Applies paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate the surfaces of buildings and structures.

Erects scaffolding and ladders, and places drop sheets to protect adjacent areas from paint splatters; prepares surfaces by removing old paint and wallpaper, fixing woodwork, filling holes and cracks, and smoothing and sealing surfaces; selects and prepares paints to required colours by mixing portions of pigment, oil, and thinning and drying additives; applies paints, varnishes and stains to surfaces using brushes, rollers and sprays; hangs wallpaper, matches patterns and trims edges; cleans equipment and work areas; may repair windows and replace glass in wooden and metal frames; may lay and repair wall and floor tiles.

• Works either outdoors or indoors. Can usually only work outdoors in favourable weather. Work sites may be dirty, dusty and smelly, especially if cleaning off old paint, preparing surfaces and applying paint. Face masks and eye protection should be worn as appropriate.
• Works with paint and solvent fumes and also with fungicides and other substances. Indoor work spaces need good ventilation and may require the use of respirators for some paints.
• Frequently work at heights, on ladders, scaffolding and on roofs is necessary.

• The physical demand is light to medium.
• Standing and walking is frequently required, but sitting is not required.
• Stretching up and across is frequently required. Squatting or crouching, twisting of the body or neck and bending are occasionally required.
• Lifting and carrying of painting materials and equipment about the worksite is frequently required but is unlikely to exceed a medium physical demand level. Climbing and work at heights is frequently required.
• Repetitive movements are constantly required especially in the use of hands and arms (e.g. painting, brushing, spraying, scraping or sanding).
• Driving to worksites is frequently required.
• Employees frequently use a range of hand, power and machine tools and equipment including hand, power and machine tools and equipment including brushes, scrapers, heat-guns, water-blasters, cutters and sanders.
• Mental skills necessary include practical and organisational skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient. Registration or licensing may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.