Coating Apprentice

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America. Waste Services VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration. Railcar Services VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance. Marine Services VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products. Role Summary: The Coating Apprentice assists experienced painters in various tasks related to preparing and applying industrial coatings to surfaces like steel structures and piping, Railcars, Tank Trailers and any other paint projects within the facility. The role involves learning to use tools, understanding surface preparation techniques, and adhering to safety protocols. This position is a potential pathway forward to achieving level A Coating Technician Status, combining on-the-job training and classroom. Job Duties: Key Responsibilities: Surface Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming surfaces to ensure proper coating adhesion. Coating Application: Learning to mix, apply, and finish industrial coatings using various methods like spraying, rolling, or brushing. Equipment Operation: Using tools such as spray guns, brushes, and other equipment related to industrial painting. Safety Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations and procedures to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Assist the coating tech A, B and Leadman equipment set-up for spraying, equipment maintenance, & safety. Quality Control: Ensuring, & understanding the quality of the finished product meets specified standards, and customer requirements Housekeeping: Shall dispose of all garbage, and paint can appropriately, help to maintain and clean all equipment after use such as purging paint lines and pumps. Requirements: - Basic math, reading comprehension, and writing skills - Dependable - Manages time effectively - Must be willing to help out in other departments as needed - Ability to work independently or as a team member - Must be authorized to work in the US - High School Graduate or equivalent preferred - Previous industrial or commercial coating/painting experience - Has a basic knowledge of the paint equipment and gages.