Wesley Kirchner
Chandlerville,Illinois
Summary
Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator proficient in operating backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, off-road trucks, tractors, scrapers, road graders, mowers, John boats, UTV's, ATV's, and skid loaders. Dependable and hardworking team leader and collaborator with over 37 years of construction industry experience. Meets and exceeds productivity standards, quickly adapts to changes in work environment all the while working safely while supporting teams to meet deadlines.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Power Shovel Operator
Illinois Department Of Natural Resources
Pawnee, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Operate power shovels and other various heavy equipment such as, John Deere (JD) 544 wheel loader, JD 850K and 850L bulldozer, JD 8870 4WD tractor, scrapers, Volvo trackhoes, JD 690 and 790 trackhoes, Tandem dumptrucks, and Ford F350 trucks.
- Utilize various types of construction equipment such as backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders.
- Load trucks with dirt, rock, gravel or other materials using a variety of shovels and other tools.
- Remove debris from work sites using hand tools or power tools as directed.
- Ditch and backfill steep terrain and side slopes.
- Build and maintain inclines and ramps for site personnel.
- Maintained upkeep of driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, planters and other grounds features.
- Load trucks, dig ditches, build levees, and drive piling for excavating and retaining walls.
- Perform highway construction and reconstruction of highway activities.
- Clean waterway channels, build embankments to slope and grade.
- Make cuts and fill to line and grade to clear for right-of-way.
- Assist in loading and chaining heavy power equipment to secure to trailer for transport.
- Adhere to all safety regulations set forth by OSHA and local governing bodies at all times.
- Report any issues or malfunctions with equipment to the supervisor immediately.
- Measure distances accurately for grading purposes.
- Ensure proper maintenance of equipment including lubrication, fueling and cleaning.
- Clean worksite after job completion according to company standards.
- Follow instructions from supervisors regarding workload expectations and project deadlines.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Lehigh Hanson
Athens, Illinois
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Operated multiple pieces of heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner to excavate land for construction projects. Such as , Komatsu bulldozers with rippers, CAT D6 bulldozers, Komatsu 460 medium sized trackhoes, Komatsu 650 large sized trackhoes, Komatsu 40 ton haul trucks 6 wheel drive all terain, Komatsu 360 trackhoe with jackhammer, CAT 345 skid steer loader, CAT 980 big wheel loader, and Komatsu 680 wheel loader.
- Operated front end loader to move dirt and different base materials.
- Operated digging and transporting equipment to efficiently fulfill project requirements.
- Loaded and unloaded trucks with construction materials such as gravel, sand, and asphalt.
- Operated excavators and other construction equipment to properly grade land.
- Transported materials from one site to another using off-road vehicles.
- Loaded and offloaded rocks, debris and other materials from heavy equipment.
- Performed pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and accurately completed reports to support company policy.
- Coordinated machine operations with other site personnel to keep materials moving smoothly and prevent accidents.
- Kept equipment fueled and ready for immediate use to support scheduling demands.
- Learned about new equipment and related attachments while maintaining knowledge of items used daily to meet job requirements.
- Performed minor service on equipment and referred complicated mechanical issues to appropriate personnel.
- Carried out preventative maintenance on heavy or specialized equipment.
- Inspected and replaced worn vehicle parts to maintain safety and longevity.
- Employed heavy equipment operation best practices resulting in minimal complaints or incidents.
- Identified potentially hazardous or unacceptable materials at job site and coordinated proper disposal.
- Maintained detailed records of hours worked, materials used, and completed jobs.
- Promoted continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
- Finished shop cleaning, servicing, and storing after each shift.
Group Leader
VISTRA/DYNEGY
Havana, Illinois
01.2009 - 01.2019
- Created and maintained employee records, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and tax withholding forms.
- Delegated tasks to team members based upon individual strengths and expertise, leading to increase in productivity and workflows.
- Provided guidance and direction to subordinates regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Monitored employee productivity to identify ares of improvement to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Directed and supervised team of 20-30 employees in daily operations.
- Coordinated employee schedules according to shift changes and availability.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Provided ongoing training to address staff needs.
- Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
- Maintained detailed records of hours worked, materials used, and completed jobs.
- Assisted with troubleshooting mechanical problems in order to restore normal operations promptly.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations such as high pressure alarms or shut downs due to unexpected outages.
- Trained new operators on safety protocols and operational procedures at the facility.
- Reported incidents or hazardous conditions to supervisors immediately upon discovery.
- Maintained accurate records of system operations and documented any changes in operating conditions or malfunctions in logs.
- Took care of all equipment for workers, set up overtime, and prepared for plant shutdowns.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding shift changes or scheduling issues.
- Inspected records or log book entries or communicated with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
- Adhered to plant safety and environmental policies and procedures at all times.
- Recorded and compiled operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs or reports.
- Updated computer data logs and prepared reports to inform next shift about notable needs and incidents.
- Read electrical diagrams and schematics and routinely used electrical prints to troubleshoot and repair equipment
- Operated cranes, hoists, and other heavy machinery used in the power plant environment. Such as D9T bulldozers, 637 G scrapers, small bulldozers, small and large excavators, backhoes, various John Deere tractors (Alpha 1950, Bravo 1947, 3020, 4320, 4440, 4520, 5020, 8630, 4955, 8870), Ford versatile 4WD, Ford TL 100 front wheel with loader, Ford TL 40 compact front wheel assist, International tractors- 806, 1066, and 1086, John Deere 430 diesel mower, Cubcadet tractor/lawnmower, Ex-mark 60 and 72inch commercial grade lawnmowers, GMC single axle, C70 single axle, and tandem duel axle dumptrucks. Honda 400 4WD ATV, Kawasaki Mule ATV. Jon boats - 14 foot Watercraft and 25 horsepower, 16 foot 75 horsepower, 20 foot all weld with 100 horsepower, 20 foot Seacraft. Stihl weekeaters, Chainsaws - 160-066 magnum with 42 inch bar, Husqvarna, XP150-592 pro with 36 inch bar.
- Learned about new equipment and related attachments while maintaining knowledge of items used daily to meet job requirements.
- Kept equipment fueled and ready for immediate use to support scheduling demands.
- Loaded and offloaded rocks, debris, coal, and other material from heavy equipment as well as barges.
- Transported coal and other materials around power plant to various work locations.
- Performed daily inspections of all power plant equipment for signs of wear or malfunctioning.
- Carried out preventative maintenance on heavy or specialized equipment.
- Employed heavy equipment operation best practices resulting in minimal complaints or incidents.
- Created work orders for repairs that could not be completed by staff members on site.
- Ensured safe and efficient operation of boilers, turbines, and other power plant equipment.
- Ensured that safety procedures were followed during operations including lockout and tagout protocols when necessary.
- Maintained accurate records of fuel consumption, operating times and any other relevant data.
- Conducted daily inspections of all plant systems and equipment.
- Followed all safety regulations related to working with hazardous materials in a power plant setting.
- Served as member of emergency response team.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to emergency management operations.
- Documented all incidents including details such as time frame, location, type of incident.
- Collaborated with other responders to develop strategies for responding to emergencies quickly and effectively.
- Collaborated with engineers to develop plans for improving efficiency at the plant.
- Maintained plant cleanliness and completed general housekeeping tasks to keep operations audit-ready.
- Provided guidance and support to team members during crisis situations.
- Coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Ensured equipment was properly maintained and updated regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Oversaw proper PPE use to facilitate working conditions compliant with safety regulations.
- Analyzed data collected from previous incidents to identify trends or patterns in order to improve future responses.
- Created and maintained records of all emergency response activities.
- Conducted regular drills to evaluate effectiveness of emergency response plans and procedures.
- Supervised the training of personnel in emergency response procedures.
- Compiled reports summarizing the results of investigations into accidents or incidents involving hazardous materials or substances.
- Monitored weather conditions and reported any potential threats or hazards.
- Directed the evacuation of personnel from hazardous areas as necessary.
- Stayed up to date on federal, state and local regulations governing emergency response plans.
- Inspected emergency facilities and equipment to maintain optimal functional capabilities in emergency situations.
- Performed preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment such as pumps, compressors, motors, valves and piping systems.
- Controlled the rate at which coal was fed into the boiler in order to maintain a stable combustion process.
- Adjusted air flow rates to ensure efficient burning of coal.
- Trained new operators on proper operating techniques for coal-fired plants.
- Monitored, operated and maintained coal-fired boilers, turbines and auxiliary equipment to generate electricity.
- Adhered strictly to company policies and regulations concerning health, safety, environmental protection and quality assurance.
- Managed system startup and shutdown processes according to established procedures.
Heavy Equipment Operator and Utility Operator
VISTRA/DYNEGY
Havana, Illinois
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Ran variety of equipment including D9 dozers, 637 scrapers, backhoes, forklifts, cranes, motor graders, and dump trucks
- Carried CDL license
- Contributed as member of Electrician Local 51 union
- Performed maintenance on equipment as needed
- Adhered to safety standards and best practices
- Performed and managed preventative maintenance to mitigate potential safety.
Equipment Operator and Labor/Zoning Officer
CASS COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Virginia, IL
01.1988 - 01.2001
- Revised maps, aided with road and bridge re-construction, and operated variety of heavy equipment including motor grader, loaders, dozers, tandem trucks, and snowplow trucks
- Performed maintenance/repairs to equipment
- Contributed as member of carpenters local 457 union.
- Operated a variety of heavy equipment such as tandem trucks, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, snow plows, tractors, dumptrucks, roadgraders, lawnmowers and ATV's to move earth and materials.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding status updates on jobsite activities.
- Performed preventative maintenance on equipment, including greasing, oiling, servicing engines and changing filters.
- Transported material from one location to another using dump trucks and other vehicles.
- Loaded and unloaded trucks with excavated material for transport to designated areas.
- Followed established procedures for safely operating machinery while adhering to company policies at all times.
- Checked equipment for defects before and after shift and submitted report indicating equipment condition.
- Maintained daily logs of machine operations and reported any mechanical or safety issues to supervisor.
- Kept equipment fueled and ready for immediate use to support scheduling demands.
- Performed grading of site land and smoothed surfaces as part of projects or finish work.
- Worked closely with surveyors, engineers and other personnel onsite during construction projects.
- Adhered strictly to designated schedules for completing assigned tasks within specified timeframes.
- Maintained clean driving record to drive construction vehicles to and from work site.
- Assisted in the setup of job sites by laying out stakes, flags. per project specifications.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws regarding health, safety, environment protection standards and regulations.
- Located and marked underground pipes and wires to identify safe digging locations.
- Observed company safety protocols for trench safety and perimeter establishment to reduce job site accidents.
- Removed tools and machinery from job site to secure at end of shift.
- Loaded and moved dirt, rocks, equipment and materials.
- Drove and maneuvered equipment in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks.
- Operated heavy equipment to demolish current structures, remove plants or trees and clear property of debris.
- Operated equipment to remove debris, snow or other equipment from streets and work areas.
- Kept records of material or equipment usage and completed entries in production logs.
- Maintained machinery by repairing and replacing broken and malfunctioning components.
- Adjusted throttles, switches and pedals to operate bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders or backhoes.
- Used hitches to select and fasten bulldozer blades or other attachments to tractors.
- Provided guidance to team members on how to effectively complete tasks within established timelines.
- Ensured the safety of personnel, equipment, and materials through the enforcement of safety protocols.
Education
Associates Degree in Drafting -
QUINCY TECH
01.1987
Skills
- Good Judgement
- Valid Driver's License
- Repair and Maintenance
- Equipment Logs
- Preventive Maintenance
- Construction Equipment Operation
- Class A CDL
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Pre-Operational Equipment Inspections
- Hydraulic Lifts
- Crane Operation
- Decision-Making
- Safe Equipment Operation
- Parts Lubrication
- Materials Movement
- Safety Compliance
- Maintenance Procedures
- Heavy Lifting
- Safety Procedures
- Interpreting Maps and Instructions
- Safety Regulation Compliance
- Communicating Job Status
- Road Construction
- Commercial Construction Experience
- Daily Vehicle Assessments
- Effective Communication Skills
- Ground Disturbance Oversight
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Backhoe Operation
- Roadway Grading
- Construction Background
- Team Leadership
- Debris Removal
- Inclement Working Conditions
- Material Handling Equipment
- Moving and Leveling Dirt
- Construction Management
- Following Directions
- Lever Controls
- Trench Work
- Clean Driving Record
- Loader Operation
- Project Management
- OSHA Certification
Certification
- CPR Defibrillator Certification, 2019
- Forklift Certification, 2019
- GLC Lift Certification, 2019
- Class A CDL
Professional Development
- MARC (Manager's Guide to Labor Relations) Training, 2019
- OSHA Standards, 2018
- COCA Training, 2019
- MAXIMO Training for Maintenance Process Improvement, 2019
Affiliations
Maintained family farm for over 40 years, raising cattle, horses, chickens and other various live stock.
Bee keeper for over 10 years.
Acid hunter and fishman.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Power Shovel Operator
Illinois Department Of Natural Resources
01.2024 - Current
Heavy Equipment Operator
Lehigh Hanson
01.2020 - 08.2022
Group Leader
VISTRA/DYNEGY
01.2009 - 01.2019
Heavy Equipment Operator and Utility Operator
VISTRA/DYNEGY
01.2001 - 01.2009
Equipment Operator and Labor/Zoning Officer
CASS COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
01.1988 - 01.2001
Associates Degree in Drafting -
QUINCY TECH
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