Desired Job Title
Dozer SwamperForest TechnicianConservation TechnicianNatural Resource SpecialistWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Asheville, NCMorganton, NCBlack Mountain, NC
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
JOHN COLYER
Simpsonville,SC
Work Preference
Summary
Dedicated Forestry Technician and Wildland Firefighter with 8 years of experience in firefighting and prescribed burns. Proven ability to effectively collaborate within teams to achieve mission objectives while maintaining a strong focus on safety and environmental stewardship. Core competencies include fire management, risk assessment, and emergency response. Committed to advancing skills in wildfire suppression, heavy equipment operation, and land stewardship.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Dozer Swamper
United States Forest Service
Buena Vista, VA
03.2023 - Current
- Operate and maintain heavy equipment in wildland fire suppression operations, as well as wildlife clearings, storm cleanup, and road maintenance.
- Conduct Initial Attack operations, including size up, implementation of fire equipment, communication with assigned resources and dispatch, etc.
- Provide squad level leadership to crew members on initial attack, mop up, and rehab operations. Including cold trailing, gridding, line planning and construction.
- Scout ahead and flag proposed dozer line, firing/burn out operations behind dozer line, and communicate hazards to dozer operator during suppression efforts.
- Ensure that all firefighting efforts are done so safely and hazards are communicated to adjoining resources and firefighters under my command.
- Assist in execution of fuel reduction projects such as prescribed burns, fuel reduction on control lines, hazard tree mitigation, etc.
- Assist in firefighter safety training, RT-130 refreshers, local/state resources training, pack tests, etc.
- Maintain accurate records of all vehicle maintenance, miles driven, fuel purchased, and ensure maintenance invoices are paid on time.
- Operate and keep up maintenance of a variety of equipment including: bulldozers, transports, UTV's, chainsaws, fire engines, tractors, skid steers, chippers, and pulling trailers behind vehicles.
- Lead and assist fire engine operations including; starting/priming pump, drafting, hose lays/layouts, driving type 4 & type 6 fire engines, engine mop up operations, pump and roll, etc.
- Act as a lookout on incidents, providing intel on current and expected fire behavior, recording weather observations and changes, and communicating said information to fire resources.
- Complete arduous pack test and keep self in good physical shape for firefighting operations.
Forest Technician
Virginia Department of Forestry
Chesterfield, VA
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Informed and educated local community members about wildland fire prevention and safety.
- Maintain all forestry and firefighting gear and equipment in optimal working condition.
- Communicated effectively with public to answer questions about forestry, conservation and sustainability.
- Assisted forester in preparing and collecting data for forest management plans, forest health, planting quality checks, and reinspections.
- Inspect timber harvests to ensure compliance with Water Quality Laws
- Enforcing the forest fire, water quality, and Seed Tree laws
- Provide wildland fire training to cooperators, assist with fire prevention programs, and maintain specially equipped firefighting bulldozers
- Assist work area foresters with collection of field data and forest measurements, monitoring tree planting projects, and with other work area level projects.
- Supported wildland fire suppression activities. Implemented and administered technical aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation are completed to the standards specified and in accordance with regulations, policies, and guidelines.
- Fells trees or snags using power saws. May be required to rappel. Sets backfires as directed. Cleans, reconditions, and stores specialized fire tools and equipment.
- Serves as a skilled crewmember on an engine. As an assistant on a wildland fire engine, works as a trainee engine operator driving the engine, operating the pump, and making hose lays under the direction of the engine foreman.
- Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior.
- Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.
- Operate a variety of gasoline or diesel powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler-type traction and attachments to suppress fires on all types of terrain such as flat, hills, steep slopes, grades, rolling surfaces, rocky or soft grounds, and forests.
- Load and unload Type 3 and Type 4 bulldozers/crawler tractors from Class B commercial vehicles.
- Operate bulldozer/crawler tractors on initial attack of local wildfires, with either blading or operating a plow.
- Perform and record regular maintenance checks, greasing, small part replacement, etc. on bulldozers.
- Install firebreaks for RX burns by blading and back blading.
Roadside Assistance Agent
Eagle Tele-Services
Midlothian , VA
05.2019 - 01.2020
- Diminished financial discrepancies and managed monetary transactions, including deposits and credit card transactions.
- Greeted customers to facilitate services, determine service needs and accurately input orders into electronic systems.
- Provided top quality control and eliminated downtime to maximize revenue.
- Provided efficient tire dispatching services to broken down commercial truckers throughout the United States and Canada.
- Documented conversations with customers to track requests, problems and solutions.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction scores by de-escalating complaints quickly.
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Delivered fast, friendly and knowledgeable service for routine questions and service complaints.
- Achieved high quality marks on quality assurance evaluations through proper tire dispatch procedure.
- Reviewed customer data to assess current issues and determine potential solutions.
- Kept detailed records of customer accounts, including actions taken, issues resolved, and services provided.
- Prepared, completed and processed customer account forms and database changes.
Crew Member
Americorps
Richmond, VA
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Created, Maintained and Improved walking trails
- Worked against invasive species of plants and animals within the park.
- Kept regular sharpening, cleaning, and maintenance of all tools and chainsaws being used.
- Used GPS and maps to navigate and record all plants and or animals that were treated.
- Teach and mentor students on indigenous wildlife within the park and on why prescribed burns are necessary.
- Prep firelines, conduct ignition and suppression of fire, drive UTV's, and assist in all other aspects of a Prescribed Burn.
- Work with up to 25 fellow Prescribed Burn Crew members, including operating radios proficiently, keeping a team first attitude, and being able to switch job responsibilities on the fly.
- Know how to properly operate a Commercial size tractor with a front end loader.
- Attended an official day long Apprentice Sawyer Certification class
- Operated chainsaw's safely to remove trees from walking trails and to remove potentially hazardous trees.
- Worked/hiked in all climate conditions with fellow team members to ensure project completion
- Recruit and work with fellow volunteers from within the community on conservation projects within the park.
- Attend classes and web seminars on indigenous wildlife within Virginia
- Become Wildland First Aid and CPR/AED certified.
- Successfully complete classes I-100, L-180, S-130, & S-190 and a fire training field day to become a certified Prescribed Burn Technician.
- Answer any questions and help all park goers with requests.
Bartender/Server
Galley
Richmond, VA
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Greeted guests, provided seating and explained menu options.
- Diligently cleaned, sanitized and organized food speed racks, food bins, dry storage racks and chemical storage room.
- Demonstrated awareness of liability issues and the law by confirming legal drinking age and discontinuing service to intoxicated guests.
- Actively complied with all health department regulations and rectified issues immediately.
- Correctly calculated charges, issued bills and collected payments.
- Oversaw bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders.
- Devised unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Prepared mixed drinks; poured wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages.
- Managed customer service by training staff, overseeing operations and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Range Manager
Colonial Shooting Academy
Richmond, Virginia
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Responsible for at least 12 employee's schedules, time off requests, well-being and work performance.
- Responsible for all the companies' firearms, private information on computer servers, cash handling and locking up and securing the entire premises.
- In charge of increasing overall sales and coming up with creative sales promotions and ensuring all employees are informed and pushing said sales.
- Define employee's responsibilities and ensure they stay on task throughout a shift.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained all new staff members.
- Ensured all employees were following strict OSHA safety regulations involving lead contamination.
- In charge of regularly sending staff members every 6 months for a lead blood level reading at LabCorp.
- Handle any disputes or complaints from customers with tact and respect towards said unhappy customer.
- Ensured customer service and safety is always in the forefront of staff members minds.
- Regularly carried a firearm on my person to ensure the safety of the range and its customers/employees.
- Routinely corrected and trained customers on improper and proper firearm handling techniques.
- Constantly ensured that the range was staffed for large party private events, on top of regularly scheduled working hours.
- Regularly attend managers sales meetings and review sales projections/review overall budget.
- Coach, counsel, and discipline staff members on any infractions of company policy.
- Keep constant inventory of ammunition, targets, and supplies for the range department.
- Place regular orders for any inventory needs of the range including: targets, safety glasses, and necessary paperwork for customers to fill out.
- Ensure all necessary range rental paperwork has been filled out properly for the companies record keeping.
- Regularly act as a Range Safety Officer and ensure that up to 15 people at a time on range are being safe with their firearm.
- Create a biweekly schedule for all employees and ensure that all employees time off requests can fit into the upcoming schedule.
Sales Representative
Brown Distributing
04.2016 - 09.2017
- Was an off-premise sales representative for the Ashland, Doswell, and Montpelier areas of Virginia?.
- Knowledge of not only off premise accounts but also bars and restaurants in my time spent as an on-premise sales assistant.
- Responsible for all beer ordering for a multitude of different types of accounts with a wide demographic of customers.
- Have the necessary organizational skills to maintain all necessary signage, paperwork and account information for over 50 accounts.
- Ability to follow and execute mandated sales growth goals and ensure brand/distribution growth for Brown Distributing.
- Holding myself to a high moral standard and professional appearance to represent Brown Distributing.
- Ability to answer all client questions while maintaining accordance with Brown Distributing's high moral standards and company expectations.
- Ability to maintain and friendly and personable, yet professional relationship with clients.
- Ensuring tactfulness when reporting to annual sales meetings.
- Ability to proficiently maintain a wide array of pricing and product knowledge while attending annual sales meetings.
- Fully capable of maintaining a scheduled sales route, while still being able to handle a multitude of variables that could change that route any given day.
- Ensuring all POS/signage is up to date and in prime positioning for customer viewing.
- Wide knowledge of different beer types, brands and the brewing process in general.
- Able to create and execute creative beer tastings/events for a diverse customer base.
- Proficient in using an in-depth computer sales program and any Microsoft program.
- Have been awarded Salesman of the month multiple times.
Firearm Salesman
Southern Gun World VA
06.2013 - 04.2016
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
- Maintain records related to sales.
- Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.
- Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.
- Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations.
- Inventory stock and requisition new stock.
- Clean shelves, counters, and tables.
- Estimate and quote trade-in allowances.
- Maintain a wealth of knowledge on a vast variety of firearms, to ensure the customer obtains the best firearm for their needs.
- Ensure that all state and federal forms to obtain a firearm are filled out correctly.
Sales Representative
Arc3 Gases
Richmond, VA
04.2014 - 01.2016
- Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
- Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
- Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
- Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
- Successfully deliver gas cylinders to customers in a timely manner.
- Accurately ship and receive products from our warehouse to customers and other branch locations.
- Maintain a clean driving record and stay current on DOT regulations.
United States Marine Corps
Jacksonville, NC
11.2011 - 05.2013
- Surveyed and analyzed terrain to determine optimum equipment placing and usage.
- Forecasted and adjusted decisions in a high-pressure environment.
- Wide experience in a variety of military operational procedures.
- Strong expertise in weapons operation and maintenance.
- High ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Outstanding physical stamina for required strenuous activity.
- Operated and maintained a variety of weapons equipment, vehicles and systems.
- Upheld basic military operations and safety protocols in all performed tasks.
- Trained in a variety of ways to advance and defend against an advancing enemy.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cosby High School
Skills
- Adaptive team player
- Dependable and reliable
- Calm under pressure
- Team leadership
- Perfect attendance record
- Knowledge of basic power tools
- Familiar with the constantly on call lifestyle of wildland fire
- Conflict resolution
- Public speaking/teach classes
- Experience with hard physical labor in inclement weather
- Experience with heavy equipment including front end loaders, commercial size tractors, bulldozers, forklifts, skid steers, excavators, masticators, etc
Certification
- S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw
- S-236 Heavy Equipment Boss
- S-219 Firing Operations
- S-271 Helicopter Crew Member
- S-230 Crew Boss
- S-231 Engine Boss
- S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface
- S-211 High Pressure Pumps
- S-130 Firefighter Training
- S-131 Firefighter Type 1
- S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- Southern Area Heavy Equipment Academy
- L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- L-280 Followership to Leadership
- PMS-419 Engine Operator
- IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Attack Incidents
- IS-700 Introduction to National Incident Management System
- IS-800 Introduction to National Response Plan
- Emergency Vehicle Operator Class
- FI-110 Origin Protection for First Responders
- FI-210 Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination
- ROHVA UTV Operation Certification
- CPR/AED
- Wildland First Aid
- Class A Virginia Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement (no restrictions)
- DZOP
- FFT1
- ICT5
References
Brent Foltz
Fire Management Officer
USFS George Washington and Jefferson NF
brent.foltz@usda.gov
540-616-8665
Aaron Bennington
Engineering Equipment Operator
USFS George Washington and Jefferson NF
aaron.bennington@usda.gov
540-460-5260
Christopher Schultz
Engine Captain
USFS George Washington and Jefferson NF
christopher.schultz@usda.gov
540-570-9992
Timeline
Dozer Swamper
United States Forest Service
03.2023 - Current
Forest Technician
Virginia Department of Forestry
01.2020 - 03.2023
Roadside Assistance Agent
Eagle Tele-Services
05.2019 - 01.2020
Crew Member
Americorps
01.2019 - 05.2019
Bartender/Server
Galley
04.2018 - 05.2019
Range Manager
Colonial Shooting Academy
09.2017 - 03.2018
Sales Representative
Brown Distributing
04.2016 - 09.2017
Sales Representative
Arc3 Gases
04.2014 - 01.2016
Firearm Salesman
Southern Gun World VA
06.2013 - 04.2016
United States Marine Corps
11.2011 - 05.2013
High School Diploma -
Cosby High School