They say a picture tells a thousand words, so for the best idea of what JRDF does, take a look at jrdf.co.uk/services.
Our work ranges from detailed models and one-off pieces to immersive interiors, installations and large-scale scenic builds. We work across art, engineering and manufacturing, often combining timber, plastics, metals, composites, lighting, electronics and digital manufacturing within the same project.
We’re looking for a Scenic Finisher / Workshop Technician to join our workshop team.
Your specialist area will be finishing: taking components through surface preparation, painting and scenic treatment to the standard the finished project requires. That could mean an immaculate sprayed surface, matching an existing texture, distressing something to look decades old or repairing a piece that has already had a life elsewhere.
But this is not a finishing-only role.
You’ll be part of the build as well as the finish, so you’ll need to be comfortable at the bench, using hand and power tools, assembling components and getting stuck into whatever stage of the project needs you.
We’re a small team. Everyone has their specialist skills, and everyone helps get the project finished.
What you’ll do
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Preparing surfaces through sanding, filling, masking, priming and painting.
- Identifying and correcting defects before they reach the final finish.
- Painting, texturing, distressing, ageing and detailing components to create realistic or stylised finishes.
- Colour and texture matching from samples, images, renders or existing pieces.
- Selecting and using appropriate primers, fillers, paints and coatings across timber, MDF, plastics, resin, composites and metal.
- Using hand and power tools to cut, drill, shape, fit and assemble components.
- Working from drawings, dimensions, templates and reference material.
- Preparing and adjusting components produced by other members of the team ready for assembly or finishing.
- Working on everything from small components to large architectural pieces.
- Repairing and refurbishing existing work.
- Checking your own work for fit, finish and quality and taking responsibility for getting it to the required standard.
- Working accurately while maintaining an appropriate commercial pace.
- Helping with packing, assembly, installation and general workshop work when projects need it.
Professional spray experience would be a major advantage. Our previous finishing role included HVLP spraying and finishing across timber, plastics and metals, and that remains particularly valuable to us.
Experience with HVLP or pressure-fed systems, lacquers, polyurethane coatings, primers, clear coats or similar professional paint systems would significantly strengthen your application.
This role will probably suit you if…
- You like making things properly.
- You notice the dent, scratch, bad edge or part that doesn’t quite fit without someone needing to point it out.
- You’re happy spending time getting preparation right because you know the finish will only ever be as good as the surface underneath it.
- You’re comfortable at a workbench and can confidently pick up normal hand and power tools to make, adjust or assemble something.
- You can work independently and you also know when to ask rather than make an expensive assumption.
- You care about quality and understand deadlines.
- You enjoy learning new skills and are quite happy to hear, “Can you give us a hand with this?”
- You don’t mind whether today’s job is creative scenic painting, assembling a component or sanding twenty panels, because all three are part of making the finished thing good.
This role may not suit you if…
- You’re looking for a pure scenic artist or painting role.
- You only want to do the artistic or interesting parts of scenic work.
- You consider preparation, sanding, making, packing, assembly or installation to be somebody else’s job.
- You need every task broken down and allocated before moving on to the next thing.
- You find changing priorities particularly frustrating.
- Or you prefer working within one clearly defined discipline.
There’s nothing wrong with any of those things. They’re just unlikely to be a good match for how we operate.
What we need from you
Essential
- Professional experience in scenic finishing, specialist paint finishing, props, sets, decorative finishing or a related field.
- Strong surface-preparation skills.
- A good eye for finish quality, colour, texture and defects.
- Experience using fillers, primers and paint systems.
- Practical bench experience using workshop hand and power tools.
- Ability to measure, mark out, cut, drill, shape, fit and assemble accurately.
- Confidence working with materials such as timber, metals and plastics.
- Ability to work independently and manage your own tasks against deadlines.
- Practical problem-solving ability.
- A reliable, team-first approach.
- Willingness to learn skills outside your current specialism.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle because of our rural location.
Very useful, but not essential
Any experience in the following is a substantial bonus:
Professional spray finishing Scenic art Bench joinery/carpentry Prop or model making 3D printing and post-processing Casting and mouldmaking Metalwork/welding LEDs, soldering or basic electrical work CNC operation Events, exhibitions or shopfitting On-site installation
You do not need to arrive knowing all of them. We’re interested in what else you can already do and what you’d like to learn.
Practical details
- Full-time, 40 hours
- Monday–Thursday, 8am–6pm
- 28 days' annual leave including bank holidays
- Company pension
- Stocked kitchen with breakfast/lunch essentials
- Occasional evening or weekend work away from home for up to a week for events/installations
- Some international travel may be required
How to apply
Send us:
- your CV;
- a portfolio or examples of relevant work; and
- a short note telling us why you think the role could be a good fit for you.
Please don't write us an essay.
We’re more interested in seeing what you can do and understanding how you like to work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Biggar ML12 6TF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Can you confirm you have a valid UK driving licence?
- From your CV which job relates to your scenic finis/art experience?
Experience:
- scenic finish/art: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
