Shop Helper

Paint Prep Laborer

The Paint Prep Laborer prepares metal components for the paint line by grinding, sanding, cleaning, and racking parts in a clean, organized production environment. This role focuses on paint preparation for large sheet metal parts and tubs and offers a clear path to grow into an industrial painter position over time.

Responsibilities

• Grind down welds on sheet metal components to ensure smooth, paint-ready surfaces.
• Sand and deburr metal parts to remove imperfections and prepare them for painting.
• Wash and clean large sink/tub assemblies and other metal components using sprayers and wash equipment.
• Rack and arrange parts on the paint line according to established procedures and production schedules.
• Tape and mask areas of parts as needed to protect surfaces during the painting process.
• Perform general labor tasks in the paint prep area, including cleaning workstations and maintaining an organized workspace.
• Use grinders and other hand tools safely and effectively to complete prep work.
• Follow detailed instructions to ensure all metal surfaces are fully prepared and meet quality standards before painting.
• Wear and properly use a respirator once fitted, and follow all safety protocols in the paint area.
• Work productively on a 1st shift schedule (Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) and support occasional optional overtime on Fridays when needed.
• Collaborate with the industrial painter and other team members to keep parts flowing efficiently through the paint line.
• Adhere to all safety, cleanliness, and production guidelines within the paint department.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of manufacturing experience, preferably in paint line preparation or racking.
• Experience with sanding, grinding, deburring, and general paint prep tasks on metal components.
• Ability to stand for an entire shift in a production environment.
• Ability to regularly lift 30–50 lbs, with most parts typically weighing 20 lbs or less.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure metal surfaces are completely ready for paint application.
• Comfort working with and wearing a respirator after being properly fitted.
• Willingness to work in a production paint area with mild dust and dirt from washing and sanding metal.
• Reliability in following safety procedures and using personal protective equipment correctly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with racking parts on a paint line.
• Familiarity with taping and masking parts for painting.
• Background in general labor within a fabrication, paint, or assembly environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a laid-back yet organized production setting.
• Comfort working around solvent-based paint in a clean paint shop.
• Interest in developing skills that can lead to an industrial painter role.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a laid-back, well-organized production environment with strong benefits and clear paths for growth. Team members receive a hiring transition to permanent status after the contract period, along with a raise upon becoming permanent. The organization offers a generous signing bonus structure, profit sharing based on company performance, multiple health plan options, and company-paid life and AD&D coverage. Employees have access to a health app at no cost that provides video and chat access to a therapist or primary-care-like support, along with support for medical prescriptions. The company provides nine paid holidays each year and promotes a supportive culture that values work-life balance and long-term employee development.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, organized, and fairly laid-back production facility focused on commercial lawn care equipment, including fabrication, painting, and complete assemblies. Work takes place primarily in the paint area, alongside an industrial painter who sprays products on the paint line. The standard schedule is 1st shift, Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional optional overtime on Fridays for 4–6 hours when additional work is needed. A 2nd shift (Monday–Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.) may also operate as needed. Employees must complete a respirator fitting test and remain clean shaven to ensure proper respirator use while working on the line. The shop uses solvent-based paint, resulting in less airborne dust and residue than sandblasting, but the environment still involves mild dirt and dust from washing materials and sanding metal. The facility emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization throughout the paint area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of BLAINE, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in BLAINE, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.