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Blasting Technician

Aerotek, Jacksonville, FL, United States


Coating Technician

The Coating Technician applies specialty industrial coatings and performs abrasive blasting on a wide range of heavy industrial projects. Approximately 80% of the work takes place at large industrial plant sites and 20% in a shop environment. The role involves working at heights and in confined spaces, performing general labor tasks such as cleanup and equipment setup, and completing light carpentry work including building and setting forms. Typical projects include tank and pipe linings, concrete refurbishment, fiberglass repair, abrasive blasting, maintenance painting, and the application of specialty coating systems.
Responsibilities:
Prepare steel, concrete, and FRP substrates using power tools and pressure washers to ensure proper surface conditions for coatings and paints.
Perform abrasive blasting on steel, concrete, and FRP surfaces to achieve specified profiles for coatings, paints, fiberglass, and composite applications.
Apply thick film industrial coatings and paints by spray, brush, roller, and trowel, including epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester, and related systems.
Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and repair abrasive blasting equipment to maintain safe and efficient surface preparation operations.
Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and repair spray pumps, including conventional units and 60:1 airless single-leg systems (such as Graco and Wiwa).
Apply fiberglass systems using epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyester resins with methods such as brushing, rolling, troweling, casting, and fiberglass layup.
Perform general labor tasks including shoveling grit and dirt, site cleanup, and assisting with material handling and staging.
Carry out carpentry-related tasks, including building and setting forms using hand and power tools.
Lift materials and equipment weighing more than 50 pounds and walk or climb stairs in work boots for extended periods, up to 14 hours per day and up to 70 hours per week as needed.
Work safely in confined spaces and at heights greater than four stories while following all safety procedures and using appropriate fall protection.
Operate company vehicles lawfully and safely when traveling to and from job sites.
Use respirators safely and correctly when working with abrasive blasting media, coatings, paints, and solvents.
Handle and apply a variety of industrial-grade paints, coatings, and solvents while following safety, environmental, and quality standards.
Maintain composure and work effectively under stressful or demanding conditions, including tight schedules and challenging environments.
Collaborate with team members, communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and follow written and oral instructions on job scopes and safety requirements.
Essential Skills:
At least 1 year of experience in sandblasting, abrasive blasting, industrial coatings, or fiberglass work.
At least 1 year of experience performing abrasive blasting, coating, or related tasks in an industrial or marine environment.
At least 1 year of experience applying coatings, paints, and resins by spraying, brushing, and troweling.
At least 1 year of experience using hand and power tools in an industrial, construction, marine, or similar setting.
Hands-on experience with abrasive blasting processes for steel, concrete, and FRP substrates.
Practical knowledge of industrial coating application, including epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, and polyurethane systems.
Ability to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on blast equipment.
Ability to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on spray pumps, including conventional and 60:1 airless single-leg systems.
Experience with fiberglass application using epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyester resins.
Ability to safely lift more than 50 pounds and work on your feet for long shifts in industrial environments.
Ability to work at heights greater than four stories and in confined spaces while following safety procedures.
Ability to safely use a respirator and work with industrial paints, coatings, and solvents.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for tools and equipment.
Effective reading, written, and oral communication skills to follow instructions and document work.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others as part of a field and shop team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications:
Carpentry experience, including building and setting forms using hand and power tools.
Experience shoveling and handling abrasive grit and other job-site materials.
Experience in painting or marine environments is beneficial.
General mechanical knowledge to support equipment setup, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
Experience working in heavy industrial facilities such as power plants, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, oil and gas refineries, or similar environments.
Comfort working at heights and in confined spaces in accordance with safety procedures.
Strong work ethic and reliability to support extended hours and overtime when needed.
Why Work Here?
The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward commitment and support long-term career growth. After 120 days of service, employees become eligible for excellent benefits including 14 days of paid time off, 8 paid holidays, and a 50/50 match on company-sponsored insurance. A company-contributed retirement plan supports long-term financial security. The organization values hard work, safety, and teamwork, and provides opportunities to gain diverse experience across multiple industrial sites while building specialized skills in coatings and surface preparation.
Work Environment:
This role operates primarily in heavy industrial plant environments, with about 80% of work performed on large field job sites and 20% in a shop setting. Typical locations include power plants, pulp and paper mills, chemical facilities, oil and gas refineries, and other industrial plants across the Jacksonville area and surrounding regions. Standard hours are approximately 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with regular overtime opportunities on Fridays and Saturdays and occasional Sunday work as project demands require. The work involves exposure to outdoor conditions, noise, dust, abrasive media, and industrial-grade epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane coatings, paints, and solvents. Employees use a variety of hand and power tools, abrasive blasting equipment, and spray pumps, including conventional and 60:1 airless single-leg systems. The position requires wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, including work boots, respirators, and other safety gear, and being comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on physically demanding tasks for extended shifts.
Job Type & Location:
This is a Contract position based out of Jacksonville, FL.
Pay and Benefits:
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan

Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type:
This is a fully onsite position in Jacksonville, FL.
Application Deadline:
This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 2026.