Developed essential management and cultivation skills in plant-centric environment, seeking to transition into new field. Aiming to leverage organizational and problem-solving skills to drive success in new professional setting.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultivation Manager
Hillfire Medical Cannabis/ Tariff Labs
Millwood, WV
05.2022 - 05.2024
Updated all CSV’s and made daily inputs in Metrc Reporting system
Ensured all room plant counts matched Metrc
Maintain cooperative relationships with all State regulatory agencies
New hire on-boarding
Termination/layoff of staff
Maintained weekly work and weekend watering schedules
Maintained company protocols for mixing proprietary nutrient mixes
Submitted weekly reports to company directors and investors
Help establish new KPI’s and adherence of current KPI's
Managed all onsite vendors, Housekeeping, uniforms, janitorial chemicals, grounds, and water company RPZ devices
Proficient in Word, Office, Excel, AgrowTek/ QComm greenhouse control systems
Responsible for all plant health, crop work, trellising, topping, transplant, clones, mom room health, feeding, and room moves
Ensured adequate staffing for each work activity and area
Weekly water tests, 3rd party sampling of feed stock (Veg
& Flower)
Improved crop yields by implementing advanced cultivation techniques and optimizing environmental conditions.
Maintained detailed records of all cultivation activities, allowing for data-driven decision making in future crop cycles.
Assessed new technology offerings in the market to determine their potential benefits for improving cultivation operations at the facility.
Developed and implemented pest management strategies, reducing crop loss due to infestations.
Managed a team of cultivators, providing ongoing training and support to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
Enhanced plant health through meticulous monitoring of nutrient levels and adjusting feeding schedules accordingly.
Oversaw inventory management of all cultivation supplies, avoiding shortages or excess waste through proper stock control measures.
Collaborated with sales and marketing teams on product launches, providing insights into the unique characteristics of each crop variety grown at the facility.
Conducted regular performance reviews with staff members, identifying areas of improvement and opportunities for growth within the organization.
Cultivation Manager who led a team of 20+ employees across various departments including propagation, vegetative growth, flowering stages and harvest.
Ensured compliance with local and federal regulations by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and requirements.
Streamlined workflow processes within the cultivation facility, leading to increased overall operational efficiency.
Implemented innovative irrigation systems that conserved water while maintaining optimal moisture levels for plant growth.
Coordinated harvest schedules for maximum efficiency, minimizing downtime between crop cycles.
Enforced strong safety and environmental protections to support habitats while preventing harm to employees or consumers.
Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste.
Maximized operational profits by closely inspecting crops, assessing quality, and identifying problems such as disease or insects.
Completed structural inspections to determine maintenance requirements and organize repairs.
Used recognized breeding practices to stabilize and improve stock.
Adjusted production strategies to account for changing factors such as market and weather conditions.
Analyzed soil to measure pH, minerals, and organics to judge best fertilizer and amendments for maximum crop production.
Developed operational budget and monitored farm expenses to enforce and achieve budget adherence.
Planned schedule for crop rotation, plantings, and harvest.
Hired, trained and supervised seasonal workers engaged in cultivation and harvest.
Maintained tidy, clean and well-organized greenhouse for optimal productivity and professionalism.
Budgeted equipment purchases and regular repairs.
Consulted with horticultural experts to assess operational strengths and weaknesses and plan enhancements to meet changing demands.
Wrote and improved SOPs to maintain consistency across shifts and work areas.
General Greenhouse Manager
Vandalia Growers
Buffalo, WV
07.2021 - 05.2022
Responsibilities included managing day-to-day site operations; facilitating work with contractors and consultants; assisting in making facility design changes; tracking inventory of construction materials; securing bids and contracts; site supervisor and administrator; draft daily site report to investors
Established company administrative policies and procedures
Negotiating subcontracts and vendor contracts
Alerted ownership of any on-site concerns or complications
Manage grow schedules
Control greenhouse environmental settings
Adhere and followed all state and federal laws in regard to spraying and food safety regulations
Manage greenhouse integrated pest management program
Packaging, storage, and shipping of product
Set employee schedules
Communicate daily reports to ownership
Order and purchase greenhouse consumables
Maintained regulatory compliance by following local, state, and federal guidelines regarding pesticide use, water conservation, and waste disposal.
Agricultural & Greenhouse Career Specialist
West Virginia National Guard, Jobs to Hope Initiative & Patriot Guards Program
Charleston, WV
09.2019 - 07.2021
Developed and implemented statewide greenhouse career classes
Severing disadvantaged WV veterans and citizens
Class covered basic plant physiology, greenhouse environmental control, greenhouse safety protocols, potting media, greenhouse sanitation, integrated pest management (IPM), pesticide safety and proper applying techniques, general hydroponic and some aquaponics operation, worker protection standard (WPS) training, heat safety training, greenhouse plant disease management and how to identify plant diseases, using and deploying beneficial insects, irrigation and water management
Worked with multiple WV county day report centers
Teaching horticulture job skills for gainful employment
Taught at Recovery Point centers in Charleston and Huntington
Led hands on and classroom plant training(s) at each facility on a weekly basis
Taught with Patriot Guards program. Which provides active and retired military personnel and their families, agricultural and greenhouse training. Learning how to start small farms and greenhouse grows.
Conducted on-site farm visits and consultation for greenhouse/ high tunnel construction and management
Assisted program members in identifying new markets to sell their produce and plant crops
Developed pesticide safety and training program for Patriot Guards Apple project in Summersville, West Virginia
Collaborated with employers to identify job openings, matching qualified candidates with suitable positions.
Evaluated the effectiveness of career service offerings by tracking client outcomes and adjusting program delivery accordingly.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current employment trends to provide accurate advice on industry challenges and opportunities.
Established strong relationships with local organizations to create a network of resources for client referrals and support services.
Conducted in-depth assessments of client skills, interests, and values to determine best-fit careers.
Streamlined the job search process for clients through targeted networking strategies and resume refinement.
Columnist for Good to Grow
Sunday Gazette-Mail
Charleston, WV
03.2017 - 03.2020
Authored monthly agricultural and gardening advice column
Topics include Organic Gardening, Vegetable Farming, Cropping Systems, Nutrient Management, Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management Systems (IPM), Plastic Culture, and Greenhouse Production
Inspired meaningful dialogue among readers through thought-provoking questions posed at the end of each column piece.
Maintained open communication with readers, responding to feedback and using it to inform future column topics.
Kept detailed schedule of column deadlines.
Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
Environmental Agricultural Research Station and Greenhouse Manager
West Virginia State University, Research & Development Corporation
Institute, WV
04.2015 - 09.2019
Managed day-to-day operations, staff, and research sites
Led bid requests and purchasing of agricultural equipment
Provides critical planning for cropping systems and site preparation for agricultural research production
Provided detailed material cost analysis to research scientists for agricultural production experiments
Implemented University’s first successful biological control program
Designed and oversee installation of irrigation systems, hydroponic growing systems, and nutrient management injection systems
Overseen maintenance and construction projects for Research Station and greenhouse facilities
Submits annual EPA Pesticide reports
Operates and maintains QComm Control software and operating system for greenhouse automation
Served has liaison to schools, local, state, and federal organizations to further the universities agricultural interests
Improved crop yield by monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
Maintained regulatory compliance by following local, state, and federal guidelines regarding pesticide use, water conservation, and waste disposal.
Collaborated with researchers to test new plant varieties and growing methods, advancing knowledge within the industry.
Managed greenhouse budgets, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality standards for plants and products.
Developed training programs for staff members, promoting a skilled workforce committed to best practices in horticulture.
Optimized plant nutrition programs by conducting soil tests and applying appropriate fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
Established strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate contracts for materials and equipment at competitive prices.
Cultivated open communication among team members through regular meetings focused on operational improvements.
Upgraded outdated infrastructure resulting in reduced energy consumption throughout operations.
Research Station Safety Officer
West Virginia State University, Research & Development Corporation
Institute, WV
10.2015 - 09.2019
Provides Worker Protection Standard Training (WPS) for all Research and Development Corporation staff
Provides all necessary safety training to staff working with hand tools, and agricultural equipment
Provides all necessary training for individual staff members that apply pesticides
Implemented Research Station’s first safety and training plan
Lead effort to bring all corporation vehicles into Department of Transportation safety compliance
Increased employee awareness of potential hazards by creating informative signage throughout the facility.
Conducted regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
Recognized, documented, and advised on removal of hazards.
Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for safe work practices and comply with regulations.
Provided guidance and resources to employees to maintain safety procedures and enhance protection.
Collaborated with other departments to integrate safety in all aspects of organization.
Responded to any emergencies as instructed and with utmost efficiency.
Inspected worksites, practices, and gear for compliance with established safety standards.
Greenhouse Manager / Field Manager
West Virginia State University, Gus R. Douglas Land-Grant Institute
Institute, WV
02.2010 - 09.2019
Responsible for purchasing, supervising and installation of all greenhouse systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling as well as necessary structural repairs
Designed and implemented new irrigation systems for greenhouses and outside row crops
Installed and layout new 600w HPS lighting system in greenhouses
Maintains daily operation of greenhouse environment using computer aided operating System
That controls temperature, humidity, lighting, watering, and fertilization
Supervises all pesticide applications in greenhouses and fields according to state and federal laws, including safety, inventory, storage, and documentation of all pesticide use
Supervise employees and seasonal student help
Responsible for providing safety training to employees and students
Supervised maintenance of greenhouse testing equipment, fleet of tractors, farm machinery, lawn equipment, and field and garden tools
Responsible for greenhouse and field pest management, including identification, and IPM program
Assists research station manager in daily operations of research station, including, deliveries, ordering materials, and parts, staffing issues, and vehicle maintenance
Designed and implemented University’s first fruit orchard for research and extension demonstrations
Assist in public awareness of university agriculture projects with local farmers and communities
Operate greenhouse and field equipment
Plan, and manage greenhouse projects, including budget analysis, and purchase of Materials
Enhanced plant growth by implementing effective greenhouse management strategies and techniques.
Developed training programs for staff members, promoting a skilled workforce committed to best practices in horticulture.
Owner/Operator
Orange Vine, LLC.
St. Albans, WV
01.2014 - 12.2016
Owned and operated twenty-acre pumpkin and organic vegetable wholesale farm in Lakin, West Virginia
Marketed pumpkins and produce
Provided produce to local WV CSAs and restaurants in the Charleston WV area
Provided agricultural consulting services to area greenhouses and farms
Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Media Consultant / Business to Business Sales
Yellowbook
Charleston, WV
11.2008 - 02.2010
Maintain current customer accounts and generate new sales leads in assigned territory
Led implementation of best practices to support customer service satisfaction initiatives.
Increased brand awareness through creation of innovative print and digital productions for major publications.
Generated increased revenue growth by upselling additional services based on specific client needs.
Collaborated with creative teams to produce visually appealing advertisements that resonated with target audiences.
Evaluated campaign effectiveness through detailed analytics reports, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Developed targeted marketing materials, showcasing agency capabilities to attract potential clients in various industries.
Assisted in new business development efforts by conducting industry research and presenting proposals to potential clients.
Optimized digital media campaigns using data-driven techniques to improve performance metrics.
Negotiated favorable advertising rates with vendors, maximizing ROI for clients.
Managed client relationships, ensuring timely communication and effective project execution.
Developed comprehensive media plans to achieve clients'' marketing objectives.
Sales / Document Specialist
Copier Word Processing Supply, Inc.
Charleston, WV
03.2008 - 10.2008
Generate new leads (Business to Business Outside Sales)
Manage existing customer accounts
Demonstrate/install Canon and Ricoh office equipment
Sell software and networking services
Average size of sales: $5,000 - $25,000
Demonstrated adaptability in meeting evolving business needs, quickly mastering new software tools and platforms as needed.
Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to document management in timely manner.
Identified areas of weakness and recommended or implemented process improvements.
Managed training courses, setup and maintenance for document control systems.
Created and trained on user accounts
Assessed impact of emerging technology and system upgrades on workflow.
Landscape Manager / Construction Manager
Eimors Construction & Landscaping
Charleston, WV
10.2006 - 03.2008
Supervise 20 employees
Manager staffing
Manage project budgets up to $250,000
Implement new employee safety guidelines
Design and install irrigation systems
Created custom Landscape Designs
Read landscape blueprints and all plant lists to ensure proper installation
Supervise all onsite installations and construction
Ensure all work was to local and national building codes
Conduct cost analysis of materials and supplies in accordance with job estimates
Purchase materials, supplies, tools and equipment
Manage relationships with vendors and customers
Manage billing and AP
Sales and estimates
Business to Business Sales
Maintain all tools, equipment and fleet of trucks
Manage regular and routine maintenance of all equipment and trucks
Contributed to revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities through networking events and referrals from satisfied clients.
Implemented safety protocols to minimize risk of accidents and injuries among team members during landscaping operations.
Evaluated emerging trends in the landscaping industry to stay current with best practices and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Prepared detailed proposals outlining project scope, timeline, and estimated costs, resulting in higher rates of acceptance from potential clients.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - American History
West Virginia State University
Charleston, WV
12.2007
Skills
Operations management
Records management
Supply purchasing
Budget development
Performance management
Environmental compliance
Operational improvement
Horticultural science
Pest control
Documentation and reporting
Strategic planning
Inventory management
Employee training
Project management
Budget management
Timeline
Cultivation Manager
Hillfire Medical Cannabis/ Tariff Labs
05.2022 - 05.2024
General Greenhouse Manager
Vandalia Growers
07.2021 - 05.2022
Agricultural & Greenhouse Career Specialist
West Virginia National Guard, Jobs to Hope Initiative & Patriot Guards Program
09.2019 - 07.2021
Columnist for Good to Grow
Sunday Gazette-Mail
03.2017 - 03.2020
Research Station Safety Officer
West Virginia State University, Research & Development Corporation
10.2015 - 09.2019
Environmental Agricultural Research Station and Greenhouse Manager
West Virginia State University, Research & Development Corporation
04.2015 - 09.2019
Owner/Operator
Orange Vine, LLC.
01.2014 - 12.2016
Greenhouse Manager / Field Manager
West Virginia State University, Gus R. Douglas Land-Grant Institute
02.2010 - 09.2019
Media Consultant / Business to Business Sales
Yellowbook
11.2008 - 02.2010
Sales / Document Specialist
Copier Word Processing Supply, Inc.
03.2008 - 10.2008
Landscape Manager / Construction Manager
Eimors Construction & Landscaping
10.2006 - 03.2008
Bachelor of Arts - American History
West Virginia State University
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