Top Notch is looking for a motivated Apprentice 1 Painter to join our team in Gypsum. The primary role of an Apprentice 1 is to support our Apprentice 2 and Journeyman painters in completing jobs to the highest standard. This position requires a self-motivated individual who wants to grow with the company, develop real skills, and potentially move into higher-responsibility roles over time. As an employee-owned company, we’re not just looking for workers—we’re looking for future owners who want to build a long-term career with us.
About Top Notch
We’re an employee-owned company dedicated to maintaining a vibrant painting and staining branch built on quality, teamwork, and integrity. We believe in promoting from within and giving our people the training and support they need to advance. Our team culture is strong, and we’re looking for individuals who can thrive working both independently and as part of a crew. If you’re dedicated, hardworking, and want to be part of a company that values its employees as owners, Top Notch is the place for you.
Key Responsibilities
As an Apprentice 1 Painter, you’ll support the crew while learning the skills needed to advance.
Lead Support and Job Management:
- Work with the crew lead to ensure job management and tracking is organized and accessible.
- Help track hours remaining on contracts and reduce crew errors.
- Submit time sheets correctly and on time.
- Be capable of taking over for the lead for short periods when needed.
Task Planning and Execution:
- Break jobs into tasks and group them into logical phases.
- Determine task sequence what must be completed before other tasks can begin.
- Estimate task durations and help visualize timelines for the crew.
- Understand the critical path and how delays impact project completion.
Technical Application Skills:
- Cut and roll at 250 sq ft per hour.
- Apply 2.5″ wide horizontal chinking and backer at 20 linear feet per hour.
- Demo acrylic chinking at 17 linear feet per hour and mortar chinking at 26 linear feet per hour.
- Caulk at 80 linear feet per hour (including pre-painting caulking of cracks and joints).
- Mask and tape at 130 sq ft per hour.
- Brush log walls at 70 sq ft per hour.
- Know which product to use and when understand when to use log-specific caulk, chinking, or other sealants based on gap size (1/4″-3/4″ use caulking, 3/4″ or greater use chinking).
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for applying Perma-Chink and Sashco finishes in the correct order.
- Verify enough finish has been purchased based on estimated square footage.
Quality Identification:
- Identify quality work and materials, recognizing obvious issues and how to correct them.
- Don’t blindly follow material lists spot obvious errors and find the correct items.
- Notice when work begins to have errors and take steps to correct problems.
- Identify areas missed, debris in paint, drips, splatter, lap marks, and uneven or splotchy finish quality.
Equipment Care:
- Be trained on sprayer use, including:
- Choosing the right tip for the job
- Correct mixture texture (not too thin or heavy)
- roper masking techniques for spraying around windows, doors, soffits, stairs, etc.
- Understanding when conditions don’t allow for spraying and how to prevent overspray in wind or adverse weather
- Clean sprayer quickly and maintain it properly.
Client Interfacing:
- Maintain consistent communication with clients regarding job status.
- Foster positive relationships with clients, suppliers, and vendors.
- Reinforce site conditions so clients understand we value their space.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- This position requires working outside in various conditions.
- Ability to lift 60 lbs. repeatedly.
- Climbing ladders and working at heights is required.
- Driving up to 1.5 hours one way to job sites is part of the role.
- Dedication to completing work and carrying through for both clients and fellow employees.
Positive Employee Behaviors
We’re looking for team members who embody these qualities:
- Good attitude and motivated to work.
- Shows up on time each day.
- Looks for the next task to do without being told.
- Follows through on assigned tasks.
- Supports other crew members when they need a hand.
- Encourages others and never belittles coworkers.
- Holds themselves and others accountable to core value practices.
- Asks questions about how to improve their own work.
- Takes responsibility for site conditions without needing constant monitoring.
Why Join Top Notch?
- Employee-Owned: We’re not just a company we’re a team of owners who share in our success.
- Career Growth: We promote from within and want you to achieve higher-responsibility roles.
- A competitive hourly wage of $19.66.
- Great Team Culture: Work alongside people who support, encourage, and respect each other.
- Long-Term Opportunity: We’re looking for employees (not subcontractors) who want to stay and grow with us.
- Skill Development: Learn the trade from experienced Journeyman painters and advance your skills.
How to Apply
If you’re a self-motivated individual ready to build a career with an employee-owned company that values quality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your application through the platform where you found this listing.
Take the next step in your painting career join Top Notch and grow with us. Apply today.
