JOEL HELMER
Killaloe,Canada
Summary
Reliable business professional with experience in project and resource management, process improvement and financial analysis. Proven track record of successfully streamlining business operations and reducing costs. Adept at analyzing data to identify trends and developing strategies to improve efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Decommissioning Specialist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
04.2023 - Current
- Wrote and developed work plans and maintenance packages for fire sprinkler conversion projects within the Care & Maintenance Group (B250, B204, B429)
- Performed walkdowns with members of FD/ER Engineering as necessary to validate information regarding work plan/formal document development, troubleshooting failed equipment
- Lead in developing 'Live Mark-Up' project in establishing electronic as-builts by each FD Project Team
- Conducted regular meetings with FD engineers/specialists in reviewing marked-up drawings performed by Project Team field staff
- Coordination of information from SMEs in developing work packages to perform fire sprinkler conversions in FD facilities
- Implementing field verification process in tagging all service equipment in FD facilities
- Review and approve all ECC submittals by FD project teams prior to full submission by Facility Authority
- Served as the Fire Protection SPOC for the Care & Maintenance Group
Co-Owner, Director
Paradisio Bees Ltd.
10.2018 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations and workflow for staff
- Built business over the past several years to have a paid staff of three employees, with annual revenue generation of >$100K
- Managed accounts payable/receivable
- Performed beekeeping, delivery, customer communications and all other relevant duties in growing business
- Generated a significant presence in the local retail market, with approximately thirty (30) retail locations carrying Paradisio Bees Ltd
- Products
- Developed plans to double revenues and add an additional 1-2 full-time employees in the next two years
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
Acting Fire Protection Manager
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Assigned and outlined work for a team of 6 Fire Protection Engineers and Specialists as necessary to ensure daily workflows are met
- Oversaw and directed staff communications with CNSC as necessary during reportable events
- Advised on technical matters during daily operations between Fire Technical Groups, Fire Systems Groups and Fire Prevention Groups
- Demonstrated leadership during transition period(s) for Fire Program
- Provided oversight of work to Fire Technical Group
- Reviewed procedures and standards during review cycles to confirm compliance
- Developed consistent wordings for field documents (fire screenings) to be utilized by specialists/engineers
- Implemented controls and oversight to CNL off-site locations - providing leadership to the group in conducting/organizing meetings and discussions with team (Fire Technical Group) and customers (Facility Managers, Site Supervisors, etc.)
- Held regular meetings with IT and Sr
- Engineering staff to improve ServiceCNL platform for fire screening submissions and procurement
- Coached and mentored new Fire Technical Group staff in producing efficient, consistent and effective work
- Implemented regular meetings/discussions with team(s) to ensure continued improvement, suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of each staff member in their current roles, ensuring proper resource management of the group
- Provide R&C for ECC and Site Development projects
- Review and provide input on budgets specific to the program
- Review and approve fire screening documents submitted by specialists and engineers
- Provide R&C, and Approvals for CRL and offsite FHAs/CCRs and FRNAs
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Fire Protection Specialist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
05.2018 - 06.2022
- Mentored new hires in the Fire Program - reviewing documents and providing oversight/guidance for consistency and accuracy
- Worked to define the role of Fire Protection Subject Matter Expert (SME) for FD as the sole Fire Protection SME for the Facilities Decommissioning Program at the CRL Site
- Confirmed changes to existing structures (part of FD Projects) met applicable license and code requirements while providing alternative-based solutions whenever possible
- Provided oversight and expertise in conversion of fire sprinkler systems from Wet-type to Dry-type in accelerating FD project timelines
- Ensured that off-site locations FHA's, CCR's and FRNA's are conducted as per license CSA-N393
- Comprised detailed Fire Hazard Analysis' for licensed facilities at Chalk River site
- Coordinated and assisted in job planning and scheduling for Facilities Decommissioning Projects
- Regularly attended Internal Work Control (IWC) meetings to assist in writing Job Hazard Assessments, Work Control Instructions and Work Plans for projects
- Reviewed Contractor Work Risk Reviews
Senior Risk Control Consultant
Intact Insurance
06.2008 - 10.2017
- Inspected commercial and industrial account locations in order to assess Fire, Liability, Crime and Equipment Breakdown exposures
- Wrote detailed reports upon completion of site visits; including recommendations specific to the customer's current infractions, providing detailed written remedial actions, and follow-up visits
- Implemented risk management strategies with customers to mitigate potential exposures
- Developed best practices and standards for organizations; utilizing adequate risk control techniques that best serve the customers' needs
- Provided deliverables to customers in an efficient customer focused manner
- Invited brokers and staffed underwriters along during site inspections to bridge communications between all parties
- Mentored trainee consultants as part of their specific development program, including office training and auditing of both field inspections and written reports
- Initiated presentations/Lunch and Learn sessions to underwriting and larger customer accounts to build relationships and understanding between stakeholders
- Accepted responsibilities as the sole Equipment Breakdown consultant for British Columbia and Manitoba from January of 2016 through September of 2017
- Became the primary contact for larger commercial accounts in Western Canada (locations with TIV's >$100 million)
- Served as Lead in National Forms Committees to update and nationalize loss prevention supplemental forms for field and report use, including chairing a national committee for fire systems reporting during large corporate merger between Intact and (formerly) Axis Insurance Companies
- Developed information packages for loss prevention staff as part of Western Region's mentoring program
- Constructed reporting forms used by loss prevention staff nationwide
- Undertook role of team Liaison for seven years to communicate concerns between management and Loss Prevention staff
- Regularly created and delivered presentations for Loss Prevention field staff during semi-annual team meetings
- Prepared reports for clients and underwriters regarding property loss features and recommendations for improvement and future needs.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through inspection of a wide variety of industries and operations
Project Manager/Designer
Quality Design, LLC
07.2007 - 05.2008
- Planned field work, executed and controlled labour on projects, coordinated material delivery
- Tracked job performance and budgets
- Designed and calculated fire sprinkler systems for new installations
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Performed hydraulic calculations of new standpipe systems
- Conducted regular Cover and Final Inspections with local Authority Having Jurisdiction(s) to review systems installations prior to occupancy
- Tasked in conducting hydrant flow testing in determination of available water supplies (when necessary)
- Coordinated with site trades via weekly on-site meetings
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Lead on Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino new build ($250mil USD sprinkler contract)
Project Manager
Western States Fire Protection
10.2004 - 09.2006
- Designed, calculated and stock listed new and existing fire sprinkler systems
- Attended on-site coordination meetings with general and sub-contractors
- Ordered all system components, coordinated material delivery, manpower, and schedules for field staff
- Performed site surveys to assess existing conditions in retrofit projects
- Coordinated permit submittals and meetings with local AHJ
- Conducted cover and final inspection walk-throughs with local AHJ's
- Performed fire pump tests when commencing larger retrofit projects
- Priced change orders, performed estimates and managed monthly billings
- Organized weekly meetings assessing potential scheduling conflicts with field superintendent, department manager, and sales staff
- Tracked budgets and monthly billings
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science and Engineering
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH06.2007
Diploma - Fire Protection Technologist
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
Toronto, ON04.2001
Skills
- Leadership
- Interpersonal Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Risk Management Principles
- Time Management
- Technical Aptitude
- Problem Solving
- Networking
- Decision Making
- Resiliency
- Resource allocation
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Certified Risk Manager (CRM) - National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- PMP - Project Management Professional - course complete in March 2025
Timeline
Decommissioning Specialist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
04.2023 - Current
Acting Fire Protection Manager
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
06.2022 - 03.2023
Co-Owner, Director
Paradisio Bees Ltd.
10.2018 - Current
Fire Protection Specialist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
05.2018 - 06.2022
Senior Risk Control Consultant
Intact Insurance
06.2008 - 10.2017
Project Manager/Designer
Quality Design, LLC
07.2007 - 05.2008
Project Manager
Western States Fire Protection
10.2004 - 09.2006
Diploma - Fire Protection Technologist
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Certified Risk Manager (CRM) - National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
- PMP - Project Management Professional - course complete in March 2025
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science and Engineering
University of Cincinnati
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