CAROLINE NEVIUS
Dayton,OH
Summary
Horticulture student combining live plant care, plant identification, propagation, and pest monitoring with retail operations and team leadership in high-volume settings. Supports customer education, inventory care, and healthy plant presentation while pursuing coursework in sustainable growing, plant science, and community-focused urban agriculture.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate & Plant Care Specialist
Luna Gifts and Botanicals
Dayton, OH
06.2026 - Current
- Perform daily plant health evaluations, watering, maintenance, and prevention pest management for a diverse collection of indoor tropical plants and greenery.
- Educate customers on species-specific plant care, lighting requirements, watering practices, soil moisture, and common plant health concerns.
- Maintained plant inventory and presentation, monitoring for stress, pests, and environmental issues to enhance plant vitality and customer satisfaction.
- Developed practical knowledge of plant identification, growing requirements, and troubleshooting through hands-on experience to support customer inquiries.
Independent Gardener & Plant Care
Home Cultivation & Sustainable Gardening
Dayton, OH
05.2021 - Current
- Practiced seed germination, soil preparation, plant propagation, natural pest monitoring, and microclimate management to support healthy plant growth.
- Utilized hands-on observation and experimentation to optimize growing conditions and enhance plant health.
- Maintained a diverse botanical collection of culinary herbs, outdoor flowers, and indoor plants to enhance the home environment.
Assistant Store Manager
Kroger
Dayton, OH
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume Kroger location generating approximately $2 million in weekly revenue.
- Led cross-functional teams to coordinate staffing, inventory, customer service, safety, and logistics, ensuring operational priorities were met.
- Managed workflows and time-sensitive challenges in a fast-paced environment, consistently upholding high standards of execution.
- Cultivated leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills applicable to agricultural and community-based work.
Floral Manager
Kroger
Dayton, OH
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Oversaw daily operations of high-volume floral department, ensuring optimal live plant care, effective inventory selection, and strategic seasonal floral planning.
- Coordinated department operations, balancing inventory management, staffing needs, and customer service during peak seasonal demand.
- Maintained the health, quality, and presentation of live plant shipments through appropriate watering, pruning, and ongoing monitoring.
- Provided customers with assistance selecting and caring for plants and floral products.
Floral Clerk
Kroger
Dayton, OH
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Guided customers in selecting plants and floral arrangements, offering care advice to enhance their experience.
- Cared for and maintained live plants, flowers, and seasonal botanical products to ensure optimal health and presentation.
- Organized displays, managed inventory, maintained cleanliness, and ensured high product quality in the department.
Barista
Starbucks
Dayton, OH
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Prepared handcrafted Starbucks beverages following espresso bar recipes and standards.
- Provided efficient and friendly customer service in a fast-paced environment, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Ensured quality, sanitation, and organization standards while juggling multiple tasks, supporting smooth operations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH05-2021
Horticulture Coursework
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH10-2026
Skills
- Horticulture: Plant Care
- Plant Identification
- Live Plant Maintenance
- Pest Monitoring
- Soil & Growing Media
- Seed Germination
- Plant Propagation
- Sustainable Gardening
- Inventory Management
- Operations & Logistics
- Customer Education
- Community Engagement
- Problem Solving
- Organization
- Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Retail Plant Management
Timeline
Sales Associate & Plant Care Specialist
Luna Gifts and Botanicals
06.2026 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Kroger
01.2022 - 01.2026
Independent Gardener & Plant Care
Home Cultivation & Sustainable Gardening
05.2021 - Current
Floral Manager
Kroger
05.2021 - 12.2021
Floral Clerk
Kroger
05.2018 - 05.2021
Barista
Starbucks
05.2018 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Dayton
Horticulture Coursework
Sinclair Community College