Paint Foreman
Watterson Environmental & Facilities Management, Portland, OR, United States
Foreman
The Foreman oversees daily field operations and ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality standards. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with strong leadership responsibilities, including supervising crews and subcontractors, coordinating scheduling and inspections, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining accurate project documentation. The Foreman serves as the primary on-site leader, responsible for training team members, resolving field issues, communicating with customers and inspectors, and ensuring all work progresses efficiently, safely, and to specification.
Leadership, Crew Management & Coordination
Perform all duties of a Painter, including executing advanced painting tasks and finish work, reading and interpreting plans, coordinating daily work activities, and ensuring craftsmanship meets project specifications.
Manage one or more Painters and all tasks assigned to specific projects.
Coordinate and oversee multiple subcontractors, ensuring their work aligns with project requirements, schedule, and quality expectations.
Provide daily direction, mentorship, and performance guidance to team members.
Train employees on scopes of work, safe practices, documentation standards, and timekeeping procedures.
Ensure crews arrive prepared with proper PPE, tools, materials, and work plans.
Project Execution & Quality Control
Plan and organize daily activities to avoid delays caused by scheduling conflicts, material shortages, or productivity gaps.
Conduct daily quality checks to ensure work meets code, project specifications, and company standards.
Call in inspections, meet with inspectors, and ensure permits are properly closed out.
Review plans, work orders, and specifications to verify accuracy and field feasibility.
Resolve issues or conflicts on site quickly to keep production moving.
Safety Oversight
Conduct regular safety meetings (weekly or more frequently as needed).
Maintain and enforce a job-specific fall protection plan at all times.
Identify and correct hazards immediately; escalate unsafe conditions to management as required.
Ensure all employees follow company and OSHA safety procedures.
Customer, Vendor & Stakeholder Communication
Meet with customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and property representatives regarding schedules, expectations, and progress.
Maintain professionalism and address resident/customer questions or concerns promptly.
Support documentation by taking photos, logging notes, and tracking work performed.
Documentation, Reporting & Logistics
Document daily job activity, site conditions, and crew hours accurately.
Track materials, report any shortages, and verify proper usage in the field.
Ensure the company truck is inspected and maintained in safe operating condition; complete vehicle inspection reports.
Report all incidents, injuries, or vehicle accidents immediately and complete required documentation.
Visit the property office or company office 12 times per week as needed for coordination.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Technical Expertise
Demonstrates strong understanding of residential/commercial painting methods, code requirements, and safe tool/equipment operation.
Leadership & Team Management
Able to lead crews effectively, provide coaching, delegate tasks, and maintain accountability to deliver results.
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Identifies issues quickly, evaluates solutions, and makes decisions that keep projects on schedule and in compliance.
Attention to Detail
Ensures accuracy in documentation, quality checks, and site setup.
Communication Skills
Communicates clearly with customers, subcontractors, internal teams, and inspectors; provides timely updates and instructions.
Organization & Planning
Ability to coordinate schedules, plan work sequences, and manage multiple crews or subcontractors simultaneously.
Safety Mindset
Consistently enforces safety protocols, maintains situational awareness, and ensures safe practices on every job site.
Adaptability
Performs well under pressure, adjusts to changing job conditions, and manages competing priorities effectively.
Collaboration & Relationship Building
Builds trust with field teams, clients, vendors, and property stakeholders.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands-on labor throughout the workday.
Proficient in safely operating ladders up to 40 feet.
Experienced in operating heavy machinery. (e.g. Boom lift and scissor lift).
Able to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
Capable of standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, and navigating uneven terrain or elevated surfaces.
Willing and able to travel to work sites as required.
Experience/Requirements
3-5 years of commercial exterior painting experience, including site supervision or related field leadership roles.
Previous experience overseeing crews and subcontractors required.
Valid Driver's license in good standing without restrictions and dependable transportation to office/worksite.
Strong understanding of building codes, safety practices, and documentation.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, scopes of work, and technical specifications.
The Foreman oversees daily field operations and ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality standards. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with strong leadership responsibilities, including supervising crews and subcontractors, coordinating scheduling and inspections, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining accurate project documentation. The Foreman serves as the primary on-site leader, responsible for training team members, resolving field issues, communicating with customers and inspectors, and ensuring all work progresses efficiently, safely, and to specification.
Leadership, Crew Management & Coordination
Perform all duties of a Painter, including executing advanced painting tasks and finish work, reading and interpreting plans, coordinating daily work activities, and ensuring craftsmanship meets project specifications.
Manage one or more Painters and all tasks assigned to specific projects.
Coordinate and oversee multiple subcontractors, ensuring their work aligns with project requirements, schedule, and quality expectations.
Provide daily direction, mentorship, and performance guidance to team members.
Train employees on scopes of work, safe practices, documentation standards, and timekeeping procedures.
Ensure crews arrive prepared with proper PPE, tools, materials, and work plans.
Project Execution & Quality Control
Plan and organize daily activities to avoid delays caused by scheduling conflicts, material shortages, or productivity gaps.
Conduct daily quality checks to ensure work meets code, project specifications, and company standards.
Call in inspections, meet with inspectors, and ensure permits are properly closed out.
Review plans, work orders, and specifications to verify accuracy and field feasibility.
Resolve issues or conflicts on site quickly to keep production moving.
Safety Oversight
Conduct regular safety meetings (weekly or more frequently as needed).
Maintain and enforce a job-specific fall protection plan at all times.
Identify and correct hazards immediately; escalate unsafe conditions to management as required.
Ensure all employees follow company and OSHA safety procedures.
Customer, Vendor & Stakeholder Communication
Meet with customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and property representatives regarding schedules, expectations, and progress.
Maintain professionalism and address resident/customer questions or concerns promptly.
Support documentation by taking photos, logging notes, and tracking work performed.
Documentation, Reporting & Logistics
Document daily job activity, site conditions, and crew hours accurately.
Track materials, report any shortages, and verify proper usage in the field.
Ensure the company truck is inspected and maintained in safe operating condition; complete vehicle inspection reports.
Report all incidents, injuries, or vehicle accidents immediately and complete required documentation.
Visit the property office or company office 12 times per week as needed for coordination.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Technical Expertise
Demonstrates strong understanding of residential/commercial painting methods, code requirements, and safe tool/equipment operation.
Leadership & Team Management
Able to lead crews effectively, provide coaching, delegate tasks, and maintain accountability to deliver results.
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Identifies issues quickly, evaluates solutions, and makes decisions that keep projects on schedule and in compliance.
Attention to Detail
Ensures accuracy in documentation, quality checks, and site setup.
Communication Skills
Communicates clearly with customers, subcontractors, internal teams, and inspectors; provides timely updates and instructions.
Organization & Planning
Ability to coordinate schedules, plan work sequences, and manage multiple crews or subcontractors simultaneously.
Safety Mindset
Consistently enforces safety protocols, maintains situational awareness, and ensures safe practices on every job site.
Adaptability
Performs well under pressure, adjusts to changing job conditions, and manages competing priorities effectively.
Collaboration & Relationship Building
Builds trust with field teams, clients, vendors, and property stakeholders.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands-on labor throughout the workday.
Proficient in safely operating ladders up to 40 feet.
Experienced in operating heavy machinery. (e.g. Boom lift and scissor lift).
Able to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
Capable of standing, bending, climbing, kneeling, and navigating uneven terrain or elevated surfaces.
Willing and able to travel to work sites as required.
Experience/Requirements
3-5 years of commercial exterior painting experience, including site supervision or related field leadership roles.
Previous experience overseeing crews and subcontractors required.
Valid Driver's license in good standing without restrictions and dependable transportation to office/worksite.
Strong understanding of building codes, safety practices, and documentation.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, scopes of work, and technical specifications.