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Paint Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Painter

Corning, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Production Supervisor PURPOSE OF POSITION Paint correct parts, components, and products as ... Must be able to frequently lift and/or move more than 50 pounds with assist available. * Must be ...

Painter Lead

Newton, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $25.25/hr

Repair paint equipment to include replacing tips, hoses, pump filters, etc. * Inspection of work * Complete Quality and Production documents * Lead a Product Surface Prep Team * Assist in completion ...

New

Powdercoat Painter

Clarinda, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Paint team members are responsible for painting and washing quality trailer with outstanding ... * Assist in other areas and perform other duties, as needed. (This is not intended to be a ...

Painter Lead

Newton, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $25.25/hr

Repair paint equipment to include replacing tips, hoses, pump filters, etc. * Inspection of work * Complete Quality and Production documents * Lead a Product Surface Prep Team * Assist in completion ...

New

Performs various routine preventative maintenance tasks and repairs utilizing painting, electrical ... May assist with cleaning, stripping, sealing, waxing and buffing floors. May clean, repair and ...

Showing results 41-60

Paint Assistant information

What is a paint assistant?

Paint Assistants are professionals who support painters and painting teams by preparing surfaces, mixing paints, masking areas, cleaning equipment, and ensuring a safe and organized workspace. They play a crucial role in the painting process by handling the preparatory and support tasks, allowing painters to focus on the application. Paint Assistants may work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the specific job requirements. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow instructions are important qualities for this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a paint assistant?

As a Paint Assistant in an automotive repair shop, your daily tasks typically include preparing vehicles for painting by sanding, masking, and cleaning surfaces, mixing paint according to specifications, and assisting the lead painter with equipment setup and cleanup. You may also be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized workspace, tracking inventory of painting supplies, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work well with a team to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paint Assistant, you need knowledge of surface preparation, paint mixing, and application techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with spray booths, sanding equipment, and basic safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality finishes, safety compliance, and smooth workflow in painting and refinishing environments.

What is the difference between Paint Assistant vs Painter Helper?

AspectPaint AssistantPainter Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, residential and commercial projectsConstruction sites, residential and commercial projects
Employer & Industry UsagePainting contractors, construction companiesPainting contractors, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Paint Assistant and a Painter Helper is often minimal, with both roles supporting painters in preparation and cleanup tasks. However, 'Paint Assistant' may imply a slightly more formal or specialized position, sometimes with additional responsibilities or certifications. Both roles are essential in painting projects, working in similar environments and industries.

How to become a paint assistant?

To become a paint assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience with painting or related manual work. Skills in handling painting tools, understanding safety procedures, and working in a team environment are important; on-the-job training is common, and some employers may prefer candidates with basic knowledge of paints and surface preparation.

What does a paint assistant do?

A paint assistant helps with preparing surfaces, mixing paints, and applying paint under the supervision of a painter or supervisor. They may also clean tools, set up equipment, and ensure safety protocols are followed in the painting environment. Basic knowledge of painting techniques and safety procedures is often required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paint jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Paint jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Paint Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Paint Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Paint Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Painter I - 2nd Shift-Riceville, Iowa

Oshkosh Corporation

Floyd, IA • On-site

$20 - $28.34/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About McNeilus, an Oshkosh Company
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. is committed to serving everyday heroes and is an industry leading designer and manufacturer of refuse truck bodies. McNeilus produces a complete line of high-performance rear load, front load, and automated side load refuse bodies to augment any refuse collection fleet. Our team members are critical in our mission of supporting waste warriors and keeping communities safe and clean.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Painter is responsible for the application of paint and other coatings using electrostatic / air assist paint guns and other automotive type paint application devices on Company products including military spec paint. This position has the knowledge and skills to perform in any and each area of the paint process.
Pay Range: $20 - $28.34
YOUR IMPACT:
These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.
  • Prime, paint, and touchup vehicles with power spray equipment and brushes. Flush tanks, hoses, and guns prior to color changeovers. Mix all types of paints for proper color, formula, conditions, viscosity, and consistency. Perform titrations and mix or adjust chemicals as needed.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment in compliance with safety procedures, rules, and proper 6S standards. Demonstrate best practices to follow all safe procedures in assembling and testing of all models/products in assigned job function.
  • Upkeep of work area and equipment which may include preventative maintenance tasks. Inspect product before, during, after paint process to ensure specifications are being met.
  • Sand, wash, and condition parts as necessary. Light bodywork may be required.
  • Inspection of completed parts for quality, validate components meet.
  • Team member has the knowledge and skills to perform in every area of the paint process.
  • Assist training new team members on processes and equipment functions.
  • Ability to start training to perform touch-up.
  • Participate in onboarding training and annual training related to being a hazardous waste handler as required by the EPA RCRA hazardous waste rules. This will include ability to understand what waste hazards are, storage time limits, satellite accumulation, marking, labeling, weekly inspections, aisle space, storage, manifest shipping, use and location of emergency equipment, response to spills and fires, evacuation routes, etc.
  • Disassemble, clean, repair, adjust and reassemble painting equipment, such as pumps, paint heaters, tanks, spray guns, etc. for proper operation (Repairs are only required in Dodge Center).
  • Apply decals, stencils, and rust-proofing as required (Dodge Center only).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Six (6) months of industrial painting experience or completion of internal paint training program or an evaluated equivalent.
  • Must be able to read checklists, paint codes, Safety logs, JSA's, SWI's etc.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Automotive paint experience.
  • Willingness to train in multiple areas to obtain a Painter ll level Able to proficiently paint in single assigned area.
  • Able to proficiently paint in single assigned area.
  • Must be able to perform mill checks and readings and help with paint prep (Riceville only).
  • Able to perform fine line painting technique (Riceville only).

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Internal Contacts: Contact with peers and others involving explanation of information (these contacts may be within or outside department or division), and the gathering of factual information; may include the communication of sensitive or confidential information.
  • External Contacts: Limited external contact to: gather information, answer queries, or ask assistance.
  • Communication Skills: Read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Read, analyze and interpret business manuals, technical procedures and/or government regulations.
  • Decision-Making: Requires minimal decision-making responsibility.
  • Complexity, Judgment and Problem Solving: Work of a relatively routine nature. Requires the ability to understand the follow instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Physical Demands: Frequent: Standing, Walking/Running, Sitting, Reaching, Hearing, Talking, Visual, Typing; Occasional: Climbing, Driving, Bending/Kneeling, Hearing, Talking, Visual, Typing, Fine Dexterity, Manual Dexterity; Upper Extremity Repetitive Motion, Lifting/Carrying 25lbs., Pushing/Pulling 25llbs.
  • Non-Physical Demands: Occasional: Analysis/Reasoning, Communication/Interpretation, Math/Mental Computation, Reading, Sustained Mental Activity (i.e. auditing, problem solving, grant writing, composing reports), Writing.
  • Environmental Demands: Occasional: Work Alone, Frequent Task Changes, Tedious/Exacting Work, Dust, Temperature Extremes, Loud Noises.
  • Work Schedule: Routine shift hours. Infrequent overtime, weekend, or shift rotation.
  • Demands/Deadlines: Occasional stress due to deadlines or workload because of intermittent or cyclical work pressures, or occasional exposure to distressed individuals within the immediate work environment.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

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