Job Description
The Department of the Navy is hiring a Painter (WG-10) to support the overhaul and repair of U.S. Naval vessels through surface preparation and application of high-performance preservation coatings. This role is critical for enhancing structural integrity and reducing system failures.
Work locations include Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (Oahu, HI), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton, WA), and Trident Refit Facility Bangor (WA).
As a Painter, you will use drawings, specifications, and technical manuals to identify coating requirements and assemble blast equipment in dry-docks, piers, and on vessels. You will determine surface preparation methods based on current surface profile, cleanliness, tolerances, and metal loss.
Tasks include scaling, sanding, scraping, chemical removal, and washing of metal, wood, and plastic surfaces. You will also operate deck blast machines to remove coatings and oxide from ship decks.
This position requires wearing personal protective equipment continuously and working in environments with potentially harmful agents. You may be subject to drug testing, medical surveillance, and uncommon tours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This is a bargaining unit position requiring a pre-appointment physical and security clearance. The role suits experienced painters who can work independently with minimal supervision and are comfortable in industrial shipyard settings.
Salary & Compensation
Estimated market salary: $45,000 - $85,000 per year.
Qualification
This Painter position is at the WG-10 grade. Although no specific length of experience is required, you must demonstrate through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties. The screen-out element is: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Applicants must meet OPM's Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations.
- Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (screen-out element).
- Knowledge of surface preparation methods including scaling, sanding, scraping, chemical removal, and washing.
- Skill in applying high-performance preservation coatings on metal, wood, and plastic surfaces.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical manuals.
- Experience operating blast equipment and deck blast machines.
- Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous materials and wearing PPE.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in varying environmental conditions.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and pass a pre-employment physical and security clearance.
Role Responsibilities
Prepare surfaces of naval vessels using hand or mechanical means such as scaling, sanding, scraping, chemical removal, and washing.
- Apply high-performance preservation coatings to nuclear and non-nuclear naval vessels and equipment.
- Use drawings, specifications, and technical manuals to identify coating locations and assemble blast equipment.
- Determine appropriate surface preparation methods based on surface profile, cleanliness, tolerances, and metal loss.
- Operate deck blast machines to remove coatings and oxide from ship decks.
- Wear personal protective equipment continuously and participate in medical surveillance programs.
- Work uncommon tours including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
How to Apply
Open the USAJOBS announcement and with your USAJOBS or Login.gov account.
- Complete the federal application questionnaire and attach your resume (limited to 2 pages) and required documents.
- Ensure your resume includes employer name, start/end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week if less than full-time, and pay plan/series/grade for relevant federal experience.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 13,
- Late applications will not be considered.
Additional Information
This position is open to U.S. Citizens only.
- New employees must pass E-Verify employment verification.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- A pre-appointment physical examination and security clearance are required.
- Drug testing may be required; a positive test for marijuana will result in rescission of offer.
- Travel may be required, including to remote or isolated sites via military/commercial aircraft.
- Resumes must be no more than 2 pages; illegible resumes will not be considered.
About Company
The Department of the Navy is a branch of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for naval operations and maintaining the fleet. It employs a large civilian workforce across shipyards, bases, and facilities worldwide. This Painter position supports the overhaul and repair of naval vessels at major shipyards, contributing to mission readiness. The Department offers stable federal employment with structured pay grades and benefits.
FAQs
What locations are available for the Painter position with the Department of the Navy?
The Painter position is available at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (Oahu, HI), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton, WA), and Trident Refit Facility Bangor (WA).
What is the pay grade for this Painter job?
This Painter position is at the WG-10 pay grade.
What is the application deadline for the Navy Painter job?
The application deadline is October 13, 2026. Applications must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Do I need prior experience to apply for the Painter WG-10 position?
No specific length of experience is required, but you must demonstrate through experience and training that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills. The screen-out element is the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision.
What documents are required to apply for the Navy Painter job?
You need a complete resume (max 2 pages), the assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents such as DD-214 for veterans, transcripts if using education, and any licenses or certifications.
Is drug testing required for the Painter position?
Yes, this position may be subject to drug testing, including pre-employment and random testing. A positive test for marijuana will result in rescission of the job offer.
What is the screen-out element for this Painter job?
The screen-out element is 'Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision.' You must receive at least two points on this element to be considered eligible.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
No, you must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.