Lead Painter

The Michaels Organization is a national leader in residential real estate offering full-service capabilities in development, property management, construction, and investment. At Michaels, our teammates strive to fulfill our promise of creating communities that lift lives – ones that jumpstart housing, education, civic engagement, and neighborhood prosperity. With this passion at the forefront of our business, Michaels teammates can be proud to be a part of the extraordinary, every day.

The Lead Painter is a supervisory role responsible for overseeing the painting team while performing advanced painting, carpentry, drywall patching, taping, texturing, and general maintenance duties. This position requires a working leader who can manage team workflows, ensure quality standards are met, and train less experienced staff. The Lead Painter must exhibit exceptional customer service, technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize problems before they happen. They serve as the primary point of contact for painting projects, ensuring all work in a resident’s homes is handled with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.

1. Lead and supervise the daily activities of the painting team, assigning tasks and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met.
2. Train and mentor junior painters on proper techniques, safety protocols, and company standards for quality.
3. Perform quality control inspections on completed units to ensure they meet "move-in ready" standards before sign-off.
4. Manage inventory of paint and supplies, submitting orders to the Warehouse Supervisor to ensure the team has necessary materials.
5. Coordinate with the Turn Supervisor to prioritize units based on move-in schedules and urgent maintenance requests.
6. Expertly smooth and prepare surfaces for painting, including advanced sanding, scraping, and removal of old paint.
7. Perform complex drywall repairs, including taping, floating, and texturing walls and ceilings to match existing finishes.
8. Apply paint, varnish, shellac, enamel, and other finishes to various surfaces (walls, floors, doors, cabinets) using brushes, spray guns, or rollers with high precision.
9. Fill nail holes, cracks, and joints with putty, plaster, caulk, or other fillers to create a seamless finish.
10. Protect property by ensuring all floors, furniture, and trim are properly covered with drop cloths and masking tape before work begins.
11. Remove and reinstall fixtures such as pictures, doorknobs, lamps, and switch covers to ensure a clean paint job.
12. Clean up all equipment and work areas daily, ensuring brushes, sprayers, and rollers are maintained for longevity.
13. Strictly adhere to EPA and OSHA regulations regarding the proper storage and management of hazardous materials, including solvents, flammables, caustics, and Freon.
14. Maintain accurate service records and document work completed in the maintenance system.
15. Assist in other maintenance trades (light construction, general repair) during staff shortages or high-volume periods.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

● Minimum 4-5 years of multifamily/residential painting and maintenance experience.
● Prior supervisory or team lead experience is highly preferred.
● Proven expertise in drywall repair, texturing, and color matching.
● Experience working with work order systems and mobile maintenance apps.

Required Education/Training:

● High school diploma or equivalent required.
● Trade school certification in painting or general maintenance is a plus.

Required Skills and Abilities:

● Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and direct a team.
● Excellent customer service and communication skills (oral and written).
● Ability to multitask and prioritize duties in a fast-paced environment.
● Professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
● Technical mastery of painting equipment.

Working Conditions:

● Required to work in a well-lit, busy, high-paced, and sometimes noisy area.
● Work locations vary by site and include both vacant and occupied resident units.
● Must have the ability to work overtime when required.
● Occasional weekend work may be required during periods of high volume.
● Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record.

Salary Range Information:

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the targeted base salary for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Rewards & Benefits:

We know Michaels’ promise of lifting lives starts with our teammates, so making sure every single teammate is happy, healthy, and set up for a successful future is important to us.  As part of our team, you will enjoy a competitive wage, a comprehensive benefit package which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, prescription, etc., generous paid time off, a 401 (k) plan with a company match, and so much more.  We believe in education – and in taking care of our own – so as an added incentive your children will be able to apply for the Michaels Employee Scholarship Program. 

• Help make the world a better place in a team-oriented environment.
• Grow with our organization through various professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate and thrive in a company culture where all are welcome

Michaels teammates make a difference in the lives of residents, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day.  To learn more about the total rewards we offer please visit our website. 

Come join our team. You’re going to love it here!