Brian Kester
Avondale,AZ
Summary
Dedicated professional with a proven track record of excellence in shop and field environments, showcasing a strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. Extensive experience across all welding applications involving carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum ensures high-quality results in every project. Committed to maintaining safety standards while delivering exceptional craftsmanship, contributing to team success and client satisfaction. A proactive approach to problem-solving enhances productivity and fosters a collaborative work atmosphere.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Welding Instructor
Universal Technical Institute Inc
12.2024 - Current
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions, ensuring safety protocols were followed in all activities.
- Collaborated with industry partners to align training programs with current market needs and standards.
- Managed classroom activities efficiently by implementing effective time-management strategies tailored to each lesson plan's objectives.
- Assessed student performance through practical evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Mentored students in advanced welding techniques, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Teaching classes up to 26 students per instructor, teaching proficiency in TiG, Stick and Wire Feed welding methods.
- Mentored new instructors on teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Continuously tracked individual student progress via detailed records; assessed results to tailor future lessons accordingly.
Senior Welding Instructor
The Refrigeration School
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Instructed diverse groups in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques, ensuring skill proficiency.
- Evaluated student performance through hands-on assessments and constructive feedback sessions.
- Implemented safety protocols and best practices for equipment handling within training environment.
- Enhanced student understanding of welding techniques by incorporating hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises.
- Worked along side 4 instructors teaching 60 students per shift.
Welder/Fabricator
Tommy Camper Vans
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Custom Fabrication of roof racks, ladders, and bumpers for off-road adventure vans.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to optimize design processes for enhanced production efficiency.
- Carbon steel and aluminum Tig welding, and carbon steel MiG welding.
- Operated MIG and TIG welding equipment to fabricate high-quality camper van components.
- Building of benches, mounting points, and solar panel mounts per specification of blueprints.
Welder/Fabricator
Vic's Welding Co. LLC
03.2023 - 06.2023
- Custom fabrication and welding of various types and materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Utilization of multiple welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, MIG and Dual shield welding).
- Follow blueprints and fabricate projects to within 1/16” accuracy.
- Work alone and with small teams to complete contracts safely and in a timely manner.
- Display professionalism and respect at all times while working in the shop and field settings.
Lead Welder/Fabricator
Republic Services
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Lead container shop welder in charge of a small team of 4 welders, ensuring all employees maintain productivity and safety standards.
- Performs repairs and maintenance on front, rear and roll-off containers
- Weld steel and aluminum components using MIG and ARC welding Equipment.
- Fabricates steel components using a brake press, saws, grinders and a variety of hand tools.
- Cuts steel using a plasma cutter or torch.
- Fabricates steel components for hoppers, containers and compactors.
1316 metal worker
United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Metal workers examine drawings and work orders; determine sequence of operations, materials, tools, equipment, time, and personnel required. They also perform installation, operation, maintenance and repair of metalworking, and welding equipment and material.
- Conduct safety inspection; Maintain engineer equipment records and forms; Conduct inventory of tool sets, chests, and kits; Perform operations check on welding/cutting equipment; Perform identification tests on metal; Perform corrosion prevention and control; Perform armor plate welding/repair; Operate the Marine Corps tactical welding shop.
- Work was done in collaboration with maintenance personnel. Welding and repairing vehicles and mission critical equipment utilizing Mig and Stick welding.
Bulk Fuel Specialist
United States Marine Corps, Reserves
08.2015 - 08.2020
- Install, operate, maintain and repair fuel handling units and accessory equipment.
- Test petroleum products to evaluate the quality used in amphibious assault fuel handling systems
- Maintaining fuel systems, to include recirculating fuel and minor preventative maintenance on fuel separators, pumps, and valves.
- Supply and distribution to all ground and aviation vehicles.
- Testing of aviation fuels, including JP-3, JP-5, JP-8, as well as gasoline and diesel fuels.
- Maintenance and repair upon fuel lines, pumps, engines, and related machinery.
Active Duty Operational Support
United States Marine Corps, Reserves
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Active Duty Operational Support
- Assisted Active Duty personnel in day-to-day operations
- Supported existing and emerging requirements of the Marine Corps Total Force to meet short-term administrative, operational, and exercise support requirements
- Took part in the rendering of military funeral honors for veterans
- Mentored by the Vehicle Maintenance Operations Chief to assist with repairs and maintenance of military vehicles
Police Officer Recruit
Phoenix Police Department
12.2018 - 07.2019
- Attended The Phoenix Regional Police Academy to learn and perform the responsibilities of an entry-level Arizona peace officer which includes interacting with a culturally and socially diverse population, employing discretion in solving problems, maintaining public order, preventing crime, enforcing laws and ordinances, conducting investigations, making arrests, issuing summonses/citations and warnings, and assisting the public.
- Received training for protective service work in the Police Department; received academy instruction and field training in the areas of patrol methods, causes of criminality, courtroom procedures, fingerprinting, community relations, and other law enforcement topics to prepare for appointment to the position of Police Officer.
Lead Fueler Agent
Swissport International Ltd.
05.2017 - 05.2018
- Lead team of fuelers by assigning work and ensuring proper utilization of personnel and equipment
- Communicate current or new occupational information to team, and performs work similar to that assigned to the group being led
- Train new fuelers on proper utilization of equipment and job functions
- Responsible for operational guidance and oversight to teams fueling 13 passenger airlines and 4 commercial airlines, per individual airline standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as enforcing policies and procedures of each airline
- Operate motorized fueling vehicles (fuel tank trucks, standard and automatic transmissions)
- Operate non-motorized fueling vehicles (hydrant carts)
- Fuel and de-fuel aircraft per flight crew/flight plan requirements
- Inspect fueling equipment and vehicles - report malfunctions or inconsistencies
- Perform accurate fueling calculations
- Fuel ground support equipment (gasoline or diesel) as required
- Interact with carrier personnel
- Utilize hand-held radios, telephones and computers for communication
- Complete and submit all documentation associated with fueling activities
- Respond to fuel emergencies (i.e. fuel spills) utilizing emergency response cart and follow established environmental/company guidelines
- Comply with all federal, state, municipal, airport authority and carrier security requirements
- Must safely lift from 35 to over 100 pounds repetitively on a daily basis
- Comply with Swissport, airport and FAA SOPs and policies
- Full security clearance to work with all levels of airlines (ie, domestic and international)
Education
Trade Certification - Welding
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ01-2021
High School Diploma -
Desert Edge High School
Goodyear, AZ05.2015
Skills
- Arc welding proficiency
- Mig welding operations
- Experienced in TIG welding techniques
- Expertise in stick welding
- Precision plasma cutting
- Technical blueprint interpretation
- Certified forklift operator
- Custom fabrication
- Blueprint reading
- Understanding of mechanical systems
- Welding safety procedures
- Oxy-fuel cutting
Certification
- Food handler certificate
- AWS D1.1
- February 2023 to Present
- AWS D1.1 universal plate welding certificate.
- Welding Certification
Community Service
Streetlight USA, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Natalie's House, Dysart Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Convoy of Hope, Coach and mentor elementary and middle school children in various baseball camps
Military Service
- Branch: United States Marine Corps
- Service Country: United States
- Rank: Corporal
- August 2015 to August 2021
Timeline
Welding Instructor
Universal Technical Institute Inc
12.2024 - Current
Senior Welding Instructor
The Refrigeration School
07.2024 - 12.2024
Welder/Fabricator
Tommy Camper Vans
06.2023 - 07.2024
Welder/Fabricator
Vic's Welding Co. LLC
03.2023 - 06.2023
Lead Welder/Fabricator
Republic Services
01.2022 - 03.2023
1316 metal worker
United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)
08.2020 - 08.2023
Active Duty Operational Support
United States Marine Corps, Reserves
11.2019 - 03.2020
Police Officer Recruit
Phoenix Police Department
12.2018 - 07.2019
Lead Fueler Agent
Swissport International Ltd.
05.2017 - 05.2018
Bulk Fuel Specialist
United States Marine Corps, Reserves
08.2015 - 08.2020
Trade Certification - Welding
Refrigeration School Inc
High School Diploma -
Desert Edge High School
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