Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Melgard

Independence,OR

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in research and project coordination, notably with the Vancouver Police Department. Excelled in artifact preservation, organization, and developing a historical collection database, showcasing strong analytical and communication skills. Proven ability to multitask and manage projects under stressful conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and historical knowledge.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Laboratory Assistant

Salem Health
05.2022 - Current
  • Communicate with clients, providers, hospital staff and patients to answer questions about laboratory testing and specimen collection via phone, email, and in person
  • Responsible for the timely flow of processing patient specimens for multiple clinical disciplines
  • Experience multi-tasking under stressful conditions
  • Actively participated in lab safety inspections, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions promptly.

History Project Volunteer

Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
07.2020 - Current
  • Assisted in the design and completion of historically themed panels that are presently displayed at Precincts
  • Continued research and donation appraisal as needed

History Project Coordinator

Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
09.2018 - 07.2020
  • (Project paused indefinitely due to COVID in July 2020)
  • Collected, appraised, analyzed, and synthesized information having historical significance
  • Researched, photographed, labeled and stored the entire department’s historical collection in accordance with archival standards
  • Provided reference services internally for the VPD police chief and externally for civilians that contacted the VPD in search of information on relatives’ employment
  • Researched available options for supplies within project budget and recommended equipment and supply purchases
  • Developed a cataloging system for the department’s historical collection
  • Worked with a computer programmer volunteer to design, implement, and refine a historical collection database using Microsoft Access
  • Performed historical research with current and former officers and staff, members of the public, other institutions, and local historians
  • Selected photographs from the VPD’s historical collection for use in social media outreach posts highlighting the department’s history

Collections Volunteer

Museum of the Oregon Territory
03.2017 - 09.2018
  • Worked to identify, move, research and label historical artifacts in the museum’s collection

Program Assistant/Substitute English Teacher

Immigrant And Refugee Community Organization/IRCO
05.2015 - 09.2015
  • Mentored and supported clients to help with business loans and certification obtainment
  • Gained experience with English instruction with a focus on employment as a substitute English instructor to newly arrived immigrants and refugees

Research Library Volunteer

Oregon Historical Society
12.2014 - 05.2015
  • Greeted patrons, assisted them with photograph file requests and newspaper research, made copies on request, supported librarians

Education

Bachelor of Arts - History

Reed College
Portland
01-2001

Skills

  • Research
  • Project coordination
  • Artifact preservation and organization
  • Hardworking, curious, courteous and thoughtful
  • Deeply rewarded by assisting others with historical research

Timeline

Laboratory Assistant

Salem Health
05.2022 - Current

History Project Volunteer

Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
07.2020 - Current

History Project Coordinator

Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
09.2018 - 07.2020

Collections Volunteer

Museum of the Oregon Territory
03.2017 - 09.2018

Program Assistant/Substitute English Teacher

Immigrant And Refugee Community Organization/IRCO
05.2015 - 09.2015

Research Library Volunteer

Oregon Historical Society
12.2014 - 05.2015

Bachelor of Arts - History

Reed College
Benjamin Melgard