Blaster

Job Description

Job Description

Blaster

Job Title: Blaster 

Location: San Diego, CA 

Pay Range: $21.00 – $31.00 per hour (DOE) 

Position Summary: The Marine Painter / Blaster is responsible for the surface preparation and application of high-performance coatings to various naval and commercial vessels. This role involves the use of specialized blasting equipment and advanced coating systems to protect ship structures from corrosion in accordance with NAVSEA Standard Items and shipyard specifications. The candidate must be proficient in working within confined spaces and at heights to support vessel repair and new construction phases.

Essential Functions:

• Performs abrasive blasting (sandblasting) and hydro-blasting to achieve required surface profiles on steel and aluminum substrates.
• Applies specialized marine coatings, including epoxies, anti-fouling paints, and non-skid systems, using airless sprayers, conventional spray, and brush/roller techniques.
• Sets up and maintains preservation equipment, including blast pots, spray pumps, air compressors, and ventilation systems.
• Performs precision measurements of wet film thickness (WFT) and dry film thickness (DFT) using gauges to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
• Interprets Process Control Procedures (PCP) and Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) to document environmental conditions and blast profiles.
• Writes detailed Condition Found Reports (CFR) if structural damage or excessive corrosion is identified during the preservation process.
• Manages the proper handling, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with environmental regulations.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of marine painting and blasting experience in a shipyard environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 (Preservation Requirements) and industrial safety protocols.
• Coating Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to mix multi-component coatings and operate high-pressure airless spray equipment.
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain DBIDS credentials for access to military installations.
• Safety: Thorough understanding of confined space entry, fall protection, and respirator fit-testing requirements.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands for preservation work are strenuous and occur daily on ships and piers.

• Lifting: Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs frequently and 100 lbs occasionally with assistance.
• Stamina: Capability for prolonged standing, kneeling, and working in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Agility: Must be able to access work areas through 18” x 36” openings and work in confined spaces for 33-66% of the work day.
• Heights: Ability to work from scaffolding, ladders, and mechanical lifts at heights exceeding 12 feet.

Work Environment:

• Conditions: Work occurs in environments ranging from standard shops to outside vessel locations with exposure to extreme heat, dust, and precipitation.
• Vessel Interior: Work is frequently conducted in confined, dimly lit, and hot areas within the vessel.
• Safety: Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including blast hoods, respirators, Tyvek suits, steel-toe boots, and safety harnesses.

Compliance: Must comply with company best safety practices, OSHA standards, and the "Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy". Consistent attendance and the ability to work overtime or varying shifts to meet aggressive dry-dock schedules are required.

Benefits: 

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

To see a list of more available jobs, please visit leadstaff.com/jobs/

About LEAD Staffing 

Lead Staffing, established in 2010, specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  

LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.