Résumé
De Karlen
La Quinta, CA
May 24, 2024
Employment History
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO – Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program Time off without pay to attend graduate school (1/2021 – graduating 8/2024) DESERT JEEP HIKING/TOUR GUIDE – Desert Adventures (Red Jeeps), Palm Desert, CA (8/2014 – 10/2022) Lead hiking and guiding tours throughout the Colorado-Sonoran Desert, including tours into Joshua Tree National Park, Indio Hills, Mecca Hills, and Indian Canyons Trainer (2015 -2022) – for company’s guide training classes – wrote manuals for Joshua Tree NP, Indian Canyons, San Andreas Fault, and Painted Canyon/Mecca Hills tours, research/continually updated manuals Give PowerPoint presentations to public for Desert Adventures & Desert Institute on cultural and natural resources: JTNP and Wilderness
Create & design visual aids for interpretative presentations Certified California Naturalist – UC Riverside, 2019
Master Joshua Tree National Park Naturalist –
Certified Interpretative Guide NAI, (8/18)
HIKING GUIDE & VOLUNTEER – DESERT INSTITUTE – Joshua Tree National Park (1/15 to present) Lead interpretative Joshua Tree National Park hikes – easy/moderate, 4-5 hours (paid position) Volunteer – to help with classes conducted by Desert Institute in Joshua Tree NP Give PowerPoint presentations to general public on desert natural and cultural resources PARK RANGER,INTERPRETATIVE – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (GS5) (2009 & 2010) Part of 8-member interpretative ranger team assigned to Wawona District in Yosemite NP Developed and lead formal interpretative nature hike programs, human history programs, and campfire programs Staffed YNP’s Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio in Wawona Issued wilderness permits for backpacking; explained wilderness protocol, and Leave No Trace principles Participated in informal field contacts, answering questions about the Park Responded to emergencies, requiring dispatch and law enforcement Represented Yosemite National Park and the National Park System to park's global 4.5 million annual visitors, often requiring patience, diplomacy, and humor
HIKING/TOUR GUIDE – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Discover Yosemite (2011 to 2013) Hiking and tour guide throughout Yosemite National Park, usually 10+-hour days Explained Yosemite’s botany, geology, hydrology, archeology, weather, human history, mining, and lost legends Lead hikes throughout the Park
PARK RANGER,INTERPRETATIVE & WILDERNESS - YOSEMITE NP (GS5) (2010 & 2011) Filled in, as a volunteer, for Wilderness Ranger position in the Wawona Visitor Center (Hill Studio) in YNP 1) Wilderness Ranger - issued wilderness permits for camping in YNP’s 1,200 sq. mile backcountry - Counseled re trip & backpacking plans, wilderness protocol, and Leave No Trace protocols - Required knowledge of YNP’s 800 miles of trails and trailheads - Monitored weather, trail reports, and animal sitings/contacts within the park DESERT JEEP HIKING/TOUR GUIDE – DESERT ADVENTURES, PALM DESERT, CA (5/05 to 9/07) Lead hiking and tours throughout the Colorado-Sonoran Desert Designed visual aids for interpretative presentations
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Education
Master of Public Administration (graduating 8/2024) – California State University, San Bernardino Bachelor of Science degree, Psychology – Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma Additional Training/Certification
Certified California Naturalist – UC Riverside, 2019
Master Joshua Tree National Park Naturalist – Desert Institute Certified Interpretative Guide - National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Master Gardener with Madera County – UC Davis, 5 years Water Academy certification – via joint water districts in Coachella Valley CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) certified – Office of Emergency Services, Indio, CA CPR/1st Aid certification – through May 2026
Additional Training
Extensive classes taken throughout Southern California – re Geology, Botany, Rock Art, GPS, and more (relevant to interpretation of the desert’s natural and cultural resources) Toastmasters International – completed one year
Computer Literacy
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Corel Painter
Affiliations
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – Cahuilla Chapter, Palm Springs Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century – Cape Ann Chapter JTNP Council for the Arts/29 Palms Creative Center – participating member, periodic Desert Art Center (DAC), Palm Springs – participating artist, periodic Current Community Involvement *
Friends of Joshua Tree National Park
Yosemite Conservancy
National Park Association
Nature Conservancy
The Wilderness Society
Sierra Club
* Since mid-2023, have taken time off from community commitments to finish graduate school and Capstone project 179 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
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CONSTRUCTION
BOARD OF APPEALS
JUNE 26, 2024
APPLICATIONS
1. Stephen Olson
2. Art Valdez (changed from PC 6/25/2024)
Date: _______________
APPLICATION TO SERVE ON A CITY BOARD,
COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE
NAME: ________________________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS: _ ___________
MAILING ADDRESS: ____________________________________________ (IF DIFFERENT THAN HOME ADDRESS)
EMAIL: _________ FAX: ___________________
TELEPHONE: (HOME) __________________ (CELL) _ __
IF EMPLOYED, LIST YOUR EMPLOYER AND POSITION(S) YOU HOLD:
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ BUSINESS ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ BUSINESS TELEPHONE: _________________________________________ LENGTH OF RESIDENCE IN LA QUINTA: ___________________________ ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN LA QUINTA: YES ______ NO _____ BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE APPLYING FOR:
_______________________________________________________________
HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A MEETING OF THIS BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE? IF YES, WHEN AND HOW MANY?
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ June 18, 2024 Stephen Olson 2 years, 7 months X
Construction Appeals Board No, since I learned of this board position opening approximately 2 months ago, there have not been any meetings of which I am aware. 182 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
CITY OF LA QUINTA BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE APPLICATION
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, INCLUDING EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND OTHER BACKGROUND. PLEASE BE SURE TO
INCLUDE EXPERIENCES RELEVANT TO DUTIES OF THE POSITION YOU SEEK.
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Please see attached resume. I am a licensed engineer, contractor and attorney in the State of California. For over 40 years, I have been involved with construction issues involving public entities. As a contractor, I have applied for many permits. I have also constructed many public facilities, including schools and civic centers. As an attorney, I have represented architects and engineers in matters involving public works construction. As an engineer, I have prepared and stamped drawings submitted for approval.
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CITY OF LA QUINTA BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE APPLICATION
DESCRIBE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUNCTIONS, REGULATIONS, AND
PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE YOU ARE APPLYING FOR.
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
WHAT SPECIFIC ISSUES OR PROBLEMS FACE THIS BOARD,
COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES OR PROBLEMS?
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
WHAT SPECIFIC ATTITUDES, SKILLS AND/OR EXPERTISE DO YOU
THINK YOU HAVE THAT WOULD ENHANCE THE WORK OF THE BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE?
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE APPLICATION, YOU MAY ATTACH A CURRENT RESUME IF YOU WISH.
PLEASE RETURN THIS APPLICATION
VIA EMAIL, FAX, OR MAIL AS NOTED BELOW:
CITY OF LA QUINTA
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
78495 CALLE TAMPICO, LA QUINTA, CA 92253
TELEPHONE: (760) 777 – 7162 | FAX: (760) 777 – 7107
EMAIL: [email protected]
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE
OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT!
What I have learned about the Construction Board of Appeals, is from reading minutes posted on the website. Applicants for permits denied approval seek to appeal the decision. This often involves type of building materials and their suitability or certification. I am not aware of any current problems or issues facing the board.
I am approachable, knowledgeable, open minded and fair. I work well with others and I am a team player.
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Stephen W. Olson
-
Steve Olson has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in Construction Management and is a licensed civil engineer in California. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional. His extensive background in plumbing and HVAC contracting also provides a helpful resource when dealing with the complex mechanical systems often encountered in today’s buildings. Steve has extensive and diverse experience in educational, commercial, institutional, health care and public works construction, both new and renovation, with a strong focus on the design-build delivery method.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023 - 2024 Senior Project Manager
Cumming Corp.
Cumming Corp. is an international consulting firm which acts as an owners representative on public construction projects. Responsibilities included onsite project manager for a bond modernization program for Hacienda La Puente USD.
2019 - 2022 Senior Project Manager
ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc.
ACCO Engineered systems is one of the largest mechanical contractors in the United States.
Responsibilities included onsite senior project manager on the Grand, a high-rise hotel and residential complex in downtown Los Angeles and onsite senior project manager for mechanical systems for a microchip manufacturing facility in Phoenix. 2017 – 2019 Project Executive
JR Abbott Construction, Inc.
Abbott Construction is a mid-sized general contractor based on the west coast with headquarters in Seattle and a Los Angeles regional office. Responsibilities include overseeing project teams performing a variety of projects including a 4 MW emergency generator OSHPD design-build project for the County of Los Angeles, miscellaneous projects for a private hospital, design-build institutional project for the County of Los Angeles and an exterior cladding project for a mid-rise office building in Beverly Hills. 2015 - 2017 Project Executive
Kemp Bros. Construction, Inc.
Kemp Bros. is a mid-sized privately held general contractor focusing on education, health care, transportation, and municipal construction. Responsibilities include managing the startup of Special Projects Group, developing new business opportunities, managing client relations, and overseeing projects including hospital procedure lab construction, public works, historical renovation, and type V condominium construction. Also coordinated closeout of a significantly troubled public works project, including settlement of a $1.5 million extended general conditions claim and assisted with other project related legal issues.
2001 - 2015 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Earl Corporation
Earl Corporation was a mid-sized general contractor constructing public and private projects in Southern California. Responsibilities included managing all construction operations, review of contracts, and 185 CLICK HERE to Return to Agenda
S te p he n W . Ol s o n Page 2
management of corporate legal affairs including personnel, corporate matters, and litigation. 1996 - 2001 Attorney
Collins + Collins, LLP (California); Drage & Olson (Nevada) General litigation practice with emphasis on construction and design professional related matters.
Experience includes jury and bench trials, arbitrations, law and motion, written discovery, mediations, percipient and expert depositions, and appellate work.
1979 - 1996 Vice President, Commercial Construction
Scott Company
Responsibilities included business development, planning, supervision of project managers and estimators; profitability control of division of one of the largest mechanical contractors in the United States; average annual volume of work managed at $15 million.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Construction Project Experience
▪ Private & Public College and University Facilities ▪ K-12 School Construction ▪ Municipal Buildings ▪ Beverage and Food Processing
▪ Airport Infrastructure Projects ▪ Historical Renovations ▪ Power Generation Facilities ▪ High Rise Construction
▪ Waste Water Treatment Plants ▪ Public Transit Facilities ▪ Design Build Projects ▪ Photovoltaic Power Generation Projects ▪ Olympic Pool Complexes ▪ Health Care Facilities
Key Areas of Expertise
▪ Construction Management ▪ Subcontractor Management
▪ Estimating ▪ Public Works Bidding Regulations
▪ Value Engineering ▪ Public Contract Law
▪ Business Development ▪ Mechanics Lien Law and Stop Notices ▪ Preconstruction Services ▪ Construction Insurance
▪ Safety ▪ Bonding and Licensing
▪ Change Order Pricing and Negotiation ▪ Water Treatment ▪ Construction Management ▪ Litigation Support
▪ Contract Development and Negotiation ▪ Green Building
EDUCATION
1979 University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering with emphasis in Construction Management 1995 Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
Juris Doctor
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CERTIFICATIONS
▪ Licensed Civil Engineer, California
▪ Licensed General Contractor (A & B), California
▪ Licensed Attorney, California, and Nevada
▪ LEED Accredited Professional, USGBC
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