Jerel Ensley
Norfolk,NV
Summary
Results-driven construction leader with 8+ years of combined military and civilian experience in heavy construction, structural engineering, and multi-trade supervision. Proven ability to lead crews in high-pressure environments, ensuring safe, efficient, and on-time completion of large-scale infrastructure projects valued at billions of dollars. Skilled in heavy equipment operation, rigging, steel fabrication, concrete forming, and piping installation, with strong expertise in blueprint interpretation and quality control. Recognized for enforcing strict safety standards, mentoring junior personnel, and coordinating across diverse teams to deliver mission-critical results. Brings a disciplined military work ethic, technical precision, and a leadership mindset to drive project success for engineering and construction firms.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer Lead
Hampton Roads Connector Partners
04.2024 - Current
- Led crews of laborers and tradesmen on heavy construction projects, overseeing daily task planning, safety compliance, and quality control. Organize and track pallets of material using various sized forklifts
- Operated heavy equipment (excavators, loaders, skid steers, telehandlers) to support excavation, grading, and material handling. Pour concrete and set rebar
- Directed rigging operations, ensuring safe lifting, moving, and placement of steel, piping, and oversized components. Maintain clear communication with crane operators through radio and hand signs
- Interpreted blueprints and work orders to assign tasks, coordinate workflow, and meet project deadlines.
- Supervised installation of concrete formwork, structural steel, and piping systems, verifying alignment and fit up.
- Trained and mentored junior crew members in proper tool use, equipment operation, and OSHA safety protocols.
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer
Hampton Roads Connector Partners
06.2023 - Current
- Operated heavy equipment (excavators, loaders, telehandlers, cranes) to perform excavation, grading, and material movement. Organize and track pallets of material using various sized forklifts
- Rigged, lifted, and secured oversized loads and steel components safely with cranes and hoists. Pour concrete and set rebar
- Fabricated, cut, and installed metal structures, piping, and supports per blueprints and specifications.
- Installed and tested piping systems, valves, and hangers to ensure safety and operational integrity.
- Constructed and repaired frameworks, formwork, and temporary supports using carpentry tools and methods.
- Enforced OSHA/Navy safety standards while training crews and coordinating tasks on large construction projects.
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer
Dragados/Tidewater Staffing
06.2023 - Current
- Load and move large amounts of gravel, dirt, equipment, and other materials
- Organize and track pallets of material using various sized forklifts
- Inspect machines, fall protection and vehicles for routine maintenance
- Pour concrete and set rebar
- Install Piping
- Tack Weld/ Fit metal for Bridge Structures
- Read blueprints to assemble metal bridge structure
- Maintain clear communication with crane operators through radio and hand signs
Structural Engineer/Supervisor
United States Air Force
11.2015 - Current
- Plan and direct personnel in maintaining $8.3 billion base infrastructure
- Manage and inventory building material, tools, and equipment
- Estimate pricing and create Bill of Materials for small and medium construction projects
- Implement safety management initiatives and training to achieve accident-free workplace
- Inspect construction site quality and progress throughout each phase of projects
- Construct, assemble and install structures according to blueprints or verbal instruction
Shipfitter
Huntington Ingalls Incorporated
06.2023 - 04.2024
- Fabricate, assemble, and build structural parts of Classified US Navy Submarines
- Reading project plans and blueprints to complete the work tasks
- Weld qualified for Copper nickel, Inconel, stainless steel, and high-strength steel
- Align parts using jacks, clips, wedges, and mauls
- Use hand tools, pneumatic tools, and power tools to complete metalwork
- Use burning equipment to dismantle assemblies and to cut material to size and shape
- Lay out reference points and dimensions on work pieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural pieces, castings, or machine parts
United States Air Force
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Controller: Assign, update and close out all Work Orders for Structural Engineering shop
- Defense Logistics Agency Rep: Safely and effectively Discharge all Equipment, Tools, and Materials no longer used in shop
- Purchaser: Purchase all new Equipment, tools, and materials needed for Work Orders withing Defensive Budget
- Scheduler: Schedule all Work orders, Deliveries, contractor work, and shop events
Heavy Construction Worker/Fitter
Dragados/Tidewater Staffing
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Cut and grinded steel in preparation for welding
- Stick welded various metal types
- Installed rebar and piping
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Activated on extended military orders during this time
Shipfitter
L3 Harris/Unidyne (Norfolk Naval Shipyard)
05.2020 - 07.2020
- Fabricated, fit, and installed steel plates, bulkheads, decks, and ship structures from blueprints and schematics.
- Operated heavy equipment, cranes, and rigging gear to position and secure large components safely and accurately watched for fire hazards in and around Navy vessels while welding and hot work was performed
- Performed cutting, grinding, welding prep, and alignment checks to meet Navy/shipyard quality standards.
- Ensured compliance with OSHA safety protocols and trained junior crew members on safe, efficient practices.
Shipfitter
Shipyard Staffing (NNSY)
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Performed layout procedures to manufacture templates and fabricate structures
- Removed, altered, repaired, and installed ship’s structure
- Prepared ship for welding by chipping, beveling, grinding
- Assembled material according to the provided blueprints
Machine Operator
Stihl Incorporated
04.2018 - 09.2018
- Performed various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines.
- Inspected parts to specifications and making adjustments, or tool changes as necessary to maintain quality specifications.
- Set up and operated a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery.
- Adjusted machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications and in a timely fashion.
Carpenter/Handyman
Family Business
03.2013 - 07.2016
- Conducted repairs on residential homes, apartments and offices with Skills including plumbing, masonry, painting, carpentry, electrical works and limited troubleshooting for air conditioning systems.
- Built and repaired wooden objects used for buildings and other structures.
- Consulted with clients, taking measurements, choosing the appropriate work materials, building and installing doors and windows, and joining parts
Education
Civil Engineering
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VASkills
- Heavy Equipment Operation (Loaders, Tele-handlers, Forklifts)
- Crew Supervision & Safety Leadership (OSHA/Navy Standards)
- Blueprint & Technical Drawing Interpretation
- Structural Steel & Piping Installation
- Carpentry, Concrete Forming and finishing
- Rigging & Material Handling with Cranes/Hoists
- Project Coordination & Scheduling
- Quality Control & Inspections
- Material Estimating & Bill of Materials
- Safety Training & Risk Management
- Multi-Trade Collaboration
Timeline
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer Lead
Hampton Roads Connector Partners
04.2024 - Current
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer
Hampton Roads Connector Partners
06.2023 - Current
Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger/Skilled Laborer
Dragados/Tidewater Staffing
06.2023 - Current
Shipfitter
Huntington Ingalls Incorporated
06.2023 - 04.2024
United States Air Force
01.2023 - 07.2023
Heavy Construction Worker/Fitter
Dragados/Tidewater Staffing
04.2022 - 10.2022
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 04.2022
Shipfitter
L3 Harris/Unidyne (Norfolk Naval Shipyard)
05.2020 - 07.2020
Shipfitter
Shipyard Staffing (NNSY)
12.2019 - 05.2020
Machine Operator
Stihl Incorporated
04.2018 - 09.2018
Structural Engineer/Supervisor
United States Air Force
11.2015 - Current
Carpenter/Handyman
Family Business
03.2013 - 07.2016
Civil Engineering
Old Dominion University
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