Industrial Blaster

**SUMMARY OF COMPANY**
**Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, Barge and boat repair, Surface preparation and painting, water treatment and new construction services to the commercial and government marine industry. Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four (4) shipyards in South Texas with direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico. We take pride in our dedicated and experienced workforce that focuses on Quality, Safety and Environmental Excellence. Our motto is “Faster, Safer, Better”.**

Experience with blasting in an industrial environment is a must, and prior shipyard experience is advantageous. Availability for overtime, typically around 20 hours. This position offers opportunities for career advancement and excellent benefits.

**JOB SUMMARY**

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Paint barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, external surface areas, and specialty components & areas with the required number or coats and coverage.
- Coat barge internal cargo tanks & voids with the required number of coats and coverage.
- Operate equipment, vacuum pumps, air pumps, compressors, blowers, meters, hoses etc. to accomplish sandblast & paint duties.
- Use specialized sandblasting equipment to abrade barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, external surface areas, and clean/remove blasting material residue, adhering scale, grease, tar, rust, and dirt from those surfaces in preparation of painting.
- Prepare metal surfaces for painting by removing old finishes, grease, rust, scale, and dirt by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, or using water or abrasive blasting.
- Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
- Select the type of abrasive material, such as sand, steel shot, or grit, based on the surface being cleaned and the desired finish.
- Set up the sandblasting equipment, including the air compressor, hoses, and nozzles, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix colors of paint or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies or according to formula and specifications.
- Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
- Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
- Adjust the flow of abrasive material and air pressure to control the depth of the blast and the speed of cleaning.
- Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering on surfaces.
- Inspect the surface after sandblasting to ensure that it meets the specifications.
- Clean the sandblasting equipment after use to prevent corrosion, perform routine maintenance as required.
- Maintain records of the types and quantities of materials used.
- Follow safety procedures to protect oneself and others from injuries.
- Maintain close communication with Supervisor on status of daily activities and issues which may arise.
- Assist with planning and preparing daily schedule to facilitate efficient completion of duties.
- Adhere to and ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards, regulations, and policies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

**MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS**
- Must be proficient in English and be able to communicate effectively with others; Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Ability to wear a protective suit and a respirator.
- Ability to use, operate, and maintain specialized equipment including spray guns and paint booths.
- Ability to multitask, learn quickly, and meet deadlines as needed.
- Strong attention to detail, with a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Be detail-oriented, have steady hands, and the ability to follow instructions.
- Ability to understand Company Quality Manual and procedures described and required.
- Ability to manage time and tasks effectively and efficiently.

**PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS**

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

In addition, Employees in this position must also be capable of:

- Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.
- Standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, or sitting for long periods of time.
- Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and b