Paint Prepper 1

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Prep work is the foundation every paint job is built on — a finish is only as good as the surface underneath it, and the care taken during prep shows in the final result for years to come. Paint Prepper 1 is the entry point into Top Notch's painting career path, responsible for preparing surfaces and work areas to company standards so paint, stain, primer, and other coatings can be applied efficiently and hold up over time. It's an entry-level role, but not a small one — the work done here sets the ceiling for everything that follows. Prepper 1 employees are expected to develop the ability to work with minimal supervision, follow established preparation systems, recognize common problems, and leave work ready for coating without creating preventable rework.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $21–$26/hour, dependent on skill level. Top Notch promotes from within, and Prepper 1 is the first step on a real career path — employees who show strong ability and reliability have genuine opportunities to advance. Benefits may include sick leave, overtime opportunities, formal performance reviews, performance bonuses where applicable, and after applicable eligibility periods, 401(k), company matching, employee ownership/ESOP benefits, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Who We're Looking For

More than any specific skill, we're looking for the right attitude. This work rewards people who are detail-oriented and take pride in getting it right — even on the small, easy-to-rush parts of a project — because every one of those details shows up in the final finish. If you don't have every skill listed below yet, that's alright; we can teach the trade. What matters most is that you're teachable, eager to learn, and willing to put in the work. Show up with the right attitude, and we'll help you build the rest.

Core Responsibilities & Skills

• Surface prep: Clean, scrape, sand, patch, caulk, and correct other surface defects so surfaces are ready for coating.
• Sanding & repair: Select the right grit, feather edges smoothly, and properly prepare patches or repairs before coating.
• Masking & protection: Protect floors, windows, doors, trim, cabinets, furniture, and other finished surfaces using the right tape and materials.
• Tools & equipment: Use and maintain common prep tools safely, including sanders, drills, vacuums, brushes, hand tools, ladders, and other assigned equipment.
• Coating knowledge: Build a working understanding of primer, paint, stain, clear coat, and other coatings, including common sheen levels and oil- vs. water-based differences.
• Problem-spotting: Recognize and flag common issues such as failing coatings, moisture or water staining, rot, sun damage, adhesion problems, and surfaces that aren't ready for coating.
• Quality checks: Review your own completed prep before it moves to coating, and correct or report anything that could affect the finished result.
• Process & teamwork: Follow Top Notch's established prep and masking methods, keep the jobsite clean and organized, and work productively with the crew to keep projects on track.

1. Safety & Professional Expectations

• Follow required PPE, ladder, scaffolding, fall-protection, equipment, and jobsite safety procedures within assigned training.
• Recognize basic jobsite hazards and communicate conditions requiring correction; know how to locate applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Report to work consistently and on time, remain prepared for the scheduled workday, and use work time productively.
• Maintain a professional attitude, communicate respectfully, support coworkers, and follow company policies and core values.

Qualifications & Physical Requirements

• Previous painting, construction, surface-preparation, or related trade experience preferred; equivalent demonstrated ability considered.
• English required; bilingual ability preferred.
• Resume and references required.
• Clean driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel to project locations required.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 60 lbs., climb ladders, work at heights, work outdoors, and perform the physical duties of surface preparation.

About Top Notch Logworks, Inc.

Top Notch Logworks, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation founded in 1999 with a reputation for quality and dependability in custom construction and specialty finishing. As an ESOP company, team members have an opportunity to participate in long-term employee ownership.

Note: This description summarizes the primary expectations of the position and is not intended to list every task or training requirement. Additional company procedures, training packets, and competency standards apply.