Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Availability
Desired Locations
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Chester Sater

Hermiston,United States

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience at USDI Bureau of Reclamation, excelling in project management and customer service. Proven track record in leading teams, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Adept at conflict resolution and stakeholder collaboration, delivering impactful results while fostering positive workplace culture. Committed to achieving organizational goals through strategic resource allocation.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Umatilla Field Office Manager

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
Hermiston, United States
03.2022 - 04.2025
  • Managed field staff, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
  • Directed Umatilla Field Office staff in executing annual operations and maintenance activities.
  • Provided leadership in formulating and executing project activities, maintaining budget integrity in databases.
  • Established tasks for efficient development and management of Umatilla Project resources over 30 years.
  • Collaborated with local irrigation districts and governments on studies related to Umatilla Project.
  • Contributed technical advice as part of Columbia Cascades Area Management Team for facility operation.
  • Assisted in developing annual budget and updating activities in budget database and PSR module.
  • Resolved customer complaints swiftly while upholding positive client relationships.
  • Recruited and trained new staff members when required.
  • Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
  • Oversaw employee timekeeping, performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Managed field staff, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Provided guidance to employees on a variety of topics including customer service best practices, safety protocols.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Provided customer service support by responding to inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly and effectively while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
  • Developed strategies to increase customer satisfaction and improve operational efficiency.
  • Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of services across all areas of operation.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Natural Resource Specialist

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
Hermiston, United States
01.2011 - 03.2022
  • Conducted natural resource analysis to enhance efficiencies in water resource management.
  • Served as liaison with tribes and environmental agencies for Columbia Cascades projects.
  • Initiated, prepared, and completed NEPA documents, ensuring timely compliance with regulations.
  • Prepared applications for Clean Water Act permits in accordance with project activities.
  • Reported pest management activities to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality per permit requirements.
  • Coordinated fish monitoring plans and mitigation measures with tribal staff and stakeholders.
  • Managed various projects, including McKay Fish Barrier Modification, ensuring successful completion.
  • Developed long-term monitoring plans for Umatilla Project to meet biological opinion requirements.
  • Developed technical documents and articles outlining study findings.
  • Investigated complaints regarding illegal harvesting or dumping activities impacting the environment.
  • Prepared and delivered presentations detailing economic and environmental research and policy recommendations.
  • Gathered and assessed data and prepared reports to compare environmental implications of economic policies and alternatives.
  • Assisted in developing strategies for protection, conservation, and management of natural resources.
  • Monitored compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to natural resource management.
  • Reviewed environmental impact reports prepared by outside consultants or agencies.
  • Analyzed water quality data collected from streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
  • Coordinated efforts between multiple stakeholders when addressing complex environmental problems.
  • Led impact assessment and planning activities by developing proposals, preparing cost estimates and guiding decision-makers on business development.
  • Participated in public meetings to discuss issues related to natural resource management.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.

Irrigation System Operator

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
Hermiston, OR
02.2004 - 01.2011
  • Investigated complaints from customers concerning malfunctioning or inadequate irrigation systems.
  • Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Recommended changes in order to increase efficiency in existing watering systems.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Held regular meetings with team members to discuss progress on current assignments.
  • Conducted performance tests of new or modified software programs related to SCADA operations.
  • Monitored plant operations using SCADA system software to identify potential problems before they occur.
  • Analyzed data from SCADA systems to identify trends or anomalies in operation parameters.
  • Monitored alarms generated by the SCADA system in a timely manner.
  • Monitored production data from various sources including SCADA systems and PLCs.
  • Analyzed trends in process data collected by the SCADA system over time to identify potential issues before they arise.
  • Utilized computer software programs such as SCADA systems for monitoring and controlling processes.
  • Performed periodic maintenance on existing SCADA systems and components.
  • Operated a variety of control systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems.
  • Developed user manuals and documentation related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of SCADA systems.
  • Analyzed data from SCADA systems to assess performance of irrigation system networks.
  • Created design specifications for process control systems such as SCADA, PLCs, DCSs.
  • Responded quickly to alarms or warnings generated by automated systems such as SCADA monitors.
  • Learned and followed safety and emergency procedures.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, OR
03-1998

Skills

  • Project management
  • Customer service
  • Staff training
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Resource allocation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team leadership
  • Time management
  • Stakeholder collaboration
  • Computer skills
  • Reliability
  • Emergency response
  • Staff management
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Positive attitude
  • Interpersonal skills

Availability

Permanent, Detail, Full-time

Desired Locations

  • Walla Walla, Washington, United States
  • Pendleton, Oregon, United States
  • Hermiston, Oregon, United States
  • Pasco, Washington, United States
  • Richland, Washington, United States
  • Kennewick, Washington, United States

Affiliations

  • Outdoor Enthusiast


Accomplishments

  • Multiple Performance evaluations of Excellent or Outstanding
  • Multiple Star Awards for specific work related projects
  • Accomplished many government training programs as required and voluntarily

Certification

  • Oregon Drivers License

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Umatilla Field Office Manager

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
03.2022 - 04.2025

Natural Resource Specialist

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
01.2011 - 03.2022

Irrigation System Operator

USDI Bureau of Reclamation
02.2004 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Eastern Oregon University
Chester Sater