Become a Painter Leader at the Dorn VA Medical Center

Are you a skilled painter with a talent for leading teams? The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina, is looking for an experienced Painter Leader to help maintain our facilities. This is a unique opportunity to use your craft to support the environment where our nation’s heroes receive care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Painter Leader, you will act as the bridge between management and the painting crew. Your daily tasks will include:

Team Leadership: Supervising a crew of six WG-4102-09 painters, setting the daily pace, and managing workflows.
Technical Execution: Performing complex painting tasks, including surface preparation, drywall repair, and color matching.
Resource Management: Monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment like tint dispensers and analysis machines.
Communication: Acting as the primary point of contact for the shop, relaying supervisor instructions, and coordinating with other departments to ensure timely project completion.
Safety Oversight: Enforcing housekeeping and safety protocols to ensure a hazard-free work environment.

Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have the knowledge and capability to perform the duties of the role. Key requirements include:

Background: Must pass a federal background investigation.
Documentation: Must provide valid, REAL ID compliant identification.
Commitment: Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$32.59 - $38.02 per hour
Schedule	Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Location	Columbia, South Carolina
Benefits	Federal Health & Leave Packages

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these expert tips:

Strict Two-Page Limit: Do not exceed two pages for your resume. Use the USAJOBS builder to stay within limits.
Focus on Impact: Use numbers and results-oriented language to describe your past leadership experience.
PDF Format: Always upload your resume as a PDF to prevent formatting errors.
Tailor Your Content: Align your resume language directly with the skills mentioned in the job announcement.

The role of Painter Leader is essential to the operations of the Dorn VA Medical Center. If you are ready to apply your technical skills in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to submit your application package before the closing date. Your work will directly contribute to the comfort and healing of our Veterans.

Why This Painter Leader Job Matters

Lead a skilled team of professionals and help maintain the vital infrastructure that supports our nation’s heroes at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.

Painter Leader Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Painter Leader to join our maintenance team in Columbia, South Carolina. In this role, you will provide leadership to a crew of skilled painters, overseeing daily operations, project coordination, and technical training. You will be instrumental in ensuring the physical environment of our medical facilities is maintained to the highest standards, directly supporting the mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to our Veterans.

Requirements for Painter Leader

U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed under specific conditions).
Must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must undergo an online onboarding process.
Ability to perform the full range of journeyman painter duties.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Must be able to provide REAL ID compliant identification.

Preferred Qualifications for Painter Leader

Proven experience in leading or supervising construction and painting crews.
Proficiency in operating and managing paint shop machinery, including spec-analysis and tint dispensing equipment.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with other departments.
Demonstrated expertise in surface preparation, material mixing, and advanced painting techniques.
Experience in training and developing staff on technical procedures and safety standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly compensation.
✓Federal employee leave benefits with potential for service-based accrual.
✓Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities within the VA system.

💡 How to Apply Painter Leader Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Painter Leader Job

Create or log in to your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; it must be no longer than two pages to be considered.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format is optimized.
Ensure your resume details specific examples of how you meet the job elements.
Submit your application as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
Double-check that you have included all necessary documentation (e.g., DD-214, transcripts) before clicking submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Painter Leader?

The Painter Leader oversees a crew of six painters, coordinates daily assignments, manages supplies, provides technical training, and ensures all safety and quality standards are met while performing journey-level painting tasks.

Is there a page limit for my resume?

Yes. Effective September 27, 2025, all resumes for federal positions must be two pages or less to be considered eligible.

Does this position require a background check?

Yes. All selected applicants must successfully undergo a background investigation and are subject to mandatory drug testing if designated.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

*A: No, resumes exceeding two pages will result in ineligibility.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." Our core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE)—drive every decision we make. When you join the VA, you aren't just taking a job; you are becoming part of a legacy dedicated to serving those who served us.