Kelan Herness
Rainier,WA
Summary
Dedicated and passionate individual committed to safeguarding lives and property through exceptional service and collaboration with fellow first responders to effectively manage emergency situations. Adaptability and a strong work ethic drive a commitment to embracing new challenges, while exceptional interpersonal skills foster positive team dynamics. Four years of volunteer experience for both firefighting and emergency medical response. Quick mastery of new skills and the ability to thrive in both independent and team-oriented environments. Eager to leverage this foundation to contribute meaningfully to a permanent team and the community,
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Firefighter
Riverside Fire Authority
Centralia, WA
07.2022 - Current
- Assisted in the operation of fire suppression equipment, such as hoses, nozzles and ladders.
- Drove emergency apparatus as assigned: ambulance.
- Inspected and maintained firefighting gear to ensure proper functioning.
- Responded quickly to emergency calls, providing medical aid where necessary.
- Participated in regular drills and training sessions to keep skills up-to-date.
- Attended community events to provide information on fire safety awareness initiatives.
- Participated in post-emergency reviews with supervisors to discuss ways to improve future responses.
- Utilized physical strength and knowledge to respond to emergency calls and protect lives and property.
Laborer
Custom and Specialized Installations
Bonney Lake, WA
03.2026 - Current
- Collaborated with team members to meet project deadlines and specifications.
- Brought materials and tools from trucks and storage facilities to work site locations and organized for expected needs.
- Safe use of trade tools to include both hand and power tools
- Worked with more knowledgeable professionals to grow understanding of principles and construction standards.
- Assisted skilled tradespeople in completing construction projects efficiently.
Warehouse Worker
Lakewood Live Edge
Lakewood, WA
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding project progress updates.
- Set up, operated, and maintained woodworking machines, including saws, drills, and sanders, to cut, shape, and finish materials.
- Selected appropriate tools, machines, and materials for each project.
Ground Crew Worker
Ranger Tree Experts
Lakewood, WA
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Safe operation of trade tools to include wood chipper, chainsaws, arborist lift, skid-steer loader
- Manual labor
- Contributed to job site safety monitoring
- Performed job site cleanup
- Conducted equipment maintenance
Machine Operator
Big Sky Forest Products
Saint Regis, MT
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Industrial equipment operator. Maintained safe and efficient use of dowling machine, log loaders, conveyor belts
- Observed machine operations to detect any problems or defects in the finished product.
- Adjusted machine settings according to production requirements.
- Performed periodic machine maintenance
- Assisted with troubleshooting issues that arose with facility production processes
- Heavy equipment operator: CAT910 and CAT930 w/log grapple
Window Washer
PNW Windows
Rainier, WA
08.2020 - 01.2024
- Leveraged ladders, poles, aerial lift equipment and suspended platforms to clean windows and gutters.
- Maintained high customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service with every job.
- Maintained equipment and vehicles in clean and excellent working order and notified supervisor of repair or replacement needs.
- Completed rooftop moss removal. Able to work at high elevation safely. Performed risk assessment and application of safety harnesses when needed.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA12-2021
Associate of Arts - General Studies
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA06-2021
High School Diploma - undefined
Yelm High School
Yelm, WA06-2021
Skills
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Industrial Equipment Operator
- Proficient with hand and power tools
- Proficient with ladder operations and rigging
- Heavy lifting
- Equipment maintenance
- Problem-Solving skills
- Fire safety training and suppression
- Clean driving record
- General labor
- Willingness to learn
- Safety awareness
Certification
- IFSAC Firefighter I Certification
- IFSAC Hazmat Awareness Certification
- IFSAC Hazmat Operations Certification
- FEMA ICS-100 Certification
- FEMA ICS-200 Certification
- FEMA ICS-700 Certification
- Basic Life Support (AHA)
Timeline
Laborer
Custom and Specialized Installations
03.2026 - Current
Warehouse Worker
Lakewood Live Edge
06.2025 - 01.2026
Ground Crew Worker
Ranger Tree Experts
06.2025 - 01.2026
Machine Operator
Big Sky Forest Products
03.2024 - 05.2025
Volunteer Firefighter
Riverside Fire Authority
07.2022 - Current
Window Washer
PNW Windows
08.2020 - 01.2024
High School Diploma - undefined
Yelm High School
Associate of Arts - Business
South Puget Sound Community College
Associate of Arts - General Studies
South Puget Sound Community College