Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES
Awards
Affiliations
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING (City of Columbus Mandated)
Work Availability
Timeline
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John Garren

Technician
Columbus,OH

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Fleet & Heavy Machinery Technician / Safety Committee Member / Union RepresentativeWind Turbine TechnicianProject ManagerTechnicianTechnician Specialist

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Location Preference

On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Career advancementCompany CultureHealthcare benefits

Summary

Award-winning Industrial Maintenance Technician, Union Representative, and former Hazmat-Endorsed CDL Driver with over 30 years of extensive experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems for heavy machinery and municipal fleets. Recognized as a City of Columbus Employee of the Month for exceptional work ethic, safety compliance, and operational excellence. Active member of the City of Columbus Safety Committee with a deep commitment to enforcing strict OSHA guidelines, managing hazardous materials (HAZCOM), conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and maintaining zero-incident worksites. Veteran mechanic with extensive experience in structural welding, torch cutting, metalwork, and high-pressure compressed gas safety. Proven ability to work comfortably at extreme heights, with formal training in utility pole climbing, full-body safety harnesses, and high-elevation bucket truck operations. Certified Forklift Operator with active CPR and emergency first-aid credentials. Fully prepared for a 100% traveling Wind Turbine Technician role with immediate nationwide deployment availability.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Fleet & Heavy Machinery Technician / Safety Committee Member / Union Representative

City of Columbus / Self-Employed
Columbus, OH
01.1996 - Current
  • Honored as City of Columbus Employee of the Month in recognition of superior technical performance, fleet reliability, and commitment to excellence.
  • Maintained, diagnosed, and overhauled complex hydraulic and mechanical systems on a diverse fleet of heavy municipal vehicles and specialized machinery.
  • Utilized oxy-acetylene torches and structural welding techniques to cut, repair, and modify heavy metal components and machinery framework safely.
  • Safely operated industrial forklifts and material handling equipment to move high-consequence parts and heavy machinery components throughout municipal maintenance facilities.
  • Served as an active member of the City Safety Committee, leading workplace hazard inspections, auditing equipment safety, and ensuring strict compliance with OSHA standards.
  • Conducted regular Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and monitored hazardous material storage/handling protocols to mitigate risks before commencing complex overhauls.
  • Utilized advanced electrical diagnostic tools, including multimeters, to isolate and repair faulty circuits, wiring harnesses, and electrical control systems.
  • Trained and experienced in the safe setup, stabilization, and high-altitude operation of bucket trucks and aerial lift platforms under OSHA compliance guidelines.
  • Successfully completed specialized training and operations for utility pole climbing, utilizing strict fall-arrest systems and harness protocols.
  • Served as a Union Representative, successfully managing workplace labor relations, resolving operational conflicts, and acting as a professional liaison between field technicians and management.
  • Managed corporate/municipal logistics safely, utilizing specialized training in Defensive Driving and leveraging foundational knowledge from a previously held Hazmat-endorsed Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Education

High School Diploma -

Hamilton Township
Columbus, OH
06-1993

Skills

  • Hydraulics: Advanced schematic reading, high-pressure line repair, cylinders, valves, and heavy gearboxes
  • Mechanical & Metalwork: Structural welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, heavy drivetrain alignment, and torque tensioning
  • Electrical: Multimeter diagnostics, control circuits, tracking electrical faults, and wiring harness repair
  • Safety & Fleet Leadership: JHA/JSA creation, safety auditing, labor relations, and conflict resolution
  • Logistics & Material Handling: Industrial Forklift operation, Commercial fleet operations, Defensive Driving, and Hazmat management protocols
  • Heights & Fall Protection: Certified utility pole climbing, aerial lift/bucket truck operations, and full-body harness deployment
  • Certifications: CPR, Emergency First Aid, Heimlich Protocol (Valid/Active)
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Effective communication
  • Team leadership
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Machinery repair
  • Machine assembly
  • Mechanical troubleshooting
  • Equipment inspection
  • Machine installation
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Hand and power tools
  • Multitasking capacity
  • Reliability
  • Metal fabrication
  • Communication skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Power tools proficiency
  • Professionalism
  • Machine operation
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Computer-aided design
  • Schematic interpretation
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Mechanical systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Hydraulic systems
  • CNC programming
  • Precision measurement
  • Precision measuring
  • Workplace safety

INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES

Outdoor Marksmanship & Hunting: Decades of experience safely operating tree-stand fall-arrest systems, full-body safety harnesses, and ladder stands at height in extreme winter weather conditions. Comfortable working in high-consequence, cold-weather environments.

Awards

Recognized as a City of Columbus Employee of the Month, Recognized as a City of Columbus Employee of the Month for exceptional work ethic, safety compliance, and operational excellence

Affiliations

  • Active member of the City Safety Committee
  • Veteran Union Representative

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING (City of Columbus Mandated)

  • General Workspace Safety & Total Safety Culture Training
  • Compressed High-Pressure Gas Cylinder Safety & Transport
  • EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Compliance
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention & Workspace Hazard Mitigation
  • Pneumatic Post Driver Operations & High-Pressure Air Safety
  • Industrial Forklift Operator & Safety Certification
  • Frontline Manager & Supervisor Leadership Training
  • Corporate Ethics, Anti-Bribery, & Conflict of Interest Compliance
  • Workplace Professionalism & Harassment Prevention Compliance
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Energy Isolation Protocols
  • Confined Space Entry & Hazard Mitigation
  • Certified Defensive Driving Course
  • Hazardous Materials Communication (HAZCOM) & Chemical Handling Training

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Fleet & Heavy Machinery Technician / Safety Committee Member / Union Representative

City of Columbus / Self-Employed
01.1996 - Current

High School Diploma -

Hamilton Township
John GarrenTechnician