Michael Gifkins
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Former railroader with over a decade's experience in welding, construction, machine operation and the leading of dedicated maintenance crews seeking a change of pace and a new career. Offering matter-of-fact problem solving skills, a straightforward work-ethic and a knack for both pre-planning and adapting as needed shaped by his former profession.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Track Foreman
Toronto Terminals Railway
05.2018 - 12.2023
- Led a team of track laborers in performing routine maintenance tasks, ensuring timely completion of projects.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in resolving unexpected issues or complications during track maintenance projects.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruptions during maintenance work.
- Created daily job briefings with crew, to plan ahead how best to complete the task at hand as well as identifying hazards and how best to nullify them.
- Trained and oversaw new employees, offering guidance when needed.
Flagman
A&B Rail Services
06.2017 - 02.2018
- Ensured a safe work environment for crews working on or around railway infrastructure.
- Created and conducted daily job briefings for groups of workers of varying sizes. From groups of five up to well over fifty tradesmen at a time.
- Paid close attention for any hazards that might affect the safe movement of trains or the livelihoods of workers.
- Filed, sorted and sent daily paperwork; bills-of-sale, site sign-in, records, etc.
Welder Helper
PNR Railworks
12.2015 - 06.2017
- Repaired and maintained track components via grinding and welding.
- Safely operated heavy duty trucks in and around every corner of the GTA, Simcoe County and Kitchener-Waterloo Area.
- Cared and maintained heavy duty welding and grinding equipment.
- Coordinated with dispatchers to arrange track time for coworkers and myself to get tasks done.
- Assisted thermite welders during joint-elimination programs.
- Assisted local section gangs as needed.
Thermite Welder
A&B Rail Services
07.2015 - 12.2015
- Welded sections of rail together using various kinds of carefully built moulds, and prepackaged thermite charges.
- Very carefully pre-inspected the work site for any signs of moisture or water.
- Assisted local track crews or companies with work as needed.
- Operated heavy duty, modified vehicles. Often driving across entire provinces.
Welder/Utility Grinder
Toronto Terminals Railway
08.2011 - 06.2015
- Maintained track and switch components around Union Station with push cart, angle and straight grinders. Often working Alone.
- Rode atop the track in modified F-550, coordinating and planning with towers how best to enter, work on and exit Canada's busiest rail corridor without affecting traffic.
- Assisted capital and flagging crews when needed.
- Hauled equipment through downtown in aforementioned modified truck.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bradford District Highschool
Bradford, Ontario06.2009
Skills
- Driving, in any environment or weather
- Welding
- General labour
- Track inspection/Maintenance
- Machine operation
- Problem-solving
- Self-direction
- Basic tool/truck maintenance
- Planning ahead
- Loading and unloading equipment, small freight
- Heavy lifting
Timeline
Track Foreman
Toronto Terminals Railway
05.2018 - 12.2023
Flagman
A&B Rail Services
06.2017 - 02.2018
Welder Helper
PNR Railworks
12.2015 - 06.2017
Thermite Welder
A&B Rail Services
07.2015 - 12.2015
Welder/Utility Grinder
Toronto Terminals Railway
08.2011 - 06.2015
High School Diploma -
Bradford District Highschool
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