Robert J. Kent, Jr.
Professional Experience
Two years development field experience in project management of landfill and community livelihood projects; Organized and facilitated Solid Waste Management (SWM) conferences, bringing together community members, education facilities, NGOs and government agencies; Frequent job assignments requiring detailed and diligent monthly reporting to inform supervisors of site/project status; Six years experience of working abroad in multi-cultural environments; Knowledgeable in applying for grants and setting up transparent micro-credit programs at the local level; A project leader routinely tasked with motivating diverse groups of people to work together towards a common goal; Experience building rain catchment and spring-box fed level 2 communal faucet systems; Thirteen years of computer technical skills, proficient in Windows operating systems, MS Office, AutoCAD, Visual Basic, IT system networks and video/picture editing.
Water/Sanitation Engineering Consultant US Peace Corps, Kabankalan City, Philippines (January, 2004 to April, 2006)
Responsibilities:
Generally, my duties are to enhance local communities understanding and awareness of environmental issues related to the water cycle and proper water and waste management. Enhance the understanding and awareness of environmental issues related to the coastal ecosystem and water/sanitation. And increase communities capacity to sustainably manage their resources. My specific projects focused on Solid Waste Management (SWM) and watershed protection. As an engineering consultant, I advised the City of Kabankalan on sanitary landfill design and SWM development. Improving the existing infrastructure included refining collection routes, introducing Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), ending open dumping, and effective education campaigns. I then took up the citys denuded watershed issue. This required reducing illegal logging by introducing sustainable livelihood options and alternative fuel sources. Bridging the issues of divergent stakeholders was also essential. Some concerns addressed were vested interests, limited resources, fear of lost votes, aversion to risk, and transparency criteria.
Cable/Hydrographic Surveyor Thales GeoSolutions (Pacific), Inc., San Diego, California USA (July, 2000 to January, 2004) Formerly Racal Pelagos Corp. (June, 1997 to January, 1998)
Responsibilities:
Field engineer responsible for administering and participating in offshore survey field operations. Involved in researching, planning and preparing projects, I mobilized, tested and evaluated survey equipment. Collected survey data and verified its accuracy and quality, then processed and analyzed this data, presenting final AutoCAD charts upon job completion. Composed detailed procedures and job results for monthly and final project reports. Interfaced with client representatives (who mostly speak English as a second language). Supervised and trained project personnel on survey operations and software. I was the lead on-site representative for Thales on numerous international offshore projects. This involved the need for confident decision-making and an open-mind to foreign customs and perspectives. Daily responsibility for identifying problems and carrying out corrective action on jobs. Managed and evaluated new employees during their on-the-job training. Conducted in-house database maintenance and repair of past seafloor surveys.
Staff Coastal Engineer Moffatt & Nichol Engineers, Long Beach, California USA (January, 1998 to June, 2000)
Responsibilities:
Assisted with projects related to the design, construction or repair of airfields, roads, bridges, piers, ports, river sedimentation and dredging, wetland restoration, beach erosion, and retaining walls. Recorded field inspection notes and operated the level as the survey-party instrument person. Organized and presented data for client reports while performing engineering calculations from field inspections. Designed simple terrain levees with volume estimates and transport costs using ACAD Land Developer. Created maps, charts, and diagrams for engineering projects. As part of my fieldwork, I collected core samples for laboratory analysis and disposal planning. Assisted the inspector on construction projects for pier repair and wetland design. As a master diver, I inspected underwater instruments to determine extent of damage and deterioration. Prepared the templates for progress reports and construction estimates from preliminary data. Developed IT standards and maintained department computers.
Automation System Technician Control Management Systems, Rancho Cucamonga, California USA (January, 1994 to June, 1997) Responsibilities:
My primary duty was to install, program and repair building HVAC automation and control systems. This involved assembling computer workstations and installing computer operating systems. Laid out the animation and graphic storyboards for the visual HVAC control systems. Produced all the mechanical and electrical CAD drawings. Assisted with the mechanical engineering and generic programming of these systems. In the field, I would install the conduit and electrical wiring for VAV climate control boxes. Troubleshooting critical refrigeration units and control systems on site with the mechanical maintenance and replacement of HVAC heating and cooling equipment, which included 3-phase motors, centrifugal water chillers, gas-fired boilers, and cooling towers. I was also responsible for procuring and delivering needed job supplies to the necessary locations.
Education
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Class of 2000)
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Minor in Ocean Engineering
Professional Certifications and Training
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate, completed March, 2006;
US Peace Corps cultural and technical training as a Wat/San Volunteer, completed April, 2004;
Small ocean-craft operator licence, obtained June, 1998;
NAUI Master Scuba Diver licence, obtained June, 1997;
Professional Engineer in Training (EIT or FE) Certificate, obtained April, 1997
