BENJAMIN WOODS
Cedar Rapids
Summary
Expert in safety management and resource coordination, driving process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and employee safety. Successfully managed safety training for a large workforce, implementing initiatives that increased wellness program participation and reduced incident rates, underscoring a commitment to a proactive safety culture.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Coordinator
Alliant Energy
Cedar Rapids
05.2025 - Current
- Coordinated resource allocation for planned and emergency operations, ensuring timely response and support.
- Communicated with management and line crew to streamline dispatching and effective diagnosis of emergencies.
- Assisted in developing process improvement plans, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency.
Health, Wellness & Safety Specialist
Van Meter Inc
Cedar Rapids
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Planned and facilitated annual safety audits at 25 branch locations to ensure OSHA compliance
- Managed safety training programs for 850 employees annually
- Reduced workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in fewer OSHA recordables and elevating the company's safety metric
- Collaborated with Operations and Organizational Effectiveness teams on projects, training, and audits to strengthen employee safety and engagement in company's safety culture
- Developed and implemented incentive programs for health and wellness initiatives to enhance employee support and benefits
- Increased employee participation in wellness programs through engaging awareness campaigns
Police Officer
West Des Moines Police Department
West Des Moines
11.2008 - 10.2016
- Managed and resolved calls for service, both emergent and non-emergent, initiated criminal investigations, arrests, and administered life-saving tactics
- Executed high risk search and/or arrest warrants as a member of the Suburban Emergency Response Team
- Trained and evaluated newly hired police officers as a Field Training Officer, ensuring readiness for independent duty.
- Completed performance evaluations to determine the suitability of the skills and abilities in order to release probationary officers to solo work
- Managed and compiled critical administrative and criminal reports for chain of command, supporting informed decision-making.
- Facilitated community engagement through regular open dialogue meetings to foster trust and collaboration.
Police Officer
Waverly Police Department
Waverly
01.2006 - 08.2008
- Managed and resolved emergency and non-emergency calls for service, initiating criminal investigations and administering life-saving measures
- Patrolled during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd watch shifts to maintain public safety and order.
- Conducted traffic enforcement through citizen interactions, issuing corrective actions to promote compliance
- Engaged in community oriented policing by fostering open dialogue to address community needs
Education
Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Psychology
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA12-2007
Iowa Certified Peace Officer -
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Johnston, IA07-2006
Associate of Arts -
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA12-2004
Skills
- Resource allocation
- Logistics coordination
- Project management
- Compliance management
- Compliance auditing
- Process improvement
- Data analysis
- Crisis management
- Training facilitation
Websites
Training
- Fierce Conversations, Van Meter Inc
- Iowa Behind The Wheel Instructor, Iowa Department of Transportation - Driver's Education Instructor
- Stop Sticks Instructor Certification, Stop Sticks Ltd
- Field Training Officer Certification, Field Training Associates
- Precision Driving Instructor Certification, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
- High Risk Warrant Service, Midwest Counterdrug Training Center
- Interviews and Interrogations, Midwest Counterdrug Training Center
- Incident Command Systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, Polk County Emergency Management
- 40 Hour Telecommunicator Certification - Dispatcher, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Passions
- Mentorship: Enjoy investing in others to help them realize their potential and set them up for success
- Learning: Constantly seeking to gain knowledge and new skill sets to be my personal best
- Leadership: Leading others well to lead themselves well
Timeline
Resource Coordinator
Alliant Energy
05.2025 - Current
Health, Wellness & Safety Specialist
Van Meter Inc
01.2017 - 01.2025
Police Officer
West Des Moines Police Department
11.2008 - 10.2016
Police Officer
Waverly Police Department
01.2006 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Behavioral Science - Psychology
University of Northern Iowa
Iowa Certified Peace Officer -
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Associate of Arts -
Hawkeye Community College