Lead Painter & Drywall Finisher

Lead Painter / Drywall Finisher

1980 Co. is seeking an experienced working lead painter and drywall finisher capable of performing high-quality work while helping lead and coordinate a crew of approximately three or more workers.

This is a hands-on position. The ideal candidate is not simply supervising others — they are expected to work alongside the crew, maintain production, identify problems early, and help ensure work is completed correctly and efficiently.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform professional interior and exterior painting, including preparation, priming, coating, touch-up, and finish work.
• Perform drywall taping, mudding, patching, sanding, skim coating, and preparation for paint.
• Understand and follow the proper order of operations for painting and drywall-finishing work.
• Evaluate surfaces and determine the appropriate preparation, primer, coating, or repair method before proceeding.
• Maintain consistent workmanship and attention to detail while working at a productive pace.
• Help organize and direct a crew of three or more painters/laborers.
• Assign and coordinate daily tasks based on priorities established by project leadership.
• Identify workmanship problems, incomplete preparation, or potential rework before they become larger issues.
• Verify completed work before moving to the next phase.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Communicate material needs, field conditions, concerns, and progress to project leadership.
• Protect finished surfaces, furnishings, flooring, fixtures, and adjacent work throughout the project.

Leadership & Judgment

We are looking for someone who can think through the work, not simply wait for step-by-step instructions.

The Lead Painter / Drywall Finisher should be comfortable making appropriate day-to-day trade decisions within their experience and authority, while knowing when an issue needs to be elevated to project leadership.

The right candidate should be able to lead respectfully, communicate clearly, teach less-experienced workers, maintain standards, and keep the crew productive.

Additional Responsibilities

This is a construction-company position, not a painting-only position. When painting or drywall work does not require the full crew, the employee must be willing to assist with general project needs, including:

• Material loading and unloading
• Site protection and cleanup
• Demolition
• Moving tools and materials
• General construction labor
• Punch-list work
• Minor repairs
• Other reasonable field tasks as needed

Experience with framing, carpentry, drywall installation, or general construction is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate:

• Has substantial professional painting experience.
• Has strong drywall taping and finishing skills.
• Understands primers, coatings, surface preparation, and finish requirements.
• Understands when full-surface preparation or priming is appropriate rather than relying only on spot repairs.
• Can balance quality, speed, and efficiency.
• Can lead a small crew while remaining productive personally.
• Pays close attention to details and finished appearance.
• Takes ownership of the work.
• Communicates problems rather than hiding or working around them.
• Is comfortable making reasonable field decisions.
• Accepts direction and feedback professionally.
• Is willing to teach and help develop other crew members.
• Is flexible and willing to assist with other construction activities when needed.

Position Philosophy

There is a right sequence and method for performing professional work. We expect experienced team members to understand their trade well enough to recognize those standards and apply good judgment in the field.

At the same time, employees should feel comfortable raising questions and making appropriate decisions without being afraid of being criticized simply for exercising judgment. The expectation is competence, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.