​​​​Chris Catalano​

Blasting & Explosives Inspector (Government regulatory)

​January 2019 - present

 

My current occupation is Blasting & Explosives Inspector with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

 

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

​

Other relevant work

Director of nonprofit organization - January 2010 - July 2012

​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

​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.