Howard Mills
Ferndale
Summary
Accomplished Heavy Equipment Operator and Foreman with over seven years in excavation, grading, and site development. Led crews and coordinated operations on residential and large-scale commercial projects. Expert in reading site plans, GPS machine control, and utility installation support while ensuring safety and productivity on job sites.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of post-secondary education
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Heavy Equipment Operator
IMCO
06.2026 - Current
- Operate heavy equipment on civil construction and site development projects with a focus on excavation and dirt work.
- Excavate for utilities, foundations, roadways, and site infrastructure while maintaining grade accuracy.
- Perform rough and finish grading to project specifications using GPS-guided equipment.
- Moved and placed large quantities of material to support project timelines and ensure site readiness.
- Conducted daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance, enhancing equipment reliability and operational safety.
- Collaborated with project supervisors and crews to achieve production goals while strictly adhering to safety regulations.
Foreman/ Heavy Equipment Operator
Landtek
01.2018 - 06.2026
- Progressed from field laborer to Foreman, leading crews for the final four years of employment.
- Supervised daily job site operations, assigned tasks, coordinated equipment, and ensured project schedules were met.
- Operated excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and backhoes on a daily basis.
- Specialized in excavation, grading, and dirt work for residential and commercial site development.
- Interpreted construction plans, elevations, and grades to ensure work met project specifications.
- Utilized GPS machine control systems for precise grading and excavation, reducing rework and optimizing efficiency.
- Coordinated with survey crews, subcontractors, inspectors, and project managers throughout all phases of construction.
- Maintained compliance with OSHA safety standards and company safety policies while promoting a safe working environment.
- Trained and mentored new employees and equipment operators on safe operating procedures and best practices in the field.
Education
High School Diploma -
Meridian High School
Lynden, WA 07.2015 - 06.2018
Skills
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Excavation
- Utility Excavation
- Dirt Work
- Mass Earthmoving
- Rough & Finish Grading
- GPS Grade Control
- Blueprint & Grade Reading
- Job Site Coordination
- Construction Safety
- Equipment Maintenance
- Crew Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
Certification
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Certified Flogger
- GPS Machine Control Experience
Equipment Experience
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Wheel Loaders
- Dump Trucks
- Backhoes
Timeline
Heavy Equipment Operator
IMCO
06.2026 - Current
Foreman/ Heavy Equipment Operator
Landtek
01.2018 - 06.2026
High School Diploma -
Meridian High School
07.2015 - 06.2018