Colin Jourdan

I worked at Foothill Sierra Pest Control as a Pest Technician and have my General pesticide applicator license. As a pest control technician you have a major list or responsibility’s and roles. To start you are a sales man going door to door selling traps, bait boxes and spray jobs themselves and ensuring a happy customer at every stop. With that at every stop you have to ensure safety and state law because you are spraying deadly/ sickening chemicals. Each chemical has its own set of rules and protocols that you have to follow and label in order to follow AG’s laws and safety guidelines. While ensuring everyone else’s safety you also have to make sure of you own, including PPE standards and following the instructions you learn while getting your applicators license. This job taught me a little bit about everything and I learned a lot of great information about this career. I sadly had to resign due to moving away from my hometown but here are some skills I learned as a Pest Control Technician;

• Pest identification
• Integrated Pest Management
• Chemical Handling
• Equipment Operations
• Exclusion Techniques
• Inspection & Diagnostic
• Clear Communication

I worked at Trumpower’s Home Services for what was supposed to be a full time summer- spring job until I was sadly laid off. While working as a framer/ woodworker for Trumpower I learned a lot about measuring and attention to detail. Working in tight fast and slow paced environments cutting, hammering and drilling has taught me that patience is the key to success. Taking your time with your working and ensure the correct measurements and cuts will allow a better flow for you and your co workers. I have worked in construction on and off since I was fourteen so going into this job I had a lot of experience but I came out with a ton more knowledge. Being able to adapt and communicate with my foreman taught me all sorts of tips and tricks and taught me how to change my perspective on how to do things. Working in extreme conditions carrying heavy loads and working six to ten hour shifts showed me what hard work looks like. In this job you had to have dedication and commitment in order to make the pay check. Here are some skills I learned as a framer:

• Blue print Interpretation

• Measurements and Math

• Material Handling

• Tool Proficiency

• Site Management

• PPE

• OSHA

I worked at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort as a seasonal ski lift operator and worked there for two seasons. As a ski lift operator you are a crucial factor to keeping the mountain operating and under safe supervision. You have the customers life’s in your hands and it’s your responsibility to keep them as safe as possible. Not only are you running the lift checking valve pressures, ensuring safety but you’re also the face everyone sees at the top of the mountain. Putting a smile on the customers faces was one of my favorite parts of working there. I have a huge personality and love making peoples day, I know how to talk and how to read a room and this job taught me a lot about customer service. I’ve worked in below freezing conditions and blaring snow blinding conditions. Customers yelling and customers bleeding. This job taught me a lot about responsibility and perspective and if I lived closer I would work there again! Here are some skills I learned as a ski lift operator:

• Lift/Heavy Equipment Operation
• Safety Protocol
• Minor Maintenance
• First aid/ CPR
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Situational Awareness
• Adaptability

I was a Sawsman/Groundsman For California forestry alliance and was on a seasonal contract with them. We trimmed and dropped trees and worked in extreme weather conditions lifting, dragging and cutting brush over 50lbs, along with that we worked around a lot of noise at fast pace speeds. Following instruction and keeping the heavy equipment in certain areas during bird surveys was huge and took a lot of attention to detail and team effort. Working at this job taught me a lot of keen skills like time management, teamwork and dedication and I use this to attribute my work I do today! Here are some skills I learned as Sawsman/Groundsman:

• Communication & interpretation
• Drive & Resilience
• Horticulture & Maintenance/Landscaping
• Equipment operation
• Physical stamina
• Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Credibility