ALEX DONOVAN
Firth
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience at BNSF Railroad, excelling in operational safety and FRA track standards. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor crew members, and resolve complex issues under pressure. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to safety culture drive successful project outcomes and enhance team performance.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Track Maintainer
BNSF Railroad
08.2022 - Current
- Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to personal, crew, and operational safety, consistently applying BNSF Safety Vision, Engineering Instructions (EI), and FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213) in all work activities.
- Identify, document, and classify track defects including rail, ties, ballast, fasteners, switches, turnouts, and roadbed conditions.
- Initiate corrective actions and protect track conditions by issuing slow orders, track outages, or emergency protection when defects exceed allowable limits.
- Participate in safety briefings, job safety analyses (JSAs), and hazard mitigation activities to maintain a strong safety culture.
- Respond to emergency situations such as derailments, washouts, or severe weather events to assess track integrity and restore service.
- Actively engage in safety initiatives, rule refreshers, and continuous improvement programs aimed at reducing incidents, injuries, and service disruptions.
- Inspect track
- Track inspector
- Section forman
- Surfacing gang forman
- Truck driver
- Welder
- Grinder
- Group 1 operator
- Group 2 operator
- Group 3/4 operator
- Section man
Shop Lead
Eagle Motorsports INC.
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Led daily shop operations, overseeing vehicle build processes from initial teardown through final assembly, testing, and delivery.
- Provided hands-on leadership to technicians and fabricators, setting expectations for quality, productivity, and safe work practices.
- Established and reinforced a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with shop safety procedures, equipment use standards, and hazard mitigation practices.
- Planned and prioritized workloads to meet production schedules, customer deadlines, and business objectives while maintaining high craftsmanship standards.
- Supported business operations by documenting work progress, tracking materials, and assisting with planning and cost control efforts.
- Demonstrated accountability by troubleshooting build challenges, resolving issues quickly, and maintaining forward momentum on projects.
Education
Associate of Science - Welding Technology
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, Nebraska, NE01-2018
High School Diploma -
Sterling Public Schools
Sterling, NE05-2016
Skills
- Focus on operational safety for personnel and crew
- Familiarity with FRA track safety standards
- Thorough knowledge and application of BNSF Engineering Instructions (EI)
- Situational awareness while working on or near live tracks and heavy equipment
- Quick learner able to rapidly absorb new rules, procedures, and technologies
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
- Clear, professional communication with management and field personnel
- Crew mentoring and knowledge sharing to support skill development
Timeline
Track Maintainer
BNSF Railroad
08.2022 - Current
Shop Lead
Eagle Motorsports INC.
11.2021 - 08.2022
Associate of Science - Welding Technology
Southeast Community College
High School Diploma -
Sterling Public Schools