James Rodger
Kelowna
Summary
Versatile mining and maintenance professional with experience in heavy equipment operation, pit utility work, field welding, and metal fabrication. Adept at supporting production, maintaining safe work areas, and performing mechanical and structural repairs in both underground and open-pit environments. Recognized for reliability, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work effectively in high-demand mining operations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Heavy Equipment Operator
Centerra Gold
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Operated haul trucks, loaders, and excavators to move ore and waste material.
- Completed daily maintenance checks and assisted mechanics with basic repairs.
- Supported blasting operations through area prep, signage, and safety compliance.
- Documented safety hazards and participated in toolbox meetings and JSAs.
- Monitored job site conditions to identify hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.
- Operated heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, and haul trucks safely and efficiently.
Field Welder & Fabricator
Monster Industries Ltd
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Performed mobile and shop welding repairs on mining equipment, structural steel, and high-wear components.
- Fabricated custom mining parts, chutes, guards, platforms, and structural supports.
- Used SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW welding processes and various cutting methods (torch/plasma).
- Assisted mechanics with rebuilds, hardfacing, and heavy equipment repairs.
- Followed strict MSHA safety protocols and applied LOTO procedures during maintenance work.
- Completed welding projects in underground, surface, and remote field locations.
- Fabricated and assembled metal components using MIG and TIG welding techniques.
Heavy Equipment Operator / Pit Utility
Teck Outview Operations
02.2019 - 12.2022
- Operated haul trucks, loaders, skid steers, water trucks, and other pit equipment to support daily production.
- Performed pit utility tasks including road maintenance, berm building, pit clean-up, and traffic control.
- Assisted blasting crews by setting up blast areas, clearing debris, and maintaining safe exclusion zones.
- Monitored and cleaned crusher and conveyor systems to ensure continuous material flow.
- Conducted pre- and post-shift equipment inspections, reporting any mechanical issues promptly.
- Worked with survey and engineering teams to maintain pit boundaries and grade control.
- Supported plant shutdowns with equipment cleanup, material removal, and maintenance preparation.
Mine Laborer / General Hand
Vale
03.2017 - 05.2019
- Performed underground and surface labor tasks including ground control, scaling, pipe installation, and ventilation setup.
- Kept work areas clean, safe, and compliant with MSHA standards.
- Assisted equipment operators and mechanics with routine tasks and maintenance.
- Assisted in training new laborers on safe operational procedures and best practices.
- Operated heavy machinery to support excavation and site preparation tasks.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment to ensure safety and functionality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Crowsnet Consolidated
Crownest Past, ABSkills
- Heavy Equipment Operation (Haul Truck, Loader, Excavator, Dozer)
- Pit Utility & Site Support
- Field Welding (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW)
- Structural Fabrication & Cutting
- Conveyor/Crusher Maintenance
- Blasting Support
- LOTO Procedures & MSHA Compliance
- Equipment Inspections & Basic Repairs
- Blueprint Reading / Weld Layout
- Strong Communication & Teamwork
- Heavy equipment operation
- Heavy lifting
- First aid training
- Front end loader handling
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
De-Energization Of Stored Energy
Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices
Fall Prevention
Telehandler Theory
WHMIS 2015
Personal Protective Equipment Respirators
Respirators
Elevator Work Platform Theory
Basic Conventional Swingstage Certificate
Sprat NFPA High Angle Rope Rescue Level 2 Certificate
Stick All-Position Welder Certificate
Timeline
Field Welder & Fabricator
Monster Industries Ltd
12.2022 - 12.2023
Heavy Equipment Operator
Centerra Gold
01.2022 - 12.2024
Heavy Equipment Operator / Pit Utility
Teck Outview Operations
02.2019 - 12.2022
Mine Laborer / General Hand
Vale
03.2017 - 05.2019
High School Diploma -
Crowsnet Consolidated