Michael Porter
Limestone ,IL
Summary
I am a hard working individual that is motivated to come to work everyday. With all my recent jobs I have had previously like working for the maintenance of way department on the railroad, to locating utilities and working for a farm, I feel like I have the skills to secure this position. I feel like I’m the right person that’s ready to help this company achieve company goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Railroad Track Foreman
Norfolk Southern
Kankakee, IL
04.2023 - Current
- Set machines to make accurate and precise adjustments to various track parts for durability, functionality and safe operations.
- Repaired damaged track parts and welded new components to existing parts.
- Patrolled assigned track sections so damaged or broken tracks could be located and reported.
- Cut back vegetation at key points along tracks to maintain adequate field of vision and safety standards for long-term use.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Maintained high-quality work standards, enforcing strict compliance with company policies and procedures.
Railroad Backhoe Operator
Norfolk Southern Railroad
Kankakee, IL
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Demonstrated versatility in operating various types of backhoes, contributing to the successful completion of diverse projects.
- Maximized equipment lifespan through regular maintenance checks and timely repairs.
- Reduced project completion time by skillfully operating backhoe for various construction tasks.
- Operated range of heavy equipment on regular basis with advanced skill.
- Operated excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks to transport heavy materials, practicing safety measures.
- Moved equipment between job locations using truck and trailer.
Railroad Track Laborer
Norfolk Southern Railroad
Kankakee, IL
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Ensured accurate measurements for track installations with precise leveling and alignment tools.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to complete large-scale track projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Completed required training modules regularly to stay up-to-date on industry best practices and enhance job performance.
- Maintained smooth rail operations by promptly addressing any identified issues in the tracks, ties, or ballast.
- Conducted regular inventory checks for necessary tools and supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for ongoing projects.
- Assisted in the removal of old tracks, preparing the ground for new installation by grading, tamping, and aligning materials.
- Enhanced track longevity by performing timely repairs and preventive maintenance tasks.
Utility Locator
USIC Utility Locating Service
03.2021 - 03.2022
- Worked outdoors in harsh conditions to complete utilities location requirements within expected timeframes.
- Reviewed maps and blueprints to identify locations for and sizes of underground utilities
- Responded to service requests during and after business hours.
- Coordinated installation of new users and relocations of existing users.
- Repaired malfunctioning utility lines after locating equipment and identifying problems.
- Identified depths of water, sewer, gas, cable, oil and electric lines using our receiving equipment and blueprint system.
- Photographed utility sites and marked lines with paint and flags.
- Actively responded to emergency situations pertaining to illegal digging and excavation accidents.
- Analyzed user-generated trouble tickets to determine causes of problems and took appropriate action for resolution.
- Read blueprints and schematics to correctly place equipment.
Warehouse Associate
Federal Signal Corporation
12.2019 - 03.2021
- Prepared orders for shipment by systematically picking, packing and labeling merchandise.
- Loaded, unloaded and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Wrapped pallets in shrink wrap prior to loading.
- Used forklifts and pallet jacks to relocate products.
- Inspected incoming and outgoing shipments to verify accuracy and prevent errors.
- Used hand-held devices and computers to record and monitor inventory levels and completed audits to uncover and address inaccuracies.
- Alternated goods in inventory by observing first-in and first-out approach to keep shelves organized and properly stocked.
- Placed incoming inventory in optimal storage locations to promote continued accuracy and easy retrieval.
- Confirmed accuracy, quality and quantity of materials received and listed on BOL.
- Operated forklifts to transfer inventory to and from target destinations.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as 120 pounds.
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
Landscape Laborer
Craig's Landscaping
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding and general clean-up.
- Removed weeds, hazards and debris from common pathways to improve usability.
- Trimmed greenery, shrubs and hedges to maintain uniform appearance.
- Mixed and sprayed fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides onto shrubs, trees and grass.
- Used trimmers and chainsaws for grounds maintenance, brush clearing and tree removal and thinning.
- Installed underground sprinkler systems.
- Transferred materials to designated areas using wheelbarrows, ditch witches, and skidsters.
- Landscaped yards by planting flowers, grass, trees and bushes.
- Inspected machinery to spot damage and note needed maintenance repairs.
Farm Laborer
Love's Farms
08.2014 - 08.2017
- Operated farm equipment such as tractors and trucks with extreme care and precision.
- Checked farmland for issues in need of attention, such as fences to mend and broken pipes to fix.
- Removed rocks and prepared soil for planting.
- Operated harvesters and cultivators to till soil and plow fields.
- Used grease guns and oil cans to lubricate and adjust farm equipment.
- Cultivated soil, sowed crops and controlled weeds by slashing or chemical spraying.
- Repaired farm equipment, completing both emergency and preventive maintenance quickly and accurately.
- Identified weeds, pests and plants to determine application and selection of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Prepared insecticide solutions and operated spray equipment on assigned plots and acreage for insect control.
- Repaired farm tillers, tractors and trucks to maintain proper working order.
- Planted crops in fields, helping farmers distribute seeds and plan harvesting schedules.
- Loaded and unloaded containers of materials and products on trucks, trailers and railcars by hand or with forklift truck.
Education
High School Diploma -
Grant Park High School
Grant Park, IL05.2013
Skills
- Modern GPS use
- Pipeline location and damage prevention trained
- First aid training
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Maintenance and Repair
- Farm equipment operation
- Crops harvesting
- Focus and Follow-Through
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Track Inspection Techniques
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Dependable and Hardworking
- Attention to Detail
- Hand and Power Tool Operation
Certification
- I have a CDL Class A drivers license with no restrictions
Timeline
Railroad Track Foreman
Norfolk Southern
04.2023 - Current
Railroad Backhoe Operator
Norfolk Southern Railroad
10.2022 - 03.2023
Railroad Track Laborer
Norfolk Southern Railroad
04.2022 - 10.2022
Utility Locator
USIC Utility Locating Service
03.2021 - 03.2022
Warehouse Associate
Federal Signal Corporation
12.2019 - 03.2021
Landscape Laborer
Craig's Landscaping
08.2017 - 12.2019
Farm Laborer
Love's Farms
08.2014 - 08.2017
High School Diploma -
Grant Park High School