Gel Coater L3W

RJ Dougherty Associates•Edgewater, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Everglades Boats is seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Gel Coater with marine manufacturing experience to join its overnight production team. This is not an entry-level role. The position requires a craftsman who understands cosmetic excellence, material precision, and consistency in producing high-gloss marine finishes. The successful candidate will bring technical knowledge of gel coat application, awareness of environmental controls, and a commitment to meeting the finish standards of a premium offshore brand. The role works Sunday through Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The work takes place in a non-climate-controlled composite manufacturing environment with exposure to fumes, fiberglass dust, airborne particles, and production noise. Hearing protection and other required personal protective equipment are necessary. Weekend and overtime requirements may arise based on production needs. Everglades Boats is an industry leader in premium offshore fishing boats. Founded in 1997, the company is known for premium materials, refined fit and finish, fishing amenities, and the performance of its patented RAMPCAP hulls. The company conducts pre-employment drug screening following a conditional offer and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

At least two years of gel coat application experience in marine manufacturing or a premium composite environment.
Demonstrated experience producing high-quality cosmetic finishes in boat building or a similar industry; marine experience is preferred.
Strong working knowledge of gel coat chemistry, catalyst ratios, cure times, and environmental effects on finish quality.
Experience operating and maintaining professional gel coat spray systems.
Ability to read and follow detailed build specifications and production instructions.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining quality and pace.
Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
Ability to wear a respirator and required PPE for extended periods in a non-climate-controlled environment.
Ability to stand for extended shifts of 10 or more hours.
Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and work in and around molds frequently.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work safely and efficiently in potentially hazardous conditions while wearing required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Experience in premium offshore or performance boat manufacturing.
Experience with color matching and custom pigmentation.
Familiarity with composite quality standards and cosmetic inspection processes.
A track record of low rework rates and high first-pass quality.

Responsibilities

Prepare molds to premium cosmetic standards by inspecting, cleaning, waxing, masking, and staging them.
Mix gel coat materials, pigments, and catalysts according to manufacturer specifications and internal quality requirements.
Apply gel coat using professional spray equipment to meet thickness, coverage, and finish standards.
Monitor environmental conditions to support proper curing and surface integrity.
Verify coating thickness and consistency using appropriate measuring tools.
Identify, troubleshoot, and correct surface defects, including fisheyes, sags, pinholes, air entrapment, dry spray, and color variation.
Perform touch-ups and cosmetic corrections to meet Everglades’ finish expectations.
Maintain and troubleshoot spray equipment to support optimal performance and minimize downtime.
Coordinate with laminators, mold prep technicians, and quality control to maintain production flow and cosmetic integrity.
Maintain a clean, organized workspace aligned with 5S and safety standards.
Follow PPE, safety, and hazardous-material handling procedures.