Collins was an ensign in Starfleet in 2368, assigned as a transporter officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D.
That year, Collins beamed Ensign Ro Laren aboard, once orders had been approved from Admiral Kennelly through Captain Picard. (TNG: "Ensign Ro")
Ensign Collins was played by actor Harley Venton, who later returned as a different transporter chief, Hutchinson in "Hero Worship".
The name Collins (Ensign) originated from the source's script.