Finisher

Position Summary

The Finishing Technician is responsible for performing the final cosmetic and quality finishing work on boats prior to delivery. This position prepares, repairs, sands, buffs, polishes, and details fiberglass and other boat surfaces to achieve the high-quality appearance expected of the finished product.

The Finishing Technician plays a critical role in ensuring boats meet company quality standards for appearance, fit, finish, and overall craftsmanship before moving to final inspection and delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform final finishing, sanding, buffing, polishing, and detailing of fiberglass boat surfaces.
• Inspect finished surfaces for imperfections such as scratches, pinholes, sanding marks, surface defects, discoloration, or other cosmetic concerns.
• Identify and repair minor fiberglass and gelcoat imperfections using approved materials and procedures.
• Sand and prepare surfaces to achieve the required smoothness and finish.
• Operate buffers, polishers, sanders, grinders, and other finishing equipment safely and effectively.
• Apply compounds, waxes, polishes, cleaners, and other approved finishing products.
• Blend and restore gelcoat surfaces as required to achieve a consistent appearance.
• Remove excess adhesive, sealant, compound, tape, and other production materials from finished surfaces.
• Perform final cosmetic detailing of hulls, decks, consoles, compartments, hardware, and other boat components.
• Ensure finished surfaces are clean, smooth, polished, and free of visible defects.
• Follow established finishing procedures, production standards, and quality specifications.
• Protect completed surfaces and components from damage throughout the finishing process.
• Inspect completed work and make necessary corrections before the boat moves to the next stage.
• Communicate quality concerns, recurring defects, or production issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Properly clean, maintain, and store finishing tools and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and required PPE guidelines when working with chemicals, fiberglass, dust, and finishing equipment.
• Meet established production schedules while maintaining a high standard of workmanship.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in boat manufacturing, fiberglass finishing, automotive bodywork, detailing, painting, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with gelcoat, fiberglass, sanding, buffing, and polishing preferred.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, sanders, and buffers safely.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of pride in workmanship.
• Ability to recognize cosmetic defects and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and ability to meet production expectations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to work in confined or awkward positions inside and around boats.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required.
• Ability to repetitively use hand tools, sanders, buffers, and polishing equipment.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to fiberglass dust, chemicals, fumes, noise, and varying temperatures while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.