Matthew VanPamelen
Saint Petersburg
Summary
Dedicated and highly adaptable professional with extensive experience in marine operations, safety procedures, and hands-on mechanical work. Certified in Firefighter I & II with top academic and practical performance honors. Strong leadership, weather awareness, combined with a solid understanding of mechanical systems and equipment. Seeking to apply these skills in a professional firefighting role to continue learning and serving in high-pressure environments
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deckhand
Eagle Parasail
05.2025 - Current
- Supported parasailing operations, chute setup, and vessel safety
- Provided customer service and ensured safety protocols were followed
- Monitored environmental conditions throughout daily trips
Captain
Suncoast Watersports
08.2020 - 09.2024
- Operated vessels up to 25 tons; ensured crew and passenger safety
- Led full-day marine operations, conducted pre-trip safety checks
- Handled weather changes, guest transfers, and vessel navigation
- Left due to hurricane-related business closure
Parts Center
Mastry Engine Center
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Managed inventory, and order fulfillment
- Operated forklifts and assisted marine part distribution
Line Cook / Server / Expo / Dishwasher
Snack Shack
12.2018 - 04.2021
- Rotated through every position in a fast-paced restaurant environment
- Left to pursue marine training
Education
Fire Academy Graduate - Completed Firefighter I & II Training
Manatee Technical College
GED -
Saint Petersburg College
6605 Fifth Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 3371009-2023
Skills
- Marine Operations & Navigation (1–25 ton vessels)
- Firefighting 1&2 Training
- Team Leadership & Crew Supervision
- Weather Monitoring & Risk Assessment
- Forklift & Warehouse Operations
- Public Communication & Customer Service
- Physically Fit & Detail-Oriented
Certification
- Firefighter I & II, Manatee Technical College
- OUPV 6-Pack Merchant Mariner Credential (Captain's License)
- 25 Ton Master Merchant Mariner Credential (Captain's License)
- Forklift Certified
- Hazardous Materials Operations Level – Continuing Education
- Active Attack Integrated Response Course (ALERRT)
- Pride and Ownership Seminar – Chief Rick Lasky
- National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training (4 PDHs)
- NWCG Courses:
L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service
S-190: Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
S-130: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training
Timeline
Deckhand
Eagle Parasail
05.2025 - Current
Parts Center
Mastry Engine Center
11.2022 - 03.2023
Captain
Suncoast Watersports
08.2020 - 09.2024
Line Cook / Server / Expo / Dishwasher
Snack Shack
12.2018 - 04.2021
Fire Academy Graduate - Completed Firefighter I & II Training
Manatee Technical College
GED -
Saint Petersburg College
Awards
Highest Academic Average – Fire Academy, Manatee Technical College (94%)
Highest Practical Skills Average – Fire Academy, Manatee Technical College (101.5%)
Certificate of Recognition – Squad Leader-Fire Academy, Manatee Technical College
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