Posted August 19, 2026
Paint Prepper
Puget Collision
McMinnville, OR, US
Full Time
18.5USD - 25.5USD per hour
Job Description
Job Description
Auto Body Collision Repair: Paint Prepper
Job Description: Auto Paint Prepper
The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helper must ensure quality in protection of vehicle and paint application while providing a timely delivery to meet repair target dates.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Location: Full Time Hourly
Job Responsibilities:
- Inspect quality of repairs, received by the Body Department before painting begins.
- Ensures safe and organized vehicle flow in and out for the Paint department
- Adhere to paint production schedule as designated by Lead Painter
- Capable of operating Spray Booth & other paint related equipment
- Ability to mask and apply protection for a vehicle appropriately.
- Knowledgeable in cleaning and sand prepping the area for spraying.
- Accurately selects paint materials and mixes paint accurately to color code.
- Ability to spot paint accurately, seeing details at a close range and judging colors accurately.
- Skilled in applying paint that is corrosion resistant and creates a smooth, consistent finish.
- Ability to disassemble, clean and reassemble painting equipment
- Return spray booth and mix room to pre-paint condition after each repair.
- Ensures a clean and safe work area, utilizing PPE equipment effectively, hazardous waste compliance is followed.
- Bring shortages of supplies to the attention of the Lead Painter for replenishment
- Adhere to company standard for paint supplies and product.
Key Performance Metrics
- Paint Gross Profit of 60% or higher with efficient paint usage and limited overuse
- Customer Service Index Score 95+ for Quality, Done on Time, and Net Promoter Score
- Cycle Time Efficiency
Skills/Technical Qualifications:
- I-CAR Certification required withing 1st year of employment.
- Basic understanding of all facets of paint application for automobile collision repair.
- The ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately and consistently and to work independently as well as with others in an organized manner.
Behavioral Excellence Required:
- Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
- Participate in training programs as required to maintain the technical and professional skills and techniques necessary for this position
- Maintain a clean, organized work area always, adhering to 5S organization.
- Extend normal working hours as necessary to accommodate workload and customer requirements.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in an automotive collision repair and paint shop environment for extended periods.
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while preparing vehicle surfaces for paint.
- Ability to work in various positions, including above shoulder level, below waist level, and in confined spaces.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive sanding, masking, cleaning, taping, buffing, and operation of hand and power tools.
- Ability to safely operate sanding equipment, spray guns, buffers, grinders, and other paint preparation tools and equipment.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions for extended periods while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
- Ability to visually inspect vehicle surfaces for dents, imperfections, contaminants, paint defects, and repair quality, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
- Ability to distinguish colors and color variations for paint preparation and quality control purposes.
- Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
- Ability to safely navigate around moving vehicles, equipment, tools, and active repair operations.
- Ability to tolerate exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, solvents, chemicals, and varying temperatures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
- Ability to communicate effectively with painters, technicians, supervisors, and coworkers regarding repair status, quality concerns, and production needs.
- Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures in a fast-paced production environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
