Painter

Widener University is currently seeking a Painter. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Buildings and Grounds and with moderate supervision, the Painter performs work with various materials and tools for the preparation and application of paints, stains, dies and other applied coatings along with all other functions normally associated with the trade to provide a safe and beautiful environment in all University facilities and grounds.

Facilities Management staff are responsible to provide safe and beautiful facilities that support the academic mission and campus operations. The Facilities Management Mission is to continuously improve the services we provide and make the experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors the best it can possibly be. Every staff member may be assigned duties within their capacity aside from duties that are their technical expertise, and every staff member is empowered to perform tasks within their capacity to achieve this Mission.

This role works under moderate supervision and plays a key role in maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of university facilities and grounds. This position involves skilled work in preparing and applying paints, stains, dyes, and other coatings, contributing to a safe and visually appealing campus environment. This position is essential and is required to report and remain on campus in response to emergencies even when normal university operations are cancelled or suspended. This position may also be required to work weekends and off-hours to support weekend operations and special events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Inspection & Evaluation

• Assess building interiors and exteriors to determine painting, staining, and finishing requirements.
• Identify surface conditions and recommend appropriate preparation and coating methods.

Worksite Preparation

• Set up scaffolding, ladders, drop cloths, and protective barriers.
• Safely move and cover furniture, equipment, and fixtures to protect from damage.

Surface Preparation

• Strip, sand, caulk, patch, prime, and mask surfaces to ensure durable, high-quality finishes.
• Repair and finish drywall to achieve smooth, professional results.

Application of Finishes

• Apply paint, stain, varnish, or specialty coatings to walls, ceilings, furniture, cabinetry, and equipment.
• Execute exterior painting projects including roadways, parking lots, curbs, sidewalks, and athletic surfaces.
• Install and paint signage across campus or designated facilities.

Tools & Equipment

• Operate and maintain brushes, rollers, sprayers, and power tools.
• Ensure proper cleaning, storage, and upkeep of painting equipment.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with carpenters, electricians, and maintenance staff on renovation and replacement projects.
• Coordinate tasks with other trades to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency.

Documentation & Reporting

• Record work orders, materials used, and project details for accurate tracking.
• Maintain logs and reports to support project planning and accountability.

Professionalism & Customer Service

• Uphold a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Deliver excellent customer service with a positive, solution-oriented attitude.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist with furniture setup and breakdown for events, meetings, and special functions.
• Support emergency response efforts, including snow and ice removal when required.
• Participate in weekend, evening, or off-hour operations to meet project deadlines or urgent needs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of Facilities Management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with proof of insurability.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the painting trade
• Completion of formal training or equivalent hands-on experience in painting.
• Ability to prepare detailed project specifications, cost estimates, and bills of materials.
• Proficient in surface preparation techniques, including mechanical cleaning, chemical-assisted cleaning, and conversion coatings.
• Knowledge of coating application technologies including Low Volume High Pressure (LVHP), High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP), Airless systems, and Air-Assisted Airless systems.
• Experience with wall coverings, including application and removal.
• Ability to select and apply a wide range of coatings: water-based and oil-based paints, water-based urethane, epoxy coatings, stains and traffic marking paints.
• Expertise in color matching and applying protective finishes to various surfaces, including wood, metal, concrete, drywall, plaster, masonry, asphalt, glass, and plastic.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Outlook.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions in English.
• Ability to read and interpret safety and regulatory documentation, including NFPA and ICC codes, OSHA guidelines, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach overhead, and use ladders as required.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and at elevated heights, including scaffolds, bucket-truck platforms, ladders, and high-reach lifts.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds at waist level and carry for 20 feet.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds from ground level to overhead.
• Capability to manually shovel snow when necessary.
• Required to report to campus and remain on-site during emergencies or severe weather events, even when normal operations are suspended.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays to support campus operations or special events.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D