The Portfolio of Ben Beeles.

20+ Years of Process Improvement

Throughout my career, I’ve been steadfast in my pursuit of process enhancement. Whether it’s as straightforward as developing a maintenance schedule for greasing bearings or as comprehensive as creating a database for resource management, I am dedicated to refining and streamlining procedures.

During my tenure with the federal government, I lead teams conducting maintenance on over 230 fish screens. Here, I inherited a woefully underutilized work order system. Over time, I revamped these work orders into a robust system, meticulously detailing supplies, tools, measurements, procedures, photos, and maintenance history. This overhaul drastically reduced wasted trips and costs, facilitated better preparedness for subsequent tasks, and provided a comprehensive maintenance record.

Working for the state of Oregon, I continued process improvement work as a Pesticide Investigator. In addition to fieldwork involving sampling, interviews, and conflict resolution, I also developed more efficient methods for task execution and report writing. I rewrote the manual on how to perform the job and I trained new staff. I updated old publications, and educational material, and developed new resources for the public. Lastly, I engineered a centralized database to catalog program materials, forms, templates, and historical documents. All of these methods and resources were shared with, and supported by, the team to create benefits for the entire program.

Even in the early stages of my career with a local parks department, I demonstrated a commitment to improving workflows. From optimizing mowing routes to implementing better tools and developing faster trash collection methods, I consistently sought opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency.

10+ Years of Maintenance Experience

I know what it’s like to be the person up to their elbows in grease and mud doing the work. I have extensive experience maintaining large equipment, fish screens, dams, and parks. Doing this work taught me valuable safety lessons, problem-solving, working with a team, and creative thinking.

8 Years of Regulatory, Enforcement, and Investigatory Experience

When I first entered the regulatory field, I knew nothing of the code, statute, rule, or policies I was to enforce. However, I am dedicated to understanding my role, unafraid to seek clarity through questions, and adept at learning quickly.

In my time with ODA, I conducted over 600 investigations and regularly maintained the highest caseload in the program. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the regulatory requirements, interpretation of legal language, and nuances given that each investigation carried the potential for enforcement action by either state or federal authorities.

I am confident in my interpretation of state law, rules, and federal code. Moreover, I understand the processes and procedures within the regulated world, whether it’s how to submit a registration or apply for a license, how to conduct interviews, or simply how to ask a question to get a response. I believe my skill set enables me to excel in various regulatory roles. Additionally, I have held federal credentials to conduct inspections on behalf of the EPA.

Customer Service

Customer service has always been important to me. I feel that it is my responsibility to provide the utmost level of customer service not only for my integrity but to reflect well on the organization and its mission. Even when the outcome for a customer may not be in their favor, I aim to ensure the customer feels heard, understood, and respected. 

Quick to Adapt

As a quick learner, I enjoy research, discussion, and reviewing process history to have a fuller understanding of systems. I strive to listen to understand, use the resources available to me, and seek out information to make reliable decisions and become a better employee.