Painter​/Blaster

About VLS

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is a recognized leader in sustainability solutions, operating over 1,200 employees in more than 40 locations across North America. The company comprises three main divisions:

• Waste Services
  :
  Provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non‑hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.
• Railcar Services
  :
  Offers specialty cleaning and repair for railcars, handling chemicals, hardened materials, pressurized gases, and performing tank car qualifications.
• Marine Services
  :
  Delivers barge cleaning, repair, and gas‑free facilities for chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

The Painter/Blaster is responsible for preparing and painting the exteriors of barges—including tanks and hoppers—operating blasting equipment to remove paint, rust, or other debris to meet specifications set by customers, regulatory agencies, and internal inspectors. The role includes maintaining housekeeping in the paint shop, ensuring safety compliance, meeting production goals, and completing required paperwork.

• Use conventional painting equipment, airless painting equipment, blasting equipment, and hand tools to apply paint according to specs.
• Operate blasting equipment to remove scale and paint from interior and exterior surfaces of barges, adjusting settings for efficient and proper blasting.
• Prepare surfaces of non‑finished barges and components using various blast media methods.
• Utilize respirators and PPE in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and operating instructions.
• Assemble and disassemble helmets and air line connections before use.
• Perform general and preventative maintenance on blasting equipment, including cleaning after use and proper setup for the next job.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and good working order.
• Keep materials and work areas clean, orderly, and report potential hazards.
• Comply with all established safety regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Complete job to include signing off on all required papers.

Perform other tasks as required.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with concierge service and second MD offering.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contribution.
• 11 company‑paid holidays plus paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 counseling services.
• Telemedicine for free virtual visits any time.

Financial and Retirement Planning

• 401(k) with generous matching program after 90 days; 5% match immediately vested.
• Life and disability insurance, along with short‑term and long‑term coverage for full‑time employees.
• Voluntary life protection plans for employees and dependents.
• Rewards and recognition programs for milestones and achievements.
• Free one‑on‑one financial planning with a certified financial planner/coach.
• Employee discount program for savings on everyday goods and services.

Entry level

Full‑time

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology