Paint & Sculpture Artist

Are you a hands-on artist who thrives in a production environment and enjoys bringing immersive environments to life? COST of Wisconsin is seeking a skilled Artist (Sculpture / Paint) to join our award-winning fabrication team. This role supports the creation of themed environments for zoos, theme parks, resorts, museums, water features, and other specialty construction projects. Work is highly collaborative and hands-on, involving sculpting, carving, painting, molding, finishing, and working with materials such as wood, FRP, GFRC, steel, plastics, and specialty coatings. This is a nonexempt, production-based position, performed in a shop, with a strong focus on quality, craftsmanship, safety, and efficiency. Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM and Friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, with potential for overtime work as needed. What You’ll Do Collaborate with sculpture supervisors, designers, and team members to achieve desired artistic finishes and project outcomes (time, cost, material efficiency) Create primary forms, molds, parts, sculptures, statues, and 3-D themed work (Sculpture Track) Develop custom paint finishes, color palettes, and renderings based on project specifications and reference materials (Paint Track) Prepare surfaces from initial prep through final finish, including masking and protection Create and file paint formula draw-downs for each paint job or sample Work with artists and supervisors to develop paint samples and specialty finishes Use spray equipment, pump sprayers, brushes, and other application methods Use power and hand tools to weld, cut, grind, sand, spray, brush, and mix Work within the FRP and artist shop environments Maintain quality control documentation and written records Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas Order materials and paint in coordination with supervisors Follow policies and safety procedures; perform other duties as assigned What You Bring Knowledge & Education High school diploma or equivalent required Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in Art or related field Knowledge of materials and methods for producing paint samples across various substrates (fiberglass, clay, concrete, etc.) Knowledge of paint and sealer systems including latex, urethane, epoxy, and specialty finishes Understanding of units of measurement, scale, and finish systems Experience Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in artistic fabrication, scenic work, themed construction, or related artistic production Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered Skills & Abilities Must demonstrate COST’s Core Competencies: accountability, communication, decision quality, results-driven mindset, trust, conflict management, work process optimization, planning, resourcefulness, and safety focus Strong reading comprehension and listening skills to follow detailed specifications Ability to interpret plans, specifications, photos, reference materials, and models Strong attention to detail with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team production environment Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to work safely in a production setting; OSHA safety experience/awareness/training preferred Physical Strength and stamina for hands-on production work Regularly use hands to handle, grasp, and feel materials and tools Regularly walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus Must lift 70 lbs. floor to waist, 90 lbs. waist to chest, and 25 lbs. chest to overhead Must carry 50 lbs. for 50 feet, push a 100 lb. wheeled cart for 100 feet, and drag 50 lbs. for 100 feet Must pass a respirator medical evaluation Work Environment Work is performed in a production and fabrication environment Exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, and production machinery noise (moderate to loud) Use of respirators and protective equipment may be required If you are passionate about craftsmanship, enjoy working with diverse materials, and want to help build immersive, award-winning environments — apply today. COST of Wisconsin offers competitive pay, steady work, and the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind projects in a collaborative, safety-focused environment.