Ricky Lee

Project Oversight and Management

• Conducted thorough inspections of public works projects, including underground utilities, water production facilities, and pump stations, to ensure full compliance with project specifications and safety standards.
• Served as the lead inspector for key projects previously managed at Fann Environmental, including:

Intermediate Pump Station and Water Production Facility

Oversaw final operational testing and commissioning to ensure system functionality and efficiency.

Solid Waste Relocation Project

Verified site preparation, drainage systems, and environmental compliance.

• Monitored contractor performance and quality control to ensure strict adherence to project specifications and regulatory standards.
• Coordinated with project managers to schedule inspections at critical phases, ensuring timely project completion.
• Provided expert technical guidance and oversight to construction teams and subcontractors, identifying and resolving issues swiftly to maintain project timelines.
• Acted as the primary liaison between contractors and city officials, using a clear communication strategy to resolve conflicts and improve project flow.
• Diagnosed and corrected design discrepancies during construction, preventing costly delays and reducing the need for change orders.
• Served as the main point of contact for the public, addressing complaints and ensuring community satisfaction with project outcomes.

Documentation and Reporting

• Utilized the City of Prescott's project management software to comprehensively record and report all project information, including:
• Attached photographic evidence and documented issues to protect the city from future liabilities.
  Ensured all documentation was thorough and accurate enough to hold up in court if necessary.
• Standardized inspection protocols to enhance consistency and coordination across departments.
  Prepared detailed reports outlining inspection findings, investigations, and tests.
• Maintained comprehensive records of all inspections, supporting better decision-making for maintenance schedules and resource allocation.
• Streamlined inspection processes to improve efficiency and increase productivity.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control

• Interpreted and enforced environmental regulations and construction codes, ensuring full compliance with the Clean Water Act and OSHA standards.
• Monitored product quality at all stages of the production process and ensured conformance with blueprints, diagrams, and template specifications.
• Ensured full compliance with industry regulations by maintaining meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
• Stayed current with regulatory changes and applied updated standards to inspections.
• Led cross-departmental collaboration to resolve compliance issues and improve operational efficiency.
• Reduced environmental impact through strict enforcement of environmental standards during site inspections.

Safety and Risk Management

• Identified potential hazards and recommended corrective actions to improve site safety and reduce accidents.
• Followed safety protocols while handling hazardous materials, ensuring a safe work environment.
• Investigated customer complaints and took necessary corrective actions to maintain quality and service standards.
• Assisted in developing and refining inspection and testing protocols to improve quality control.

Process Improvement and Leadership

• Provided technical guidance and oversight to construction teams and subcontractors, ensuring high-quality work and adherence to safety standards.
• Advocated for continuous improvement by maintaining high inspection standards and proactively identifying opportunities for better performance.

Project Management and Execution

• Managed large-scale wet underground utility and heavy civil construction projects, including water treatment facilities and pump stations.
• Oversaw project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget.
• Supervised construction and commissioning of key projects:

Cameron Trading Post Wastewater Treatment Facility – Managed installation under Permit No. NN0021610 in Cameron, AZ.

Chino Production Well No. 3 and Intermediate Pump Station Facility – Oversaw electrical, mechanical, and structural upgrades.

City of Prescott Water Production Facility (Chino Valley) – Directed construction and final commissioning.

• Drove project objectives at the operational level by working closely with City of Prescott, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Led successful project closeout procedures, ensuring all contractual obligations were met and resolving outstanding issues promptly.
• Monitored job progress and employee performance to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality output.
• Identified and reviewed proposed change order requests, resolving them efficiently to keep projects on track.
• Established and maintained strong relationships with officials, architects, engineers, and company stakeholders to ensure smooth collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assisted project owners and managers with budgeting, bidding, and subcontractor awards.
• Reduced downtime on construction sites through proactive maintenance planning and quick resolution of equipment issues.

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Supervised field crews and subcontractors to maximize efficiency and quality of work.
• Trained new employees on systems, best practices, and safety protocols, fostering a productive work environment.
• Provided technical guidance and feedback to workers on job performance and safety procedures.
• Coordinated required inspections with local jurisdictions, quickly resolving any code concerns.
• Scheduled subcontractors, consultants, and vendors to align with project timelines and completion targets.
• Mentored junior staff members, promoting technical skills development and professional growth.
• Directed daily site operations, ensuring team productivity and adherence to project milestones.

Safety and Compliance

• Enhanced safety on job sites by conducting regular inspections and enforcing OSHA and environmental compliance.
• Developed and implemented safety protocols to reduce risks on construction sites and improve worker protection.
• Adhered strictly to environmental regulations to minimize negative impacts on local ecosystems.
• Evaluated and updated safety protocols to address site-specific risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Supervised safety training for construction crews, ensuring understanding of proper methods and equipment operation.
• Inspected tools and equipment for safe operation and scheduled maintenance when required.
• Established and enforced safety regulations, procedures, and standards for construction crews.

Quality Control and Reporting

• Ensured all construction work met quality standards and complied with project specifications.
• Monitored subcontractor performance and quality control, resolving discrepancies quickly to prevent delays and budget overruns.
• Inspected completed work to verify compliance with specifications and quality expectations.
• Maintained accurate records of project progress, subcontractor agreements, and change orders.
• Utilized project management software to document and track progress, including photographic evidence and issue documentation to protect the company and city from future liabilities.
• Prepared and submitted detailed reports on job progress, safety conditions, and quality control to upper management.

Process Improvement and Efficiency

• Maximized resource utilization by implementing lean construction practices, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
• Developed standardized inspection protocols to enhance consistency and communication across teams.
• Streamlined inspection processes to increase productivity and reduce turnaround times.
• Recommended and implemented corrective actions to improve project flow and prevent future issues.
• Assessed potential risks on job sites and mitigated them proactively to avoid project disruptions.
• Contributed to company growth by successfully managing multiple concurrent projects while maintaining profitability and quality standards.

Construction Foreman

• Manage and inspect construction sites, ensuring workers adhere to construction plans, safety codes, and local health and safety regulations, including Covid-19 mandates and restrictions.
• Consult blueprints, designs, and city/public works instructions and specifications to develop and coordinate the project plan and timeline.
• Accomplish project goals and maintain the construction budget by defining the scope and purpose of the project, determining and allocating required resources, establishing safety protocols and standards, and scheduling crew members and subcontractors.
• Track and document project costs and ensure budgetary requirements are strictly followed.
• Prevent interruptions, delays, and fines by understanding local regulations and enforcing compliance with civil codes.
• Work with the city inspector to resolve design irregularities and variances, evaluating deadlines and budget estimates, and implementing change orders as needed.
• Supervise, monitor, and control subcontractor performance and quality.
• Fulfill human resource needs by communicating job expectations, providing training, team coaching, and disciplining employees while adhering to company procedures and policies.
• Meet operational standards by resolving problems, contributing information to strategic plans, and identifying improvements.

Heavy Equipment Operator

• Accurately and safely operate heavy equipment in close proximity to workers and underground utilities.
• Perform deep dig trenching, V-ditches, shoring, and grading.
• Coordinate with crew and subcontractors for the installation, repair, and replacement of large commercial underground wastewater, water, storm drain, fiber optic, and telephone utilities.
• Interpret site orders and blueprints to ensure all work is performed in compliance with outlined specifications, codes, and regulations while exceeding industry standards.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Safeguard and secure all equipment to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism in downtown Los Angeles.

Lead Mechanic

• Certified in automotive HVAC, welding, and fabrication.
• Perform 90-day BIT inspections and annual DOT inspections.
• Provide routine preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Track maintenance schedules to ensure timely servicing and reduce unnecessary downtime.
• Evaluate and diagnose mechanical issues with the construction equipment fleet on job sites and in the yard.
• Maintain and repair a large fleet of heavy trucks and the company’s gas and diesel vehicle fleet.
• Maintain and repair equipment and systems such as generators, forklifts, welders, hydraulic systems, and pumps.

Foreman – Heavy Equipment Operator – Estimator

Worked closely with Mr. John Colich in a variety of roles over nearly two decades at Colich & Sons. Developed expertise in managing job sites and crews, estimating large projects, and installing specialized underground wet utilities, pipeline rehabilitation, pump stations, plant work, emergency repair work, shoring, and bypass systems for complex commercial and municipal projects. Maintained and repaired heavy equipment and vehicles to prevent job downtime and keep projects on schedule.

Project Management and Execution

• Managed job sites and coordinated with crews to ensure timely and efficient project completion.
• Estimated large-scale municipal and commercial projects involving underground wet utilities, storm drains, and wastewater systems.
• Oversaw the installation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of specialized underground infrastructure.
• Developed and maintained schedules, budgets, and resource allocation for complex projects.
• Worked closely with engineers, subcontractors, and city officials to address project challenges and meet regulatory requirements.
• Managed emergency response projects, including critical infrastructure repairs for Los Angeles Public Works.

Key Projects

Griffith Park - Headworks East – Silver Lake Reservoir Complex Storage Replacement
Los Angeles, CA – 2014

• Managed construction of Headworks East, part of a 43-acre reservoir complex near Griffith Park with a combined capacity of 110 million gallons.
• Oversaw the nearly $250 million project, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and construction standards.
• Replaced the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs, transitioning them to emergency water supplies for community use and firefighting.
• Coordinated with engineers, subcontractors, and city officials to maintain project timelines and quality standards.
• Turbine Cooling Lines, Hyperion Treatment Plant, San Pedro, CA – Managed an approximately 34-million-dollar project involving complex infrastructure and cooling systems.
• 120-Inch x 80-Inch Box Storm Drain Culvert, Moorpark – Led the installation and completion of an approximately 22-million-dollar storm drain project.
• Underground Wastewater Re-Line Under LAX Airport – Served as the foreman on an approximately 15-million-dollar pipeline rehabilitation project beneath the Los Angeles International Airport, requiring specific security clearance and approvals.
• Morongo Band of Mission Indians Treatment Plant and Sewer Lines – Oversaw an approximately 15-million-dollar wastewater treatment plant and sewer line installation.
• Emergency Earthquake Sewer Pipe Reline on Mission Boulevard – Managed an emergency 66-inch sewer pipe reline for Los Angeles Public Works following earthquake damage.

Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operated and maintained heavy construction equipment, including excavators, backhoes, and loaders.
• Diagnosed and repaired mechanical issues on construction equipment and vehicles to minimize downtime.
• Trained crew members on proper equipment operation and maintenance procedures.
• Ensured compliance with safety regulations while operating heavy equipment near underground utilities and in confined spaces.
• Managed fleet maintenance schedules to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.

Leadership and Coordination

• Supervised crews on-site, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and project specifications.
• Coordinated with city officials, inspectors, and subcontractors to meet project milestones and regulatory requirements.
• Provided technical guidance and support to crew members, fostering professional growth and improving team efficiency.
• Monitored job progress and implemented adjustments to maintain project schedules and budgets.
• Facilitated communication between project stakeholders to ensure smooth collaboration and issue resolution.