Painter

Role Overview

This position sits within a military establishment in Kenya and is responsible for delivering high-quality painting and signwriting services across buildings, structures, and equipment. Day to day, you will prepare surfaces, mix and apply finishes, create lettering and graphics, and keep tools, materials, and work areas in a safe, serviceable condition. Your work directly supports the operational readiness and appearance of the base, and you will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team under the direction of the Chain of Command.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces for finishing by washing, filling cracks and holes with putty, and sanding until smooth, ready for paint or other coatings.
• Apply paints, varnishes, stains, wall fabrics, and sealers to interior and exterior surfaces using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment as required.
• Mix and match paints, stains, and other finishes to match specifications, colour charts, or existing surfaces.
• Create and apply signwriting using stencils, hand-painted lettering, and graphics, ensuring accuracy and neatness.
• Read work orders and receive instructions from the Chain of Command, then complete assigned tasks to the required standard and time frame.
• Maintain all painting equipment in a clean, safe, and working condition, including correct storage, security, and protection from weather damage.
• Inspect, wear, and care for personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to each task, and keep the workshop clean and tidy at the end of every shift.
• Follow all health and safety requirements, including reading and complying with risk assessments, and uphold relevant UK, national, and local regulations as they apply to the work area.

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential:

• Government Trade Certificate I in Painting or Signwriting.
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
• At least two years of experience working as a painter in industrial, domestic, or commercial settings.
• Knowledge of painting techniques, surface preparation, and the safe use of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Understanding of occupational hazards, safety practices, and standard workplace regulations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage changing priorities and uncertainty.
• Basic supervisory and planning skills, including setting realistic targets and monitoring progress.

Desirable:

• Valid Kenyan driving licence, classes B, C1, and C.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions clearly and accurately.
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
• Familiarity with the policies, functions, and objectives of a military or defence organisation.

Training and Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to complete mandatory training in health and safety, COSHH awareness, manual handling, first aid, fire safety, working at height, confined spaces, legionella, and asbestos awareness.
• Competence in erecting and safely using scaffolding.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain, and to stand, walk, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to be called back during emergencies on a 24-hour basis, and to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays during special events.