Painter

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe.  With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Painter is responsible for performing skilled painting work on interiors and exteriors of buildings and facilities and helps provide oversight to contracted painting services. The Painter performs a variety of journey-level duties in skilled painting work. The Painter will also be assigned maintenance duties in support of other Facilities Services departments and other projects as needed. This technician consults with the Maintenance Manager on all matters involving the operation, maintenance and work scheduling.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assure that surfaces for painting or finishing are properly prepared by scraping, sanding, washing or otherwise removing dirt, old finishes, scale or rust from surfaces; removing paint from surfaces by using sanders, wire brushes, paint and varnish removers in a safe manner.
• Determine need for patching cracks in plaster, drywall, wood or other materials and determine the proper filler materials and finishing technique, utilizing proper paints and applications for painting projects.  
• Maintain a neat work area by placing drop cloths or plastic to protect adjacent surfaces. Tape baseboards, glass and other surfaces with masking tape and/or paper for protection. Protect workspace and the public from harm using proper guarding, barriers, caution tape and warning signs.
• Install, work from, and remove scaffolding, stages, planks, ladders, jacks and other work platforms while adhering to proper safety rules and precautions.
• Mix and blend colors for all types of pigmented paints; mix latex, oil paints, enamels, varnishes and all types of materials to proper consistency for brush, roller or spray painting equipment.
• Professionally apply primers, sealers, and undercoats to surfaces with brushes, rollers, or spray painting equipment.
• Maintain equipment by cleaning brushes, rollers, spray and other painting equipment using the proper solvents, thinners and other materials, observing safety requirements after every use.
• Assure adherence to safety rules and precautions when operating the ladder truck or other service trucks.
• Maintain inventory and a well-organized shop and service vehicle.
• Check computerized work order system and organize schedule on a daily basis.
• Maintain accurate records of paint colors in campus buildings. 
• Consult daily with the Maintenance Manager for prioritizing and scheduling projects. Assist with other maintenance projects and technicians to perform other duties as needed. 
• Work within the safety regulations for federal, state, and Whitman College. Actively participate in the accident prevention program, including attending safety programs. Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and reporting them to the supervisor.
• Respond to campus emergencies for repair work as needed. Required to be on-call a minimum of four weekends annually.
• Complete other duties as assigned (e.g. vacancy coverage, inclement weather, moving, furniture set-up, other trade responsibilities).
• Serve as essential personnel, which means duties are essential to the operations of the College and require that the technician report to campus for work even during full or partial closures, emergencies, inclement weather, etc.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Ability to blend and match paint colors and determine best product and technique for each project.
• Ability to oversee large and small painting projects.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds; install, work from, and take down scaffolding; work from 24’ extension ladder and other work platforms using safety procedures.
• Ability to work within the safety rules of Washington State and Whitman College.
• Ability to be on-call at least four weekends annually and work after hours when necessary.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, close quarters, or in a standing or kneeling position for extended periods.
• Ability to organize a daily work schedule and use a computerized work order system. 
• Ability to use computers for email, creating reports, working on spreadsheets, etc.
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and accessibility.
• Ability to be reliable and capable of working independently on assigned shifts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years' experience as a journey-level painter.  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with three years of driving experience, and able to pass a motor vehicle report.  
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicable trade school training and certification.
• Past experience in standard painting and maintenance practices and procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic areas such as higher education, K-12 schools, or healthcare.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work environment is primarily inside Whitman facilities and sometimes outside, both of which may include working in high places. The Painter may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, respirators). Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the maintenance responsibilities. Requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin April 19, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

May 2024