Crew Foreman

Crew Foreman

• Dec 2013 - Present

With Nelson Tree Service I have learned how to successfully operate a bucket truck, as well as how to manually climb and trim trees. After approximately two years, I was asked to take over my own crew. I learned how to climb fast and safe very quickly. My being physically fit allows me to move easily in a tree, and to pull myself into a tree, when climbing is less efficient or unsafe. I have personally climbed numerous trees in the range of 50-80 feet, as well as many that were close to 100 feet or more. A very important skill that I have learned from this job is to never become complacent with your work. Although my crew and I know that we are great at what we do, we do not allow ourselves to become numb to safety procedures. We always look out for one another, and ensure that everyone on our job site is being safe. I am currently still employed with the Nelson Tree Service. Show less

Electronics Team Member/Signing Specialist

• Jun 2010 - Dec 2013

After completing high school and moving on to community college, I still required a job that was flexible with scheduling in order to attend classes. Shortly after beginning my work here, I was promoted to the electronics department due to my strong work ethic and time management skills. At the time I knew very little about electronics, but quickly became accustomed with everything and was later rewarded with the position of Electronics Captain. The Electronics Captain is responsible for managing the time of the electronics team. Setting achievable goals for the team and orchestrating their success was commonplace. Approximately a year later, I applied for an open position as the store's signing specialist. The signing specialist works alone to accomplish goals. The goals are quite extensive, but in short, the goals are to ensure that all signs are correctly placed (advertising signs, as well as safety/warning signs), and the store's displays were properly maintained. The greatest thing I learned from this experience is to not only work with an extremely diverse group of people, but to also work alone when the occasion calls for it. I left this job in order to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 702. Show less

Crew Foreman

• Jun 2013 - Oct 2013

Through the IBEW LU 702, I was offered a position as a Trimmer Trainee/Sprayer Groundman. Approximately one month into the job, I was promoted to Foreman. My responsibilities were to ensure the safety of my coworker and myself, and to properly exterminate unwanted vegetation underneath high voltage power lines for the Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative (SIEC). My coworker and I were held in high esteem by the SIEC forester due to our extremely efficient work. Only having one coworker can often lead to problems, but through this job, I learned to work past individual differences and come together with someone else to achieve a common goal. My reason for leaving was a routine layoff due to the Summer ending, and the position no longer being available. Show less

Crew Trainer

• Mar 2007 - Jun 2010

Like many other high school students who were in dire need of an automobile, I began working for McDonald's. I handled day-to-day cleaning and food preparation, and was responsible for training new crew members. I was given the promotion to crew trainer due to my innate ability and desire to do things the right way, and my diligence in the workplace, regardless of what workplace that may be. I left this job because I was no longer in high school, and felt that it was time to move on to bigger and better things. Unlike many of my coworkers, I do not regret my time at McDonald's. I believe that I learned what it means to actually work for something. Show less

Maintenance Assistant

• May 2007 - Aug 2008

During the Summers of my junior and senior years at high school, while also working at McDonalds, I worked for my local school district. At this job, I was responsible for assisting my supervisor in the maintenance of all athletic fields (painting, raking, weeding, mowing, etc.). We also repaired miscellaneous items such as sinks, shelves, and bleachers, and were occasionally responsible for the completion of special projects; most notably the Marion High School football team's wooden lockers. Working outside was definitely a positive to this opportunity, as was getting to work with my hands, and see an outcome that was appreciated by a community. Although I very much enjoyed my time at this job, it was only available to students during the Summers before their junior and senior years. Show less