Description

Purpose of Job: 

The Marine Maintenance Technician is responsible for the preparation, preservation, and application of protective coatings on marine vessels, vessel components, containers, and terminal infrastructure. This includes corrosion removal, pressure washing, power tooling, hand tooling, abrasive blasting, surface profiling, and the application of industrial marine-grade coating systems following industry best practices. Work is conducted in challenging environments, including heights, confined spaces, and variable weather conditions. Strong adherence to safety protocols, coating procedures, and environmental requirements are essential.

The ideal candidate will be Boom Lift certified, Fall Protection certified, and experienced with marine surface preparation and coating systems. Must be able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform industrial surface preparation via chipping, grinding, pressure washing, sanding, and abrasive blasting to remove corrosion and coatings from steel surfaces.
  • Apply marine-grade primers, epoxies, and topcoats using brushes, rollers, and airless spray equipment.
  • Follow detailed coating specifications, technical data sheets (TDS), blueprints and industry standards such as SSPC and NACE standards for surface prep and coating application.
  • Conduct environmental condition monitoring (dew point, humidity, temperature) before and during coating operations
  • Perform in-process and final inspections of surface prep and coatings (visual cleanliness, profile, DFT measurement)
  • Safely operate boom lifts, scaffolding, containment systems, and personal fall arrest systems in accordance with OSHA and job-specific safety plans.
  • Maintain job site cleanliness, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and strict environmental compliance.
  • Perform routine maintenance and calibration of surface preparation and coating equipment.
  • Maintain accurate daily work logs and report any deviations or deficiencies to supervisors.
  • Work efficiently in rotating crews, supporting high production throughput and turnaround times.
  • Comfortable working at heights, and near/over the water’s surface.
  • Must be self-motivated, reliable, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in hot or cold conditions, and in potentially noisy or dusty environments.
  • Familiarity with marine corrosion processes and surface prep/coating best practice.
  • Must be able to read SOP’s, follow safety protocols and always wear appropriate PPE.
  • Previous experience in marine or industrial painting/corrosion control preferred.
  • Ability to pass a drug test and background check.
  • Operate lifts, scaffolding, and other access equipment safely (Boom Lift certification required)
  • Maintain and clean tools, equipment, and work areas.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety and environmental regulations.
  • Report material or safety issues to supervisors promptly.
  • Work in tight or confined spaces and on scaffolding or ladders at varying heights.
  • Other tasks and projects, as assigned.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Assists the Company in any necessary duties to achieve Company goal 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned 
  • Maintain a focus on performing safe, efficient maintenance operations.

 

Authority/Judgment/Disclosure/Financial Responsibility:

Authority Selections:

Little or no direct supervision. 

Judgment Decisions:

Mistakes and errors in judgment should be reported directly to FCT Management.

Disclosure of Information Selections:

This position involves regular work with some information of major importance, which if disclosed may be detrimental to the company’s interests.

Financial Responsibility Selections:

Utilize Company assets responsibly for authorized business purposes as outlined in the company’s Code of Ethical Business Conduct policy.

 Skills:

 

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in industrial marine preservation or corrosion control
  • Familiarity with industrial surface preparation standards such as (SSPC – SP3, SP 11, SP 15, SP 5, SP 6 etc.) and coating system specifications
  • Demonstrated knowledge of corrosion processes in marine environments and impacts of poor workmanship during preservation efforts.
  • Strong proficiency with surface preparation power/hand tools, pressure washing equipment, airless spray pumps, manual coating application tools, blasting pots, and industrial coating equipment.
  • Experience working in confined spaces, on scaffolding, and at elevated heights
  • Comfortable working in hot, cold, humid, noisy, or dusty environments, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Strong understanding of environmental and waste-handling best practices (overspray, VOCs, disposal etc.)
  • Ability to interpret and apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety rules, and written instructions.
  • Ability to read and interpret coating manufacturer technical data sheets and safety data sheets
  • Ability to identify proper PPE requirements for surface preparation and coating activities.
  • Strong communication skills; Surface preparation and coating operations are fluid operations typically happening during simultaneous operations with other trades.

 

Education/Certifications:

Boom lift (aerial lift) certification required

Fall Protection certification required

OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred

Confined Space Entry training required

Knowledge of marine & industrial surface preparation and coating standards.

Experience using high-pressure water & abrasive blasting equipment.

Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC.

Forklift experience preferred

Physical Requirements of the Position: 

This position requires physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. Candidates must be able to lift and carry materials weighing over 50 pounds on a regular basis. The role also involves frequent climbing of ladders and working in a variety of positions—such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling—for extended periods.

Visual Requirements of the Position:

Visual acuity must be sufficient for tasks involving close inspection, precision work, and color matching. This includes the ability to:

  • Distinguish between subtle variations in color for accurate painting and surface preparation
  • Read and interpret work orders, labels, and safety signage
  • Safely operate tools and equipment, including identifying hazards in the work environment
  • Perform tasks requiring depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to judge distances accurately
  • Ability to visually identify hazards and risk within and outside of the specific work area.

These visual requirements are essential for maintaining safety standards and ensuring quality workmanship in painting and general maintenance duties.

First Coast Terminals is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Affirmative Action and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. First Coast Terminals is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.