Entry-Level Automotive Paint Prepper

As a Tech - Paint Prepper, your essential job functions include:

Supporting one or more of our Paint Technicians, you will wash vehicles, locate, and remove imperfections on panels and treat scratches and chips with plastic or liquid filler. You’ll tape up the cars, so we paint only the parts of the car that are intended, and smooth rough spots. After painting, you’ll remove the tape, clean the vehicle, and prepare it for buffing.

Perform the following items (60%)

Surface Preparation:

• Thoroughly inspect wheels for damage, cracks, bends, or other issues.

• Evaluate the extent of damage to determine the repair or refurbishment required.

• Inspect surfaces to be painted and assess their condition.

• Remove dirt, dust, and contaminants from surfaces using cleaning agents, solvents, and other appropriate methods.

Sanding and Smoothing: 

• Sand surfaces create a smooth and uniform texture, ensuring proper adhesion for paint.

• Repair minor imperfections or damage in surfaces, such as dents or scratches.

Masking and Taping: 

• Apply masking tape, paper, or other protective materials to areas that should not be painted.

• Cover windows, trim, or any parts that need to be shielded from paint. 

Priming: 

• Apply primer to surfaces to enhance paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. 

• Sand primed surfaces to achieve a smooth finish.

Quality Control and Service Excellence (30%)

• Clean and maintain painting equipment, including spray guns, paint booths, and related tools. 

• Follow safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe work environment. 

• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with safety regulations.

Serve as SME Technician for the Division (10%)

• Maintain records of preparation processes, materials used, and any issues or defects encountered. 

Other Duties as Assigned

Competencies Required

• Teamwork and Collaboration

• Customer Focus

• Communication Skills

• Process and Planning Orientation 

Position Requirement

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Previous experience in wheel refurbishing or automotive repair is preferred but not required

• Previous experience in paint preparation, automotive refinishing, or a related field is advantageous.

• Knowledge of painting and surface preparation techniques. 

• Proficiency with hand and power tools.

• Strong work ethic, self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• Toughness and grit to work outside in all kinds of weather

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record 

Physical Job Requirements

• Work in well-ventilated automotive repair shops or refurbishing facilities

• Physical stamina to frequently kneel, bend and squat, as well as lift up to 45 pounds

Drug Policy

• All applicants being considered for employment must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

The starting compensation is expected to be:

$22.00-$25.00/hour

Why Dent Wizard: An amazing opportunity to join a growing organization, built on the efforts of hard working, innovative, and team-oriented people. The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The total compensation package may also include commission, bonus or profit sharing. Sign on bonus is subject to state and local laws, terms and conditions, including employment status and length-of-service requirements. We offer a competitive & comprehensive benefit package including: paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401k match (50% on the dollar up to 7% of employee contribution). For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit our Dealer Tire Family of Companies Benefits Highlights Booklet.

EOE Statement: Dent Wizard is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities. 

*ADA Disclosure: Any candidate who feels that they may need an accommodation to complete this application, or any portions of same, based on the impact of a disability should contact Dent Wizard's Human Resources Department to discuss your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected].