Aaron Openshaw
Surrey
Summary
Efficient Backhoe Operator known for high productivity and ability to complete tasks swiftly with precision. Skilled in operating a wide range of heavy machinery, maintaining equipment for optimal performance, and adhering to safety protocols. Excels in time management, problem-solving, and communication, ensuring smooth operation on construction sites.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Backhoe Operator
City of Burnaby
Burnaby
01.2008 - Current
- Perform required pre-trip checks on assigned machine and update mechanics on needed repairs
- Work with multiple department including Water, Sewers and Roads on as-assigned basis
- Work closely with lead hands in excavating around water mains, gas and hydro lines
- On-call and snow removal shifts as needed
- Worked on different machines JCB, John Deere, 590 case and a Cat frontend Loader
- Followed safety protocols while operating the backhoe in order to minimize risk of injury.
- Oversaw proper PPE use to facilitate working conditions compliant with safety regulations.
- Backfilled trenches after pipe laying operations were complete using the rear-mounted blade attachment.
- Promoted continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
- Removed debris from excavation sites using buckets on a backhoe arm.
- Checked fuel supplies at sites to verify adequate availability.
- Lifted and positioned pipes into place with a backhoe during pipeline installation projects.
- Employed heavy equipment operation best practices resulting in minimal complaints or incidents.
- Operated equipment to remove debris, snow or other equipment from streets and work areas.
- Identified hazardous materials on job sites and took action to mitigate and enhance safety.
- Performed minor service on equipment and referred complicated mechanical issues to appropriate personnel.
- Operated backhoe to excavate trenches, foundations, and other structures.
- Operated digging and transporting equipment to efficiently fulfill project requirements.
- Performed pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and accurately completed reports to support company policy.
- Checked hydraulic systems of the backhoe for proper functioning before starting work.
- Followed worker hand signals to align machines, cutterheads or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines.
- Collaborated with other crew members to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Adjusted handwheels and depressed pedals to control blades, buckets and scrapers.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while operating a backhoe in tight spaces with precision accuracy.
- Operated heavy equipment to demolish current structures, remove plants or trees and clear property of debris.
- Adhered to company policies regarding safe operation of machinery at all times.
- Loaded and offloaded rocks, debris and other materials from heavy equipment.
- Followed signals from ground crew and other operators to safely move materials and prevent dangerous interactions or missed cues.
- Excavated soil around existing structures without damaging them or surrounding areas with an excavator bucket.
- Loaded and moved dirt, rocks, equipment and materials.
Labourer
City of Burnaby
Burnaby
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Repair leaking and/or broken water mains and water services of various sizes; locate, repair and adjust valve boxes as necessary
- Install new water mains and connect new mains to existing distribution grids; perform water purification and de-chlorination as required
- Follow plans to turn on and off valves in order to flush water mains
- Service and repair fire hydrants
- Drive service truck as required; maintain effective working relationship with public
- Proper and prompt completion of all required paperwork
- Participated in team meetings to discuss project progress updates.
- Understood how to operate and maintain job site equipment safely and for maximum productivity.
- Cut materials into specified sizes for installation using tile cutters and power saws.
- Assisted with diverse construction challenges to help team and customer.
- Cleaned or prepared construction sites to eliminate hazards.
- Cleaned work area after job completion ensuring all debris is properly disposed of.
- Mixed, poured, and spread concrete, asphalt gravel, and other materials.
- Followed all safety procedures when handling hazardous materials in the laboratory setting.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto or from pallets, trucks, or other vehicles using a forklift.
- Displayed high standards for quality workmanship and routinely double-checked work.
- Lifted objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance when necessary.
- Installed sewer, water or storm drain pipes using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.
- Performed physical activities requiring heavy lifting, walking and standing for long periods of time.
- Dug ditches or trenches, backfilled excavations or compacted and leveled earth to grade specifications.
- Loaded materials and tools into vehicles and unloaded upon arrival at jobsites.
- Maintained clean, safe working environment by removing debris from job site prior to shift completion.
- Ensured that all personal protective gear was worn at all times while on the job site.
- Operated equipment with strong focus on safety and ground communication.
- Organized tools, supplies, and equipment needed for specific jobs according to instructions provided by supervisor.
- Completed variety of physical labor tasks.
- Operated various power tools such as drills and saws safely while following manufacturer's instructions.
- Collaborated with team members to complete assigned tasks and meet tight deadlines.
Head Irrigation Technician
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club/Academy
Westwood Plateau
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Responsible for overseeing all irrigation practices on the 27-hole property at Westwood Plateau Golf facilities including general operation, maintenance and rebuilding/replacement of system components
- Trained in creation and interpretation of as-built drawings
- Diagnosed system and parts failures, located and repaired leaks
- Ensured efficient and effective watering schedules were in place; performance of full blow-out process in the fall as well as start-up in the spring
- Originally trained in Rain Bird Maxi-5 System; was responsible for total upgrade to Rain Bird Nimbus II System and wireless Freedom system (1999)
- Created detailed plans for new installations that included the layout of sprinkler heads and piping systems.
- Monitored water usage and adjusted the timer settings as necessary to conserve resources.
- Maintained accurate records of all irrigation system components, including timers, pumps, backflow preventers, pressure regulators.
- Operated seed drills and manure spreaders to plant, fertilize, dust and spray crops.
- Sprayed fertilizer and pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus, weed growth and diseases.
- Cleaned debris from clogged emitters or filters to improve water flow efficiency.
- Utilized active listening and effective interpersonal skills to cultivate customer relationships that lasted years.
- Installed and programmed clocks, timers and rain sensors to maintain proper irrigation levels and reduce water waste. parts.
- Inspected sprinkler heads, valves, and pipes for proper functioning and identified any problems or needed repairs.
Special Projects Foreman
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club/Academy
Westwood Plateau
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Special post-construction fairway re-leveling and seeding projects
- Complete knowledge, training and experience with regards to operation of all golf course maintenance equipment
- Conducted regular performance reviews with crew members.
- Maintained daily logs of labor and equipment used on-site.
- Ensured all workers adhered to company policies and procedures.
- Scheduled staff shifts based on project needs and availability.
- Monitored equipment operation during extraction process to detect problems.
- Reported project progress, site problems and labor status to supervisors.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure project deadlines were met.
- Viewed and checked job equipment to determine maintenance requirements.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cariboo Hill Secondary School
Burnaby, Canada06-1991
Skills
- Equipment operation
- Heavy machinery operation
- Site excavation
- Hydraulic system checks
- Safety protocols
- Debris removal
- PPE compliance
- Team collaboration
- Task prioritization
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Customer service
- Team communication
- Drainage systems installation
- Site grading
- Foundation preparation
- Excavation techniques
- Road construction
- Weather adaptation
- Trenching expertise
- Land clearing
- Demolition procedures
- Heavy equipment operation
- Hazardous materials handling
- Team leadership
- Backhoe operation
- Loader operation
- Air compressor use
- Preventive Maintenance
- Safe equipment operation
- Trenching and shoring safety
- Following directions
- Equipment inspection
References
Available upon request
Seminars And Certificates
- Hazmasters Shoring & Confined Space Course
- Certified Traffic Control Person
- St John’s Ambulance Emergency First Aid: Industry Level ‘A’ CPR
Timeline
Backhoe Operator
City of Burnaby
01.2008 - Current
Labourer
City of Burnaby
01.2003 - 01.2008
Head Irrigation Technician
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club/Academy
01.1997 - 01.2003
Special Projects Foreman
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club/Academy
01.1996 - 01.1997
High School Diploma -
Cariboo Hill Secondary School