Senior Wood Finisher

Role: Senior Wood Finisher

Location: Nelson BC

Reports To: Finishing Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Role Status: Full-time Permanent

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date of Last Review: July 2026

Role Overview

The Senior Wood Finisher at Spearhead represents a department leadership role within our high-end manufacturing operations demanding exceptional organizational skills meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship excellence. This role focuses on executing advanced finishing techniques on premium timber and steel products while providing mentorship technical guidance and project leadership to the finishing team. The position requires advanced technical proficiency collaborative capabilities and proven peer leadership skills.

This is a full-time position based on-site in our fabrication shop and plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient execution of complex projects quality standards and team development across different project phases. This position is ideally suited for candidates with experience as a Senior Wood Finisher Cabinet Finisher Painter and Decorator Coating Technician or in a related finishing trade.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Read and interpret complex shop drawings providing guidance on next tasks based on quality control and quality assurance requirements
• Execute advanced finishing techniques on premium timber and steel products including specialized surface treatments and complex coating applications
• Prepare surfaces of solid timbers and engineered wood products (glulam CLT) for stain application through advanced sanding wire brushing distressing and specialized surface treatment techniques
• Apply stains and coating products following product specifications including custom color matching and specialized finish requirements
• Demonstrate expert proficiency with hand tools for squaring sanding planing and advanced fine-finishing requirements
• Execute complex patching filling and visual upgrades using wood dutchmen adhesive fillers and specialized repair techniques
• Conduct comprehensive quality inspections of all finishing work ensuring consistency and adherence to premium standards
• Lead and mentor junior finishers providing hands-on training technical guidance and professional development support
• Oversee complex finishing projects coordinating resources timelines and quality standards across multiple workstreams
• Lead problem-solving initiatives when finishing challenges arise developing innovative solutions and best practices
• Take ownership of high-priority and complex finishing projects ensuring delivery within scope schedule and quality parameters
• Coordinate with other departments to optimize project workflows and resolve cross-functional challenges
• Serve as primary liaison with Finishing Manager for project status updates resource needs and strategic planning
• Maintain finishing equipment in optimal working condition and train others on proper maintenance procedures
• Ensure work areas maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and organization
• Champion safety protocols and OHS standards serving as a role model and safety leader for the team
• Complete additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the Fabrication department and overall Spearhead objectives

Core Competencies

• Innovation & Problem-Solving - applies creative thinking to solve work challenges by combining traditional methods with new approaches. Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes and outcomes within their area of expertise
• Technical Excellence & Craft Mastery - maintains high standards of technical skill and craftsmanship in their specialized area. Continuously develops expertise whether in design fabrication finishing operations or finance
• Collaborative Partnership & Communication - works effectively with others through clear communication and knowledge sharing. Builds strong working relationships with colleagues clients and partners based on trust and mutual support
• Long-term Stewardship & Responsibility - prioritizes safety and invests in developing future capabilities and relationships
• Ownership & Continuous Growth - takes responsibility for work outcomes and commitments while maintaining focus on growth and improvement. Demonstrates reliability and proactive communication while seeking opportunities

Qualifications Knowledge Skills Attributes

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field or equivalent experience as a Senior Wood Finisher / Cabinet Finisher / Painter and Decorator or Coating Technician
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in finishing coating staining woodworking carpentry or painting
• Proven experience in mentoring and leading others
• Strong understanding of working in accordance with quality control and quality assurance standards
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality results in a timely manner
• Advanced organizational and time management skills

Schedule and Working Conditions

• Ability to work 7:30-5:15 Monday Thursday with a 15-minute paid coffee break and a 30-minute unpaid lunch each day and every second Friday from 7:30-4:00 with a 15-minute paid coffee break and a 30-minute unpaid lunch each day
• Ability to work on-site at Spearhead headquarters
• Manual dexterity to operate sprayers brushes and related finishing tools on a regular basis
• Ability to stand and move around the fabrication shop for work shifts
• Ability to work in a workshop with exposure to dust chemicals and noise using required PPE as needed
• Ability to move and carry materials up to 50 lbs on a regular basis

Compensation

• Pay range estimate is $32-$36/hour commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Extended Health and Dental benefits
• Weekly Indemnity Insurance
• RRSP program with employer contributions up to 5%
• 6% Vacation Pay

Statement of Inclusion

Spearhead is committed to fostering a culture of diversity equity and inclusion. The unique experiences talents and perspectives of our employees drive our success and contribute to both our culture and reputation. We believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is essential to attracting developing and retaining a talented workforce. By prioritizing these principles we enhance innovation improve problem-solving and strengthen company performance. Our commitment to diversity ensures that every individuals contributions are valued empowering us to achieve sustainable success and continued growth.

Required Experience:

Senior IC