Paint Prepper / Apprentice Painter

Paint Prep Technician / Apprentice Painter - Shingle Springs

Kniesel's Collision - Shingle Springs
4031 Wild Chaparral Dr., Shingle Springs, CA 95682

Pay Range: $18.00 - $35.00/hour DOE

Join the Kniesel's Collision Family!

Kniesel's Collision has proudly served Northern California for over 58 years as a family-owned and operated leader in collision repair. With 13 state-of-the-art locations across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties, we're known for exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.

We are seeking a motivated Paint Prep Technician / Apprentice Painter who wants to build a long-term career in automotive refinishing. This role is ideal for candidates with previous paint prep, detailing, body shop, or other hands-on trade experience who are ready to develop into a professional Automotive Painter.

What You'll Do

• Assist painters with washing, sanding, masking, priming, and surface preparation
• Follow OEM, PPG, and Kniesel's Collision repair and refinish procedures
• Assist with paint mixing, color matching, blending, and material preparation
• Learn to operate paint equipment, spray guns, paint booths, and related tools
• Follow repair plans and work orders for quality, accuracy, and efficiency
• Perform quality checks and follow Kniesel's Quality Control standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Comply with safety, environmental, and hazardous waste regulations
• Support production flow by moving vehicles, parts, and materials as needed
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous automotive paint prep, detailing, body repair, or similar experience preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Experience with DA sanders, masking materials, pneumatic tools, or spray equipment preferred
• Trade school or automotive technical education is a plus
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to read and understand estimates, work orders, and SOPs
• Reliable attendance and a desire to build a long-term career
• Must be able to fluently read English
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds
• Professional appearance and strong communication skills

Career Development

• OEM-approved repair and refinishing procedures
• PPG paint systems and advanced color matching
• Blending, waterborne paint technology, and paint booth operations
• Spray gun setup, maintenance, buffing, and polishing
• Quality control and industry best practices
• I-CAR training and continuous professional development
• Advancement from Paint Prep Technician to Automotive Painter, with future leadership potential

Why Kniesel's?

• Sacramento's largest family-owned collision repair company
• Supportive, team-oriented culture focused on craftsmanship and continuous learning
• OEM-certified repair facilities with industry-leading equipment
• Over 58 years of repair excellence
• State-of-the-art repair facilities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Stable year-round workload

Our Core Values

• WOW Customer Service
• Integrity
• Humility
• Family
• The Golden Rule
• Quality

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay with performance-based incentives
• Paid holidays, paid sick time, and paid personal time/PTO
• Competitive 401(k) savings program with company contribution
• Life Insurance, EAP, and Travel Assistance
• Additional Life, LTD, and AFLAC options available
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kniesel's Collision is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.