Nicholas Chester
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Motivated and dependable skilled-trades candidate with hands-on experience operating and maintaining landscaping equipment, vehicles, power tools, and mechanical equipment. Experienced in grounds maintenance, equipment operation, routine inspections, basic mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, material handling, and physically demanding outdoor work. Strong problem-solver who follows safety procedures, works effectively as part of a team, and takes initiative to resolve problems. Seeking an opportunity to build technical skills and advance in a skilled trade.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Summer Worker
Kent County Parks
Kent City, MI
05.2026 - Current
- Operate landscaping and grounds-maintenance equipment to maintain park appearance, functionality, and safety.
- Conduct routine inspections of park facilities to identify and address maintenance needs.
- Complete physical maintenance tasks efficiently while following established safety procedures.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient completion of daily park operations and maintenance tasks.
- Support community events by maintaining safe and organized facilities for visitors.
- Respond professionally to visitor questions and concerns regarding park conditions and operations.
Bartender
Distinctive Catering
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2025 - Current
- Provided professional customer service while managing multiple responsibilities in fast-paced environments to enhance guest experience.
- Work efficiently in high-volume environments during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Identify and respond to problems quickly to keep events operating smoothly.
- Take initiative to resolve supply issues and communicate with supervisors when additional resources are needed.
- Prepared and maintained work areas to ensure compliance with health, safety, and operational procedures.
Summer Camp Counselor / Unit Leader
Camp Kesem, Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2024 - 06.2026
- Supervised cabin of 12 campers, ensuring safety and fostering a positive atmosphere.
- Demonstrated responsibility, communication, leadership, and sound judgment in a safety-focused environment.
- Led and supported other counselors, including assisting less-experienced staff with responsibilities and daily operations.
- Organized and facilitated activities, adapting to changing camper needs and enhancing engagement.
- Served as a head counselor and helped coordinate events and activities.
Landscaper
Integrity Landscape Services
Holland, MI
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Performed planting, pruning, seasonal cleanup, and general property maintenance.
- Maintained grounds using power equipment and hand tools.
- Operated and maintained a variety of landscaping equipment while following safety procedures.
- Assisted in landscape layout and implementation to align with property requirements and client expectations.
- Helped develop efficient workflows for completing landscaping tasks and maintaining properties.
Deli Associate
SpartanNash Family Fare
Allendale, MI
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Assisted customers and communicated effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked efficiently to meet customer demands and daily responsibilities.
- Followed established safety and sanitation procedures while maintaining a clean work environment.
- Operated slicing and packaging equipment safely and efficiently.
Summer Worker
Wixom Public Works
Wixom, MI
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Supported maintenance and daily operations of city facilities and public spaces, ensuring safety and accessibility.
- Conducted routine facility inspections and identified maintenance needs.
- Collaborated with team members to execute maintenance tasks, contributing to timely completion and operational effectiveness.
- Followed instructions, established procedures, and safety requirements.
- Completed physically demanding tasks while meeting daily deadlines.
Education
High School Diploma -
Walled Lake Western High School
Wixom, MI06-2022
Skills
- General Trade Skills: Grounds maintenance, landscaping, facility inspections, material handling, seasonal cleanup, equipment operation, physical labor, following procedures, workplace safety
- Equipment: Lawnmowers, zero-turn mowers, skid steers, tractors, chainsaws, snow blowers, pressure washers, blowers, weed trimmers, large trucks, trailers
- Tools: Hand tools, power tools, hand saws, buzz/power saws, large tool sets
- Maintenance & Repair: Basic automotive maintenance, oil changes, spark plugs, alternators, tires and wheels, lawnmower repair, and equipment troubleshooting, assembly disassembly
- Professional Skills: Problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, reliability, customer service, communication, leadership, working under pressure
Personal Information
Driving License: Valid Driver's License
Certification
TIPS Certification, Valid Driver's License
ADDITIONAL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
- Performed basic maintenance on personal vehicles and utility equipment, including oil changes, spark plug replacement, alternator replacement, and tire/wheel work.
- Repaired a lawnmower and diagnosed equipment problems to determine appropriate solutions.
- Assembled and disassembled furniture and other items, including troubleshooting and determining solutions when instructions were unavailable.
- Assisted with basic home repair projects.
- Experienced working with a wide range of hand tools, power tools, landscaping equipment, vehicles, and mechanical equipment.
Timeline
Summer Worker
Kent County Parks
05.2026 - Current
Bartender
Distinctive Catering
09.2025 - Current
Landscaper
Integrity Landscape Services
04.2025 - 07.2025
Summer Camp Counselor / Unit Leader
Camp Kesem, Grand Valley State University
08.2024 - 06.2026
Deli Associate
SpartanNash Family Fare
04.2024 - 04.2025
Summer Worker
Wixom Public Works
05.2023 - 08.2023
High School Diploma -
Walled Lake Western High School