Leonard " Chip " McCovey
North Fork Lumber Company
McKinleyville
44
years of professional experience
Dependable, hands-on worker with experience in lumber production, carpentry, millwright work, and diesel support. Skilled in using hand and power tools, identifying equipment issues, and maintaining clean, safe work areas. Brings strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a steady focus on quality.
Work History
Reducer Operater
7 Years 1 Month- Operated lumber production equipment to maintain steady workflow and product quality.
- Monitored machinery for jams, defects, and unsafe conditions, reporting issues promptly.
- Sorted and stacked lumber according to grade, size, and customer requirements.
- Inspected finished materials for accuracy, consistency, and surface defects before shipment.
- Assisted with equipment setup, changeovers, and routine production adjustments.
- Maintained clean work areas and followed safety procedures throughout shift operations.
- Coordinated with team members to keep material moving through cutting and finishing stages.
- Trained new operators on process steps, equipment handling, and plant safety practices.
Floater
1 Year 1 Month- Supported front end, grocery, and receiving operations to maintain smooth daily store flow.
- Rotated across cashiering, stocking, and merchandising duties to cover staffing gaps efficiently.
- Replenished shelves, faced product, and organized displays to uphold store presentation standards.
- Assisted customers with product location, pricing questions, and checkout support.
- Monitored inventory levels and communicated low-stock needs to maintain product availability.
- Coordinated with team members to complete cleaning, recovery, and opening or closing tasks.
Cheff
4 Years 4 Months- Prepared daily meals following correctional food service guidelines and standardized recipes.
- Supervised kitchen workflow to ensure timely service and consistent meal quality.
- Monitored sanitation practices, equipment cleanliness, and safety compliance throughout food preparation areas.
- Managed inventory, ordering, and storage of supplies to maintain kitchen readiness.
- Trained staff on food handling procedures, portion control, and secure kitchen operations.
- Coordinated special diets and menu adjustments for inmate health and religious requirements.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Resolved kitchen issues quickly to maintain efficient service and uninterrupted meal distribution.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
Carpenter And Finish Work
4 Years 10 Months- Interpreted blueprints and specifications to fabricate, install, and repair structural wood components.
- Measured, cut, and assembled framing, trim, and finish materials using hand and power tools.
- Inspected work areas for hazards and maintained compliance with safety procedures and building standards.
- Repaired doors, windows, partitions, and fixtures to restore facility functionality and appearance.
- Coordinated material selection and layout planning to support efficient carpentry workflows.
- Performed preventive maintenance on tools and equipment to reduce downtime and support reliability.
- Completed installations of building structures, trim, flooring, and cabinetry.
- Specialized in specific carpentry tasks such as framing, finish work, or restoration projects to provide clients with tailored services and high-quality results.
- Optimized workspace organization by maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment throughout each project''s duration.
Millwright Apprentice
7 Years 6 Months- Inspected rotating equipment, identifying wear, misalignment, and lubrication issues before failures.
- Repaired conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, and motors using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Aligned shafts, couplings, and drive components to maintain reliable production equipment operation.
- Performed preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication, component replacement, and equipment adjustments.
- Assisted with installation and setup of industrial machinery, guards, and support structures.
- Troubleshot mechanical breakdowns by reading blueprints, schematics, and equipment documentation.
- Mentored apprentice millwrights on shop practices, repair methods, and quality workmanship.
- Supported senior millwrights with dismantling, moving, and reassembling machinery as needed for optimal functionality.
- Conducted comprehensive analyses on defective parts and determined the most effective course of action for repair or replacement.
Diesel Mechanic Assistant
2 Years 2 Months- Assisted diesel mechanics with engine diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance on heavy equipment.
- Inspected trucks and machinery for wear, leaks, and safety issues before service completion.
- Organized tools, parts, and service areas to support efficient repair workflow.
- Replaced filters, belts, hoses, and fluids according to maintenance requirements.
- Documented repair findings and maintenance actions for accurate service records.
- Cleaned shop, stored new supplies and put away tools to maintain organized work area.
- Completed minor repairs and basic upkeep work with minimal supervision.
- Improved engine performance by conducting thorough diesel engine inspections and identifying necessary repairs.
Maintence
1 Year 7 Months- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Education
High School Diploma
No Degree - Welding, Small Engine Repair
Associate of Arts - Carpentry
Skills
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Troubleshooting
Machine operation
Heavy equipment operation
Forklift operation
Hand and power tools
Heavy lifting
Machine setup
Hand-eye coordination
Flexible schedule
Facility maintenance
Drywalling
Teamwork and communication
Interests
Outdoor Recreation
Timeline
Reducer Operater
North Fork Lumber Company
10.2019 - CurrentRead More
Floater
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
08.2018 - 09.2019Read More
Cheff
Avenal State Prison
02.2013 - 06.2017Read More
Carpenter And Finish Work
Hoopa Valley Modeler Plant
03.2005 - 01.2010Read More
Millwright Apprentice
Louisiana Pacific LP
06.1988 - 12.1995Read More
Diesel Mechanic Assistant
Hoopa Forest Industries HFI
03.1986 - 05.1988Read More
Maintence
Hoopa Forest Industries HFI
04.1983 - 11.1984Read More
C.T.F Vocational Training
No Degree from Welding, Small Engine Repair
Read More
Hoopa Valley High School
High School Diploma
Read More
College Of The Redwoods CR
Associate of Arts from Carpentry
Read More