Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Volunteer
David J Cotter

David J Cotter

708-314-8665 dcotter75@gmail.com
Burbank,IL

Summary

Reliable, Dependable, Motivated and Focused Construction worker offering expertise gained in diverse labor roles. Versed in completing physically-challenging jobs and working long hours under all types of weather conditions. Construction team member knowledgeable about organizing supplies, operating equipment and helping workers complete demanding work in commercial and residential construction. I have a superior work ethic and dedication to teamwork. Use both manual and heavy equipment methods to complete tasks. Eager to offer talents to new company!

Work History

Freight Conductor

Norfolk Southern Rail Road
Chicago, United States
01.2022 - Current
  • Inspected train in motion and stationary to determine proper functionality.
  • Communicated with train dispatchers to obtain and adjust directions.
  • Signaled crew members, utilizing hand or flag signals, radio communications and lantern.
  • Communicated through various methods to conduct train movement.
  • Negotiated and directed train and rail cars movement.
  • Performed air brake and electrical connection coupling.
  • Prepared forms, required reports, switch lists and train orders daily.
  • Conducted all pieces with skill and efficiency.
  • Signaled to engineers regarding train stopping, starting, directional switches or emergencies.
  • Operated controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
  • Conferred with engineers regarding train routes, timetables and cargoes and discussed alternative routes in response to rail defects or obstructions.

Laborer

Exelon Nuclear, LLC
Morris, IL
05.2021 - 01.2022
  • Worked alongside team to accomplish work goals according to schedule.
  • Loaded, unloaded and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
  • Prepared job sites by removing debris and setting up materials and tools.
  • Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
  • Organized materials, tools and equipment to supply team members.
  • Utilized construction tools and machinery to effectively complete job site projects.
  • Observed site safety rules to maximize protections for team members and equipment.
  • Constructed and broke down temporary retaining walls and scaffolding to support project needs.
  • Erected and removed temporary structures such as trench liners and scaffolding to meet team needs.
  • Directed traffic away from hazardous locations to protect team members and general public.

Union Laborer

James McHugh Construction Co
Chicago, IL
06.2016 - 05.2021
  • Gathered and disposed of work site debris to remove safety hazards and boost team productivity.
  • Recognized and reported potential project challenges and assisted with solutions.
  • Learned diverse construction trades skills, including basic carpentry, painting and plastering.
  • Prepared, poured and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt at designated locations.
  • Signaled equipment operators to complete proper alignments, movements and adjustments.
  • Maintained team safety by controlling traffic around and within site.
  • Used shovels or heavy equipment to move different materials based on job needs.
  • Fully cooperated with Sub contractors to deliver team-oriented atmosphere, which enabled completion of large-scale projects.
  • Read and understood plans and technical documentation for each job.
  • Gathered waste and trash from job sites for placement in refuse containers to keep job sites clean and organized.
  • Observed all safety regulations on job sites to keep accidents to minimum.
  • Operated LULL and Bobcat machines to safely move materials and unload trucks.
  • Dug holes, trenches and ditches at desired locations and backfilled completed excavations.
  • Erected and removed temporary structures such as trench liners and scaffolding to meet team needs.
  • Interacted daily with various project managers, subcontractors and municipal inspectors to complete construction projects.

Union Laborer

Ragnar Benson
Chicago, IL
04.2008 - 05.2016
  • Interpreted job site supervisor's orders and technical documentation to complete accurate work.
  • Gathered and disposed of work site debris to remove safety hazards and boost team productivity.
  • Interacted daily with various project managers, subcontractors and municipal inspectors to complete construction projects.
  • Used radios and hand signals to coordinate communication between equipment operators and ground workers.
  • Efficiently prepared job sites by removing debris and setting up materials and tools.
  • Worked independently in fast-paced environment while meeting productivity and quality expectations.
  • Erected and removed temporary structures such as trench liners and scaffolding to meet team needs.
  • Directed traffic away from hazardous locations, protecting team members and general public.
  • Operated LULL and Bobcat equipment to move materials and promote job efficiency.
  • Closely monitored coworkers, tasks and construction areas to minimize safety accidents and maximize productivity.
  • Maintained team safety by controlling traffic around and within site.
  • Signaled equipment operators to complete proper alignments, movements and adjustments.
  • Learned diverse construction trades skills, including basic carpentry, painting and plastering.
  • Recognized and reported potential project challenges and assisted with solutions.
  • Organized materials, tools and equipment to supply team members.
  • Erected and dismantled scaffolding, braces, shoring walls and other temporary structures.

Union Laborer

Dresden Concrete
Monee, IL
04.2006 - 04.2008
  • Used shovels or heavy equipment to move different materials based on job needs.
  • Contributed to team results in fast-paced residential foundation environment.
  • Prepared, poured and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt at designated locations.
  • Learned diverse construction trades skills, including basic carpentry, painting and plastering.
  • Worked independently in fast-paced environment while meeting productivity and quality expectations.

Footing Foreman

SJS Contractors
Dowagiac, MI
07.1997 - 10.2005
  • Reviewed project details to specify correct materials and equipment for job sites.
  • Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
  • Oversaw employee attendance record, handled payroll and ordered new materials for sites.
  • Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
  • Maintained zero site accidents and lost work days.
  • Evaluated production levels, quality standards and maintenance actions to identify and address operational problems and maintain targets.
  • Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
  • Communicated daily with vendors to keep project fully operational.
  • Handled all issues with relative ease by implementing best practices and applying critical thinking skills to find best solutions.

Education

High School Diploma -

Amos Alonzo Stagg H.S.
Palos Hills, IL
1994

Skills

  • Repair and maintenance
  • Residential construction
  • Power and hand tools
  • Tear down and set up
  • Forklift trained
  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Safety and compliance
  • Loading and unloading proficiency
  • Hand and power tool operation
  • Construction knowledge
  • Self-motivated professional
  • Critical thinking
  • Supervision
  • Teamwork
  • Customer Service
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Creative Solutions
  • Minor Repairs
  • Critical Thinking
  • Materials Storage
  • Switching Cars
  • Customer Relationships
  • Rail Safety
  • Active Listening
  • Performance Metric
  • Safety Meetings
  • Local Traffic Regulations
  • Safety Procedures
  • Daily Progress Reports
  • Machine Operations
  • Team Management
  • Repair and maintenance
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Quality Control
  • Schedule Determination
  • Time Management
  • Job Site Supervision
  • Crew Oversight
  • Daily Reporting
  • Worker Supervision
  • Multi-Project Coordination
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Equipment Safety Verification
  • Residential and Commercial Projects
  • Hand and Power Tool Operation
  • OSHA Compliance
  • Forming and Pouring
  • Maintaining Clean Work Areas
  • Dimensions and Measurements
  • Dedicated Work Ethic
  • Foundation Construction
  • Punch Lists
  • Work Site Preparation
  • Concrete Finishing
  • Team Leadership Strengths
  • Heavy Labor
  • Crew Safety Meetings
  • Superior Work Ethic
  • Remodels and New Construction
  • Team Player
  • Safety-First Mentality
  • Situational Awareness
  • Scaffold Erection
  • Forklift Driving
  • Operating Heavy Machinery
  • Concrete Removal

Certification

Flagger

30Hr Osha

Offroad Forklift

Scaffold

CPR

Timeline

Freight Conductor

Norfolk Southern Rail Road
01.2022 - Current

Laborer

Exelon Nuclear, LLC
05.2021 - 01.2022

Union Laborer

James McHugh Construction Co
06.2016 - 05.2021

Union Laborer

Ragnar Benson
04.2008 - 05.2016

Union Laborer

Dresden Concrete
04.2006 - 04.2008

Footing Foreman

SJS Contractors
07.1997 - 10.2005

High School Diploma -

Amos Alonzo Stagg H.S.

Flagger

30Hr Osha

Offroad Forklift

Scaffold

CPR

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David J Cotter708-314-8665 dcotter75@gmail.com