NICHOLAS ZERTUCHE
Harrisburg
Summary
I am a family man. I go above and beyond any task ahead of me. I left for the US ARMY weeks after high school. I began my work ethic since an early teen earning money has a paperboy. I've been in the coal industry for well over 10 years from underground, prep plant to surface mining. As a surface foreman I've handled extraction of coal, water and land reclamation, blasting and mine inspections with MSHA and IDNR. I've helped with mine accident investigations, setting SOPs and managing projects. I have operated most of all heavy mining equipment underground and on surface. I've led safety meetings and talks; I have given multiple safety observations weekly on employees. Personally I enjoy all things environmental. Hunting, fishing, hiking, firearms training survival camping and all things family related. I live a fun lifestyle with my family, motorsport racing, camping, golf outings etc. As I enjoy these hobbies and more, I take pride in my work and my work ethic. I believe I could be great fit and asset in any position as I am a quick learner and catch on fast to new things. I hold a First Class Miners Certificate, CPR License, Mine Fire Brigade Certificate and Surface Foreman Certification. I would soon like to get my underground electrical card and underground examiner and mine managers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Roof Bolter Operator, Scoop Man, Belt Maintenance
Jenmar, Praire State Energy Campus
Marissa, IL
10.2025 - 02.2026
- Operated roof bolting machinery to ensure safe and efficient installation.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment to maintain optimal performance standards.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance safety protocols and operational efficiency.
- Trained new operators on equipment handling, safety procedures, and best practices
- Support roof and ribs using a roof bolt machine
- Ensures bolter keep supplies as working faces stayed clean and dusted as a scoop operator. Performed belt and power moves.
- Monitored underground conditions and adjusted drilling operations accordingly for safety compliance.
- Drive battery ram cars in mining production procedures.
- Operated machinery and equipment to ensure efficient production processes.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
Laborer
Local Labor 773, Holland Construction
Marion, IL
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Managed a small team to effectively and safely complete job task.
- Assisted in site preparation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to execute project plans and timelines effectively.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas to enhance productivity and safety.
- Trained junior laborers on proper techniques and equipment usage for improved efficiency.
- Monitored materials inventory, reporting shortages to facilitate timely procurement.
- Basic construction task as; frame building, concrete work, installation of bathroom and office necessities, flooring, dry wall etc.
Mine Foreman/Manager
Responsible Energy Operations
Harrisburg, Illinois
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Responsible for mining operations while completing task in a safe and timely manner.
- Maintain daily logs of mining operations, labor and equipment use.
- Provide guidance, direction and technical assistance to workers.
- Monitor job progress and ensure completion.
- Give safety talk/meetings to miners.
- Ensure all personal on property including contractors have proper safety and hazard training.
- Ensure all workers adhered to company procedures and policies.
- Drug and Alcohol test workers as needed.
- Keep track of daily production sheets, employee time sheets and weekly safety contacts, Report Logs of coal shipment using WordExel.
- Been on investigations and inspections with MSHA, IL State Mine inspectors and IDNR.
- Been a part of generating SOPs.
- File accident reports, 7000-1, 7000-2.
- Onsite train, hazard train and task train. (5000-23).
- Keep up with not just coal extraction but reclamations, retention pond upkeep, rain wash out, grading sub and topsoil.
- Seeding and mulching topsoil.
- Gob removal, Shipment of coal, coal wash/crushing processes.
- Taking and sending out coal samples.
- Supervised daily mining operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
- Trained and mentored team members on safe equipment operation and emergency protocols.
- Conducted regular inspections of mining sites to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for equipment, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
- Developed and enforced best practices for material handling and waste management processes.
- Led incident investigations, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures to enhance safety culture.
- Managed workforce allocation, ensuring effective resource distribution across multiple mining projects.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to optimize extraction methods and improve operational efficiency.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implemented corrective actions to mitigate risks in the workplace.
- Improved employee morale through regular feedback sessions, recognition programs, and fostering a positive work culture.
Roof Bolter, Long Wall, Outby
Hamilton County Coal
Dahlgren, Illinois
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Repair false roof and ribs.
- Ensure safe work environment.
- Follow company roof plan and fall protection.
- Supply longwall with needed materials to keep extraction of coal.
- Repair shields, trunk lines, sheer and control boxes.
- Reclaim and set up new and current long wall panels.
- Operate out equipment supplying materials throughout the mine as well as belt line clean up, conveyor belt installs, watering roadways and dusting mine entries.
Roof bolter, Scoop Man
Foresight Energy
Macedonia, Illinois
04.2017 - 03.2020
- Repair false roof and ribs.
- Ensure safe work environment.
- Follow company roof plan and fall protection.
- Cleaning of working section with battery scoop.
- Hauling in supplies, restocking roof bolter with bolting materials.
- Rock dusting the working section as needed.
Belt Technician
American Coal Company
Galatia, Illinois
02.2013 - 06.2017
- Correction of belt conveyors, building head drives and belt systems for extraction of coal.
- Ensure safe workspace for others as checking on belt guarding, locking and tagging out systems being worked on.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Eldorado High School
Eldorado, Illinois05.2012
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Project Managment
- Operating Equipment
- Mechanics
- Reclamation
- Safety
- Welding
- Adobe Illustrator
- Enviromental
Timeline
Roof Bolter Operator, Scoop Man, Belt Maintenance
Jenmar, Praire State Energy Campus
10.2025 - 02.2026
Laborer
Local Labor 773, Holland Construction
02.2025 - 09.2025
Mine Foreman/Manager
Responsible Energy Operations
08.2023 - 02.2025
Roof Bolter, Long Wall, Outby
Hamilton County Coal
11.2021 - 03.2023
Roof bolter, Scoop Man
Foresight Energy
04.2017 - 03.2020
Belt Technician
American Coal Company
02.2013 - 06.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
Eldorado High School