SHIP YARDS SHOP
NOW HIRING — SEASONAL / FULL-TIME POTENTIAL · COMPETITIVE HOURLY RATE
Marine Detail & Gelcoat Technician
Grand Harbour Marina · Lagoon City, Brechin, ON · on the shores of Lake Simcoe
Seasonal / Full-Time / Part Time
Hourly Rate
Marine Detailing
Gelcoat & Fibreglass
Experienced Trades
SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING TO THE SHIPYARD SHOP!
Grand Harbour Marina is preparing to launch a full-service Shipyard Shop—featuring marine detailing, polishing, custom canvas & upholstery, and expert gelcoat repairs—and we’re building our skilled team now to be ready for the upcoming season!
ABOUT GRAND HARBOUR MARINA
Grand Harbour Marina is a premier waterfront destination located in Lagoon City, Brechin, Ontario — on the beautiful east shore of Lake Simcoe. Under new ownership and management, we are transforming this iconic marina into a destination defined by elevated service, exceptional amenities, and a relentless commitment to quality across every aspect of the boating experience.
The vessels that call Grand Harbour home represent significant personal investments, and their owners expect them to be maintained to the highest possible standard. We are looking for a skilled, detail-obsessed Marine Detail & Gelcoat Technician to work in the Ship Yard Shop help ensure every boat on our docks looks its absolute best — and every repair we complete is one the owner talks about for the right reasons.
THE ROLE
As Marine Detail & Gelcoat Technician at Grand Harbour Marina, you will be responsible for the full range of marine detailing and surface restoration services offered to our members and guests. This includes complete vessel detailing from wash and decontamination through compounding, polishing, and protective coating application, as well as skilled fibreglass and gelcoat repair work including crack and chip repair, osmotic blister treatment, structural patch repairs, gelcoat colour-matching, and surface finishing.
This is a seasonal, hourly-rate position with a genuine pathway to full-time ongoing employment for the right candidate. No two vessels are the same, and no two days will look alike. If you take real pride in transforming a neglected hull into a mirror finish — or making a fibreglass repair disappear completely — this is the role for you. Own tools and polishing equipment are a strong asset and candidates who bring their own kit will be given priority consideration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Marine Detailing & Surface Restoration
• Perform full-service marine detail packages including thorough wash and rinse, foam decontamination, clay bar treatment, and full surface preparation prior to compounding and polishing
• Compound, machine polish, and hand finish gel coat, painted, and clear-coated hull and deck surfaces to remove oxidation, water staining, swirl marks, fine scratches, and surface hazing
• Operate dual-action and rotary polishing machines with appropriate cutting, polishing, and finishing pads — selecting the correct combination of compounds and polishes for each surface condition
• Apply marine-grade wax, paint sealant, ceramic coating, and other protective surface treatments to all exterior hull, deck, and superstructure surfaces
• Clean, condition, and protect all vinyl, leather, rubber, plastic trim, teak, stainless steel, chrome, and glass surfaces throughout the vessel interior and exterior
• Detail bilge areas, engine compartments, and storage spaces as included in the service scope
• Clean, polish, and treat canvas, bimini tops, and enclosure windows as part of full detail packages
• Inspect vessels during detailing for surface damage, stress cracks, osmotic blistering, or other issues requiring repair — documenting and communicating findings to the customer and operations team
Gelcoat Repair & Fibreglass Restoration
• Assess and diagnose fibreglass and gelcoat damage across all vessel types including stress cracks, impact chips, spider cracks, deep scratches, gouges, and delamination
• Prepare damaged areas correctly by grinding, routing, or sanding to achieve a clean, properly profiled repair surface free of contamination, moisture, or loose material
• Mix, apply, and fair polyester and epoxy laminating resins with appropriate fibreglass cloth, mat, and woven roving to structurally restore damaged hull and deck sections
• Mix and apply gelcoat precisely — achieving accurate colour matches to existing hull gelcoat through careful tinting and test application on sample panels prior to committing to the repair surface
• Sand, block, and polish gelcoat repairs through progressive grits to a smooth, seamless, high-gloss finish that is invisible or near-invisible in normal viewing conditions
• Diagnose, prepare, and treat osmotic blistering including blister grinding, drying, epoxy barrier coat application, and final antifouling finish where required
• Perform gelcoat and fibreglass repairs to above and below the waterline, including keel and running gear areas as required
• Apply anti-fouling bottom paint, barrier coat systems, and underwater protective coatings in accordance with manufacturer specifications and customer requirements
• Advise customers on the severity of damage found, recommended repair approach, expected finish outcome, and preventative maintenance recommendations for the future
Customer Consultation & Estimating
• Conduct on-vessel assessments with marina members and guests, clearly explaining detailing service options, the scope of identified gelcoat or fibreglass damage, and recommended repair approaches
• Prepare accurate, itemized written estimates for all detailing and repair work, clearly documenting labour, materials, and expected completion timelines
• Obtain customer sign-off on scope, pricing, and materials prior to commencing any repair or restoration work
• Communicate project progress and any additional findings to the customer and operations team proactively throughout each job
• Inspect all completed work thoroughly before returning the vessel to the customer — confirming surface quality, repair finish, and overall presentation meet the Grand Harbour standard
• Handle post-completion feedback and any warranty or follow-up concerns professionally and promptly
Equipment, Workshop & Materials
• Operate and maintain all detailing machines, polishing equipment, grinding tools, spray equipment, and hand tools safely and to manufacturer specifications
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the detailing bay and fibreglass repair workshop at all times
• Manage materials inventory including compounds, polishes, coatings, resins, gelcoat, fibreglass cloth, and consumables — tracking usage and communicating replenishment needs to management proactively
• Correctly store all chemicals, resins, catalysts, and flammable materials in accordance with WHMIS requirements and fire safety regulations
• Adhere strictly to all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements when working with resins, catalysts, solvents, and power equipment
• Complete accurate job records, work logs, and materials usage documentation for every project
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Required
• Minimum 3 years of proven professional experience in marine detailing and gelcoat / fibreglass repair in a commercial boatyard, marina, or marine service environment
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in machine polishing, compound application, gelcoat colour-matching, and fibreglass laminate repair
• Proficiency operating dual-action and rotary polishing machines and working with a full range of marine-grade compounds, polishes, sealants, and coating systems
• Working knowledge of polyester and epoxy resin systems, fibreglass laminate techniques, and gelcoat application and finishing
• Ability to achieve consistently high-quality, blemish-free surface finishes across a variety of hull materials, colours, and conditions
• Self-directed, organized, and capable of managing multiple concurrent vessel projects independently while meeting customer timelines
• Meticulous attention to detail and an uncompromising personal commitment to the quality of every finished surface
• Professional in appearance, conduct, and direct customer communication at all times
Preferred (Strong Assets)
• Own detailing machine polishers, backing plates, pad sets, and specialist tools — strongly preferred; candidates with own equipment given priority consideration
• Experience with ceramic coating application, paint correction, and advanced surface protection systems
• Experience with osmotic blister treatment, below-waterline fibreglass repair, and anti-fouling paint application
• Familiarity with leading marine product brands including Awlgrip, Interlux, Sea Hawk, 3M Marine, Meguiar’s Marine, and equivalent systems
• Experience with above-waterline painted finishes including Awlgrip, Toplac, and two-part polyurethane systems
• Experience working across a broad range of vessel types including fibreglass runabouts, cruisers, deck boats, centre consoles, and pontoon boats
• WHMIS certification or willingness to obtain prior to commencing duties
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence — an asset for moving vessels and travelling between work sites on the property
Why Join Grand Harbour Marina
Your results are on the water daily
Every vessel you restore is visible on Lake Simcoe — a rolling showcase of your skill and craftsmanship.
Skilled trade, respected role
Marine detailing and gelcoat work is a specialized craft. We treat it — and the people who do it — accordingly.
Varied and satisfying work
From full compound-and-polish detail packages to gelcoat repairs and fibreglass restoration — every vessel is its own project.
Be part of something new
Join an exciting marina transformation under new ownership — a property that values quality in every detail.
Seasonal with full-time potential
Start as a seasonal hourly role with a genuine path to full-time ongoing employment for the right candidate.
Competitive hourly rate
We offer a competitive rate commensurate with your experience and the quality of your finished work.
Ready to Make Every Vessel Shine?
If you are an experienced marine detailing and gelcoat professional who takes real pride in flawless results and wants to bring that standard to one of Lake Simcoe’s most exciting new marina destinations — we’d love to hear from you.
Send your resume to: hello@grandharbourmarina.ca
We thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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