Colleen Hayes
Olympia,WA
Summary
I am a conscientious individual with a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to the needs of an organization, and the job at hand. I am strongly committed to issues surrounding the health of people, and the environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Organic Certification Reviewer
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
Santa Cruz, CA
07.2021 - Current
- Review of applications and inspection reports for crop producer compliance with USDA National Organic Program regulations. CCOF is the largest organic certification agency in the United States.
- Serve as the technical assistance point of contact for 500 certified organic businesses across the Western United States, communicating the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program regulations.
- Collaborate with team members to improve communications and review processes.
- Train new reviewers on best practices and procedures.
Environmental Specialist (Organic Reviewer)
WSDA Organic Program
Olympia, WA
03.2017 - 07.2021
- Reviewed Washington State certified operations' practices, inputs, and recordkeeping systems for compliance with USDA federal organic regulations.
- Provided ongoing technical assistance for Washington State organic producers.
- Trained new employees and conducted quality assurance of outgoing compliance notices for all certification reviewers.
- Responded to inquiries regarding natural resource and biodiversity requirements, prevention of contamination, and types of records needed for compliance.
Administrative Coordinator
WSDA Organic Program
Olympia, WA
05.2015 - 03.2017
- Supported the WSDA Organic Program Manager and served as a liaison between the Organic Program and the WSDA Payroll, Fiscal, and Human Resource teams.
- Submitted bi-monthly payroll and maintained leave accrual data for all program employees.
- Benefits administration and onboarding of new employees.
- Supervised a team of six customer service and financial administration personnel.
- Completed USDA Cost Share reports to convey participation and disbursement details.
- Administered, monitored, and managed contracts through the WA State Contract and Procurement Program.
Owner/Operator
The Wheel (Farm)
Tumwater, WA
05.2014 - 03.2020
- Production and distribution of herbs and flowers on three acres for distribution to wholesale companies, acupuncturists, and the local community.
- Responsible for seed and stock sourcing, propagation, cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest processing of crops.
- Creation and maintenance of website and email marketing.
Enrollment Manager
Olympia Waldorf School
Olympia, WA
01.2011 - 05.2015
- Facilitated information sessions for potential students and parents.
- Managed relationships with families during the enrollment process.
- Created weekly newsletter,
- Developed and promoted community outreach efforts to attract new students.
- Maintained the school database.
Flower CSA Manager
Kirsop Farm
Tumwater, WA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Labor management, harvest, and bouquet making for markets, CSA, and grocers.
Human Resources Manager
Lexington Real Food Co-op
Buffalo, NY
01.2006 - 06.2007
- Administered benefits and payroll for 75 employees efficiently.
- Collaborated with management to develop hiring strategies for high-volume applications.
- Left job because I moved to Washington State with family
Customer Service
Russell's Tree and Shrub Farm
East Amherst, NY
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Provided service to wholesale and retail customers of a multi-million dollar nursery.
- Gained familiarity with the botanical names of landscaping plants.
Customer Service/Community Outreach
First Alternative Co-op
Corvallis, OR
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Engaged with customers to provide information about products and services.
- Educated customers on co-op membership benefits and community programs.
- Performed data entry tasks related to customer accounts and contact information.
Farmers Market Representative
Deep Roots Farm
Albany, OR
01.1999 - 01.2003
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Humanities
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR12-2025
Skills
- Environmental sustainability and compliance
- Organic certification and production
- Community outreach and engagement
- Technical and customer assistance
- Microsoft 365 and Adobe proficiency
- Apple and PC expertise
- Problem-solving skills
- Cultural awareness
- Email communication
- Editing
- Interpersonal communication
- Training and development
Affiliations
- Division 1 Soccer, Eastern Michigan University
- Cooking, Gardening, Hiking, Listening to Comedy and Music,
- International Organic Inspectors Association Producer and Handler Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Organic Certification Reviewer
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
07.2021 - Current
Environmental Specialist (Organic Reviewer)
WSDA Organic Program
03.2017 - 07.2021
Administrative Coordinator
WSDA Organic Program
05.2015 - 03.2017
Owner/Operator
The Wheel (Farm)
05.2014 - 03.2020
Flower CSA Manager
Kirsop Farm
01.2012 - 01.2014
Enrollment Manager
Olympia Waldorf School
01.2011 - 05.2015
Human Resources Manager
Lexington Real Food Co-op
01.2006 - 06.2007
Customer Service
Russell's Tree and Shrub Farm
01.2004 - 01.2006
Customer Service/Community Outreach
First Alternative Co-op
01.1999 - 01.2003
Farmers Market Representative
Deep Roots Farm
01.1999 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Humanities
Oregon State University
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