James Hess
Port Orchard
Summary
Highly accomplished Fuels Specialist and former Deputy Fuels Officer with over 15 years of experience in federal fuel distribution, terminal operations, and facilities management, including over 52 weeks of Time-in-Grade as a GS-12 Regional Fuels Specialist. Proven track record in supervising multi-cultural teams, managing multimillion-dollar maintenance programs, and successfully executing emergency fuel grade transitions to maintain operational readiness. Expert in FAMMS, and ensuring strict compliance with DLA Energy policies for bulk petroleum inventory loss and gain allowances.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fuels Specialist (GS-11)
NBK Manchester Fuel Depot
Port Orchard, WA
08.2023 - Current
- Serve as Fuels Maintenance and Service Representative (FMSR) for the RMMR program, managing minor repairs and recurring maintenance for the facility.
- Manage over $1.2 million in service orders and oversee the tracking of 85 individual projects to rehabilitate fuel infrastructure.
- Revamped the Manchester FAMMS database to align with UFC 3-460-03 standards, increasing monthly work order generation from 700 to 1,700 for complete regulatory visibility.
- Act as the Subject Matter Expert for FAMMS, collaborating with the Configuration Control Board to recommend system changes and prioritize maintenance schedules.
Regional Fuels Specialist (GS-12)
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella
Sicily, Italy
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Directed petroleum logistics and maintenance operations across the CNREURAFSWA AOR, serving as the technical advocate for operational procurement.
- Provided oversight for 53 sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) projects and 7 military construction (MILCON) projects in collaboration with NAVFAC and DLA Energy.
- Conducted operational Management Assist Visits (MAV) across five international sites, identifying and resolving 76 critical discrepancies in inventory, safety, and quality.
- Monitored and analyzed year-end inventory reconciliations, verifying data through the Enterprise Business System Property Management System.
Supervisory Fuel Operation (GS-11 / Deputy Fuels O
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella
Sicily, Italy
06.2019 - 06.2022
- Developed and managed an emergency fuel contingency plan following a catastrophic pipeline leak at the Augusta Bay NATO Pier.
- Collaborated with NAVSUP headquarters, DLA, and commercial partners to successfully execute a complex fuel type transition across select tanks and pipelines to maintain operational readiness.
- Served as the Alternate Responsible Officer (RO), managing the precise accountability of fuel inventories averaging between $6 million and $10 million in strict accordance with DLA allowances.
- Supervised a multicultural team of 23 military aviation boatswain's mates and 14 Italian host-nation partners in a high-tempo environment.
- Managed the safe issuance of 48.7 million gallons of aviation jet fuel, including 540,207 gallons of JP-5 in support of critical rescue missions.
Fuels Distribution System Operator (WG-10)
NAVSUP FLCPS, Manchester Fuel Depot
Port Orchard, WA
10.2015 - 06.2019
- Supervisory Logistics & DLA Compliance: Executed "Operator in Control" supervisory duties, forecasting high-demand customer requests and managing daily operational plans to ensure on-hand fuel levels strictly adhered to DLA Inventory Management Plan (IMP) tolerances. Coordinated maritime logistics, including tug requests and Advance Notice of Transfers (ANTs) to the Department of Ecology.
- System Upgrades & Control Room Mastery: Partnered directly with SPAWAR to execute the critical transition of the facility's Automated Fuel Handling Equipment (AFHE) from version 3.0 to 4.0, troubleshooting operational expectations and ensuring 100% graphic user interface accuracy. Mastered central control room operations to manage complex fluid hydraulics and bulk movements of multi-product petroleum.
- Maritime Leadership & Safety: Acted as Person in Charge (PIC), directing personnel during the safe load and offload of vessels ranging from Navy Tugs to Military Sealift Command (MSC) Tankers. Led daily safety briefs, trained employees on critical leak detection, and managed the site's rigging gear inspection program in strict accordance with NAVFAC P-307.
Fuels Distribution System Worker (WG-08)
NAVSUP FLCPS, Manchester Fuel Depot
Port Orchard, WA
08.2011 - 08.2015
- Over-the-Water Operations & System Control: Served as a U.S. Coast Guard-certified Person in Charge (PIC) to direct complex over-the-water barge transfers utilizing 8" Marine Hydraulic Loading Arms. Monitored low and medium-pressure pipeline networks and opened or closed valves to regulate the flow of petroleum products.
- Infrastructure Maintenance & Quality Assurance: Conducted routine hydraulic tests on pipelines and performed critical preventive maintenance on tanks, pumps, and valves. Executed rigorous quality surveillance sampling per Military Standard 3004 and maintained accurate inventory records, including DD1149s and DD250s.
Education
Associate of Science - Leadership And Occupational Studies
Olympic College
Bremerton, WAAssociate of Arts - Office Supervision And Management
Edmond Community College
Edmonds, WASkills
- Leadership: Supervised 37 military and host-nation personnel; managed approximately $18M in SRM/MILCON projects
- Operations: Expert in DFSP operations, tank ship loading/unloading, and over-the-water transfer procedures
- Technical: Advanced proficiency in FAMMS, IBM Maximo, FMD, and UFC 3-460-03 standards
- Compliance: Appointed Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE); expert in DLA loss and gain allowances
Certification
- Petroleum Fundamentals E-Course (10/10/2014)
- Hydraulics for Pipeline Operators Course (7/30/2012)
- 40 Hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Course (1/28/2011)
- General Crane Safety Course (7/29/2011)
- Coastal Oil Spill Control Course (7/15/2011)
- All Training Truck School (1/21/2011)
- Crane Rigger School (9/03/2010)
- Facility Response Team Course (8/05/2010)
- Western Pacific Truck School (7/29/2005)
- ICS 100, 200, 300
Timeline
Fuels Specialist (GS-11)
NBK Manchester Fuel Depot
08.2023 - Current
Regional Fuels Specialist (GS-12)
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella
06.2022 - 08.2023
Supervisory Fuel Operation (GS-11 / Deputy Fuels O
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella
06.2019 - 06.2022
Fuels Distribution System Operator (WG-10)
NAVSUP FLCPS, Manchester Fuel Depot
10.2015 - 06.2019
Fuels Distribution System Worker (WG-08)
NAVSUP FLCPS, Manchester Fuel Depot
08.2011 - 08.2015
Associate of Science - Leadership And Occupational Studies
Olympic College
Associate of Arts - Office Supervision And Management
Edmond Community College
Awards
Received NAVSUP EUCOM Civilian of the Quarter/FY20
Received Outstanding DoW Civilian Employee 2025