay: $45.00 - $65.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
