Nicholas Kearns

• My role as a Water Coordinator or “Ditch Rider” is that person you see operating the canals and piplelines that are used to provide water to farmers and irrigators in the SMRID system.

As an intern I am tasked to occasional general maintenance on our structures such as welding, grinding concrete and other matierials, assembling pumps in wells and ditches. Operating equipment such as skid steer and tractor.

• Primary duties consist of driving my district in a utility truck and taking water orders from irrigators While maintaining my vehicle, tools, and equipment. Whether that means recording mileage, and doing pre inspection on equipment and gear.

• I have gained experience operating a Cat 777 and a Cat 785 Rigid Frame Haul Truck, aswell as a Komatsu 785.
• This is my second year working in the mines, my time was unfortunately cut short and I had to take extended personal time off due to my father being diagnosed with an illness. As of 2024 I am ready to return to work bringing my best self and mindset.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by conducting pre-shift inspections on my designated Truck and participated in pre shift toolbox meetings and weekly safety meetings
• Coordinated with other operators for smooth traffic flow at loading areas, ensuring minimal delays in material movement.
• Assisted in the training of new haul truck operators, sharing valuable knowledge gained from experience on the job.
• Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new equipment models as they were introduced into the fleet.
• Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.

• Being hired as a Tractor operator at Thompson Bros in summer of 2022 was my foot in the door to the Oil Sands and I have loved it ever since.
• I have worked a 14 days on/ 7 days off 12-hour night shift rotation for my first year and was soon put on a rotating days & night shift at the end.
• I started on the 'True North Road' construction project and I got the opportunity to learn and operate 4 different pieces of equipment including a 777 Haul Truck and a multiple sizes of Dozer; largest being a D6
• After that project came near a close I was moved to Drilling support and my job consisted of towing support for service oil rigs. I operated dozer to help tow stuck boiler trucks, water trucks, vac trucks, light duty trucks, and even semis down muddy lease roads.
• I was also required to clear snow off rig pads, and plow lease roads.
• Responsible for my own company truck with a slip tank on the back that I would use to fuel equipment, trucks and light plants throughout the night while I was on-call
• Throughout my Tenure at Thompson I have learned to operate: Tractor (Pulling Discs, Dragging Pipe & Tire) Packer (Any Type) Water truck (automatic, 1 month experience) Haul Truck (777, 3 months) Dozer (D6, 850, 650, 450. 4 months)

• During summers since 2016 when I'm available on weekends I would work 10-12 hour shifts at my Grandparents Farm near Lethbridge Airport.
• I Assisted in the construction or repair of fences, barns, sheds, or other infrastructure necessary for successful farm operation.
• Operated various farm machinery including tractors, plows, and balers for efficient land cultivation and crop production.
• Supported successful harvests through diligent planting, weeding, and pruning efforts.
• Loaded and unloaded farm supplies and materials and stored in correct barn location.
• Performed regular maintenance to keep farm equipment in safe working order.
• Checked farmland for issues in need of attention, such as fences to mend and broken pipes to fix.
• Used grease guns and oil cans to lubricate and adjust farm equipment.

• I worked in this field for two years once i moved back to lethbridge during the Covid-19 pandemic
• I Managed medications effectively for clients under strict supervision from healthcare professionals, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
• Supported clients in maintaining a clean living space by assisting with household tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, and general tidying.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring optimal client wellbeing.
• Maintained accurate records of client progress, adjusting support strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
• Implemented behavior management techniques when required for the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
• Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.

• I have various tasks and responsibilities working at ULS, in the Spring, Summer and Fall months: I drive a company truck & trailer throughout all areas of Calgary carrying multiple pieces of light equipment that must be strapped down correctly and loaded/unloaded using proper safety measures
• I was hired as a labourer and the last 4 months I worked there I became a crew leader after my original crew lead quit, giving me a larger role and responsibility.
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• Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to enable completion of work.
• Dug trenches, backfilled holes and compacted earth to prepare for new construction.
• Loaded and unloaded materials onto trucks and trailers.
• Moved and cleared debris from work sites to dispose of in designated areas.