Lead Body Shop Technician

Basic Purpose: The Lead Body Shop Technician is a working lead who actively performs daily fabrication, painting, welding, fiberglass, and repair work alongside the team while overseeing all body shop operations. In addition to performing skilled trades work, the Lead Technician guides the team, ensures quality workmanship, maintains compliance with safety standards, and coordinates efficient scheduling of repairs on company vehicles. Occasional travel may be required.

Essential Duties:

• Perform daily hands-on fabrication, painting, welding, riveting, fiberglass repair, and bodywork on company fleet vehicles.
• Lead, train, and support body shop staff in all aspects of fabrication, painting, and repair work.
• Assign and oversee daily workload to ensure projects are completed efficiently and to the company's standards.
• Estimate parts, labor, and materials for cosmetic and structural vehicle damage.
• Coordinate with mechanics and other departments to determine part requirements and repair schedules.
• Remove, repair, and reinstall vehicle body parts, upholstery, accessories, and electrical operating components; oversee the same work performed by technicians.
• Fabricate, weld, rivet, and bolt replacement parts; oversee staff performing the same.
• Perform and direct all painting operations, including surface preparation, priming, and application of protective or decorative coatings.
• Complete and oversee major vehicle body repairs and adjustments using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment.
• Review vehicle evaluation reports for the Safety and Maintenance departments and recommend additional repairs as needed.
• Maintain compliance with FMCSA, OSHA, HIOSH, and all company safety regulations.
• Oversee and maintain documentation of completed repairs, parts usage, and labor hours.
• Restore damaged frames, body sections, and interiors to factory standards; guide team members in doing the same.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies and ensuring high-quality results.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Vocational or technical certification in auto body repair, painting, or fabrication preferred.
• ASE or I-CAR certification strongly preferred.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills Required:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a body shop environment with direct, hands-on experience in fabrication, painting, welding, fiberglass repair, and bodywork.
• At least 1 year of lead or senior technician experience preferred.
• Must be able and willing to perform all trades work performed by the team — this position requires active, daily participation in shop work.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance systems, gas/electric welding, fiberglass repair techniques, and body shop applications.
• Proven ability to lead a team, delegate tasks, and ensure work quality while remaining actively engaged in production work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with staff, management, and other departments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. and work on elevated areas of fleet vehicles.
• Must possess own body shop tools and be proficient in using hand tools and portable power tools.
• Must pass HIOSH-required respirator testing.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Benefits:

Polynesian Adventure Tours, LLC, is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.