Damian Ferns

• As a Welding Foreman at BNSF Railway, I led a team of skilled welders in executing high-quality welding operations to maintain and repair railroad infrastructure, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with federal and company standards. I oversaw the planning and implementation of welding projects, including track repairs, rail end hardening, and thermite welding, while coordinating with track inspectors and maintenance crews to minimize downtime. My responsibilities included training team members on advanced welding techniques, enforcing strict safety protocols, and conducting quality assurance checks to uphold structural integrity. By optimizing workflows and fostering a collaborative team environment, I consistently delivered projects on schedule, contributing to the seamless operation of BNSF’s rail network.

• As a Track Supervisor Inspector at BNSF Railway, I managed comprehensive track inspection and maintenance operations to ensure the safety, stability, and compliance of rail infrastructure with federal regulations and company standards. I conducted detailed inspections of tracks, switches, and roadbeds, identifying defects and coordinating timely repairs to maintain operational efficiency. Leading a team of maintenance crews, I oversaw scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control, ensuring minimal disruption to rail operations. My expertise in track geometry, ballast conditions, and rail integrity, combined with a strong commitment to safety protocols, enabled me to enhance track reliability and support BNSF’s mission of delivering safe and efficient transportation services..

As the Lead Front End Loader Operator at Croell Redi-Mix, I am responsible for overseeing and executing daily operations involving the safe and efficient handling of materials such as aggregate, sand, and cement at our concrete and asphalt production sites. My role requires the skilled operation of heavy equipment—primarily front end loaders—to support plant production, maintain stockpiles, load trucks, and manage yard organization.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating front end loaders to move, load, and organize raw materials for concrete and asphalt production.
• Ensuring the accuracy of material mixes and loadouts per plant specifications and customer orders.
• Leading and coordinating daily activities with fellow loader operators and yard personnel to maintain workflow and site safety.
• Performing routine maintenance checks on equipment and reporting mechanical issues to minimize downtime.
• Enforcing company safety policies and OSHA compliance on site.
• Collaborating with plant managers and drivers to maintain timely production schedules.
• Training and mentoring new loader operators and laborers to ensure high operational standards.

With a focus on safety, efficiency, and teamwork, I contribute to the consistent production of high-quality materials while maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

As the Lead Excavator Operator at Aztec Construction, I oversee and perform critical excavation operations on residential, commercial, and civil construction projects. My primary responsibility is the skilled operation of excavators and related heavy equipment to complete tasks such as trenching, grading, site prep, demolition, and utility installation. I also serve as the on-site lead, ensuring safety, efficiency, and precision in all excavation-related work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating excavators to perform digging, trenching, site grading, backfilling, and material handling according to project specifications.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, site plans, and grade stakes to execute accurate excavations.
• Coordinating with foremen, project managers, and utility crews to align excavation work with overall project timelines and site requirements.
• Leading and mentoring a team of operators and laborers, ensuring safe work practices and high productivity.
• Conducting daily equipment inspections and performing basic maintenance to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and environmental guidelines.
• Troubleshooting on-site issues and making real-time adjustments to accommodate changes in scope or site conditions.

With strong leadership, technical skill, and a commitment to safety and quality, I help drive successful project outcomes and maintain Aztec Construction’s reputation for dependable, high-standard work.