Benjamin Switzer
Oil City,PA
Summary
Dedicated vegetation management, forestry, and arboriculture professional with a wide breadth of experience during 17 years of industry involvement. Known for providing exceptional, safe, and efficient services through expertise, team building, and professional development. Adaptable and transformable leader able to perform effectively in all positions from the field to the top of the corporate ladder.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Manager
WBE Line Services LLC
06.2022 - Current
- Developed company-wide safety policies, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Served as the primary liaison between the company and regulatory agencies such as OSHA, maintaining open communication channels for timely updates on policy changes.
- Reduced accident rates with proactive hazard identification and thorough risk assessments.
- Implemented employee recognition programs highlighting outstanding contributions to workplace safety efforts.
- Fostered positive relationships with community stakeholders through participation in local safety events and collaboration on shared initiatives.
- Ensured proper maintenance of critical equipment by overseeing routine inspections and collaborating with maintenance personnel.
- Implemented training programs to transfer knowledge and core competencies to management and associates.
- Organized annual safety events to increase employee awareness and engagement in workplace safety initiatives.
- Facilitated mandatory training sessions covering various topics such as ergonomics, chemical handling, fall protection, and lockout/tagout procedures.
- Streamlined reporting processes for accidents and near-misses, leading to faster resolutions and targeted improvements.
- Improved workplace safety by implementing comprehensive training programs and conducting regular safety audits.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Led process improvement initiatives to increase operational effectiveness and optimize resource utilization within the organization.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Director of Safety and Equipment
All Reliable Services
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Developed employee training and certification programs.
- Responsible for fleet and equipment maintenance.
- Conducted routine safety and performance audits. Designed plans to improve performance metrics based on observations.
- Reduced incident rates through planning and prevention initiatives.
- Primary liaison between company and regulatory agencies and customers.
- Streamlined reporting and performance tracking procedures to enhance safety and productivity.
Safety Director
All Reliable Services
01.2017 - 03.2022
- Provided guidance to department supervisors regarding best practices for maintaining safe work environments tailored to their specific needs.
- Conducted annual reviews of safety programs and policies in place, making recommendations for updates or revisions based on industry best practices.
- Coordinated with regulatory agencies such as OSHA to ensure compliance with federal and state safety standards.
- Collaborated with operations management to keep equipment in good working order, replace worn items and plan updates.
- Enhanced employee awareness on safety practices through regular workshops, presentations, and demonstrations.
- Developed and implemented safety tracking, training and management programs.
- Spearheaded incident prevention initiatives by proactively addressing identified areas of concern within the workplace environment.
- Reduced accident rates by ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and guidelines.
- Conducted thorough investigations into workplace accidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Evaluated effectiveness of current safety measures in place by analyzing data trends related to accidents, injuries, or near misses reported over time periods.
- Helped to build culture of safety focused on reducing incidents and eliminating hazards.
- Developed and maintained a strong safety culture within the organization, leading to increased employee morale and productivity.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments for reporting potential hazards or unsafe conditions, enabling prompt action and resolution.
- Managed emergency response teams during crisis situations, ensuring timely and efficient resolutions with minimal disruption to operations.
- Championed the implementation of advanced technology solutions such as incident tracking software or equipment monitoring systems for enhanced workplace security.
- Trained and certified employees in assessment procedures and safety behaviors.
- Conducted regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
Foreperson
All Reliable Services
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed, lead, and assisted crews with daily operational tasks near energized conductors including tree removal, tree pruning, and heavy equipment operation.
- Inspected worksites for hazards and designed mitigative steps to ensure safe and efficient completion of assigned work.
- Lead safety meetings and performed job briefings.
- Ensured work was done safely in accordance with all applicable procedures and laws.
- Performed daily inspections of equipment and crew performance to ensure a predictable and safe work environment.
Arborist
Eagle Tree Service, Jacob Sauer Tree Care
01.2011 - 08.2015
- Performed all tasks associated with tree climbing, tree removal, tree pruning, heavy equipment operation, customer service, bidding, team management, risk assessment, and operational planning,
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects efficiently and safely, fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed project timelines effectively to ensure all tasks were completed within allocated timeframes, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing expert advice on tree care and maintenance best practices.
- Supported emergency response efforts after natural disasters or severe weather events by clearing debris or removing damaged trees quickly and efficiently.
- Conducted thorough site assessments to identify potential hazards before beginning any work, minimizing risk to personnel and property.
- Maintained industry knowledge through continued education courses, ensuring up-to-date expertise in arboricultural practices.
- Demonstrated tree-health science experience by delivering fact-based solutions to specific arboricultural concerns.
- Consistently met or exceeded job performance expectations, earning positive reviews from both clients and supervisors alike.
- Ensured public safety during tree work operations by adhering to strict safety guidelines and utilizing appropriate traffic control measures.
- Developed customized tree management plans for clients based on their specific needs, contributing to long-term tree health and vitality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecological Forest Management
Paul Smiths College
Paul Smiths, NYHigh School Diploma -
Franklin Area High School
Franklin, PASkills
- Operations Management
- Organizational Development
- Team Leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation
- Analytical Skills
- Effective Leadership
- Heavy equipment operation including cranes, excavators, loaders, and trucks
- Tree felling, climbing, and rigging,
- Bachelor of Science in Ecological Forest Management
- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Utility Specialist, and TRAQ Certified MI- 4325BU
- CCO Certified Crane Operator #2112214032
Certification
- ISA BCMA, TRAQ, and Utility Specialist MI-4325BU
- CCO Certified Crane Operator TLL, TSS, STC # 2112214032
- CDL Class A and Air Brakes
Timeline
Corporate Manager
WBE Line Services LLC
06.2022 - Current
Director of Safety and Equipment
All Reliable Services
03.2022 - 05.2022
Safety Director
All Reliable Services
01.2017 - 03.2022
Foreperson
All Reliable Services
08.2015 - 01.2017
Arborist
Eagle Tree Service, Jacob Sauer Tree Care
01.2011 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Ecological Forest Management
Paul Smiths College
High School Diploma -
Franklin Area High School
- ISA BCMA, TRAQ, and Utility Specialist MI-4325BU
- CCO Certified Crane Operator TLL, TSS, STC # 2112214032
- CDL Class A and Air Brakes
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