Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Van Wessels

Rancho Cordova,CA

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Operator

Folsom Dam
02.2020 - 04.2025
  • Led a team of operators, delegating tasks effectively and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Reduced downtime for equipment maintenance by conducting regular inspections and proactive repairs.
  • Developed strong relationships with both internal departments and external vendors/suppliers for better coordination and seamless operations.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting technical issues that arose during production runs, working closely with engineers to identify root causes and implement solutions.
  • Contributed to the development of new operational strategies, collaborating with management on process improvements.

Operator

Folsom Dam
02.2018 - 02.2020
  • Operated various types of machinery, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in diverse work environments.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Assisted in training new operators, sharing knowledge of best practices and promoting a culture of teamwork amongst peers.
  • Provided on-the-job training to newly hired workers and team members.

Plant Mechanic

Folsom Dam
04.2006 - 03.2018
  • Inspected and tested machinery and equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Served as a reliable resource for management by providing expert advice on mechanical issues affecting plant operations.
  • Enhanced plant safety, adhering to OSHA guidelines and company protocols during all tasks performed.
  • Improved plant efficiency by conducting regular maintenance on machinery and equipment.
  • Liaised closely with engineering teams during the design phase of new projects to ensure seamless integration into existing systems without disrupting ongoing production activities.

Plant Mechanic Apprentice

Folsom Dam
10.2002 - 04.2006

Learned the Plant Mechanic trade through on the job training, home study, college courses, and outsourced training. Training included crane work, welding, machining, equipment repair, A/C systems and understanding blueprints and schematics.

Laborer

Davis Dam
01.2000 - 10.2002
  • Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
  • Expanded skill set through continuous learning of new techniques, tools, and equipment related to laborer tasks.
  • Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
  • Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
05.1997

Skills

    My education has been very useful during my tenor as a trades employee I often had to write or review reports, write ups and operating procedures I would often have to calculate the weight of materials through volume and then calculate sling angles to use the correct lifting equipment

    I got the highest score on the aptitude test for my job, had a high score on my ACT and consistently score high in testing

Timeline

Senior Operator

Folsom Dam
02.2020 - 04.2025

Operator

Folsom Dam
02.2018 - 02.2020

Plant Mechanic

Folsom Dam
04.2006 - 03.2018

Plant Mechanic Apprentice

Folsom Dam
10.2002 - 04.2006

Laborer

Davis Dam
01.2000 - 10.2002

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Grand Canyon University
Van Wessels