Explosives & Safety Section Chief (Government regulatory)

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining Programs

​July 30, 2022 - Present

 

My current occupation is Explosives and Safety Section Chief in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Mining Programs. This is a technical role in support of field regulators, industry personnel, and other state and federal agencies.

 

Responsibilities include:

• Regulation development

• Technical assistance for field regulators and industry personnel.

• Assists other agencies in matters related to explosives use.

• Assists in investigations.

• Provides program consistency.

• Administers blaster's license certification and training.

• Conducts regulator training.

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Within this role I also serve as an instructor with the National Technical Training Program (NTTP) of the federal Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement (Dept. of Interior). Since 1985, the NTTP has provided ongoing education to increase the technical competence and professionalism of Federal, State, and Tribal personnel.

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Blasting & Explosives Inspector (Government regulatory)

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, District Mining Operations

​January 7, 2019 - July 30, 2022

 

My role in this regulatory program was Blasting & Explosives Inspector. The Blasting and Explosives Inspectors are the primary field personnel conducting permit reviews, site inspections, industry oversight, and incident and accident investigations.

 

Responsibilities include:

• Assessing blasting plans and permits

• Providing industry technical assistance

• Regulatory enforcement

• Incident investigation

• Accident investigation

• Structural damage and non-damage complaint investigation

• Conducting licensing activities

• Close interaction with law enforcement personnel

• Assisting other public officials

 

Author

(Independent, self-published)

​2014 - present

 

I have published several books, both fiction and nonfiction, primarily for the Christian literature marketplace. My work includes authorship, design, promotion, and sales.

 

Senior blaster 

Senex Explosives, Inc. (Industrial explosives)

​October 2001 - January 2019

 

Advanced from entry level position as driver/general laborer to senior blaster position in the Camp Hill, PA division. In my work I was recognized for understanding of materials, applications and procedures and my ability to work with customers, vendors, and regulators.

In this job I honed my skills as a team leader. I learned to be flexible in rapidly changing workplace conditions due to local environment, immediate customer needs, equipment breakdowns, and availability of manpower and vendor services. I regularly handled multiple responsibilities of more senior positions when more senior leadership was unavailable.

My employment history with this company included:

• Work scheduling

• Division logistics

• Vendor service

• Supervising blasting operations

• Face-to-face customer service

• Technical issue resolution

• Hands-on industry compliance with regulatory agencies at federal and state levels,

• Site safety standards

• Industry health and environmental standards

• Application of materials and techniques in a variety of environments

• Quarry and job site development and planning from start to finish

• Coordinated certain technical training events

• Task training of employees

• Supervise and teach younger employees as they advanced

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Owner

CD Catalano Special F/X (Cinematic special effects)

​June 2000 - September 2008

 

I successfully worked my way into the film industry and gained respect and recognition as a safe, professional and reliable special effects artist and special effects coordinator in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond. As part of this operation I also successfully established myself in the professional fireworks display industry and gained respect and recognition as a safe and professional artist.

 

Experience in owning this company includes:

• Successfully developed and marketed specialized low-cost fireworks displays designed specifically for private events such as weddings, small organizations, gated communities, and other private clients.

• Handled all business start up, bookkeeping, and administrative tasks

• Handled all regulatory compliance and administration with state and federal agencies including BATFE and USDOT

• Designed and constructed much of the equipment used

• Handled pre-production planning, quoting and bidding

• Performed special effects in film and theatrical settings

• Designed and implemented creative visions of directors at their instruction

• Hired and supervised additional effects personnel and companies whenever necessary

• Performed fireworks displays in large scale and close proximity environments

• Worked closely in coordination with fire, medical, and law enforcement officials

• Worked closely and professionally with celebrity personalities and other well-known individuals

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Other relevant work

Director of nonprofit organization

January 2010 - July 2012

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​I started this organization as an independent compliment to other nonprofit work I was doing at the time. I started and administrated all aspects of the organization, including the development of original materials and programs. This organization ceased existence in July 2012. While doing this work I developed and published all materials and programs; coordinated events, activities, and programs; set up organizational partnerships with two other well-known, professional nonprofit organizations; and handled all small business bookkeeping and administrative tasks.

 

CDL Driver, (hazmat & tanker)

June 2000 to present

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​I am professionally trained as a CDL Class A driver with tanker and Hazmat endorsements, giving me wide ranging ability to operate heavy vehicles in the furtherance of my professional and research interests.