David Ochoa
El Paso,TX
Summary
Accomplished green industry leader with a proven track record in agricultural operations management and grant writing, notably in various roles with the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department and as a farmer/rancher. Expert in researching grant initiatives, establishing project goals, identifying and procuring federal grant funding. Skilled in staff development, achieving significant improvements in team productivity and outcomes. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration among various stakeholders. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Adaptable and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions and supporting ongoing projects. Strong problem-solving and time management abilities and excellent communication skills. Ready to learn and tackle new challenges to advance organizational objectives with passion, dedication and enthusiasm. Takes proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in research and grant writing, tree farm management, and inter-local government processes. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals. Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels at aligning efforts with organizational goals, focusing on collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Sole Proprietor
Ochoa Property Mgt Company
01.2015 - Current
- Focus on curb appeal and make necessary interior and exterior upgrades of residential properties
- Design, install and maintain landscape
- Upgrade, repair, and market residential properties to prepare for sale or lease.
- Study marketing trends and services to better understand customer needs and add value to our service/brand.
- Work with independent real estate agents to expand our market share.
- Schedule and perform routine maintenance and repairs.
Business Mgr
AFSCME Local 59
02.2012 - 10.2014
- Increased overall team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing effective leadership.
- Communicated with executive board members and union members positively with particular attention to problem resolution.
- Oversaw financial operations, maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and articles of incorporation.
- Successfully managed organizational change initiatives, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while achieving desired outcomes.
- Initiated hiring process and training of new employees by creating positions for a communication director, a political director, and shop steward trainer.
- Created, managed, and executed a business plan approved by the executive board and communicated our vision and objectives to regional and national leaders for their support.
Horticulturalist
Davey Tree
04.2012 - 11.2012
- Surveyed and identified landscape issues on US Army housing properties. Helped develop and carry out affordable solutions.
- Introduced native and desert adapted plant material to transform and improve the urban landscape.
- Worked independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations as needed, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks and comply with deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, make decisions and execute plans.
- Strengthened professional communication skills in Spanish through regular interactions with Spanish dominant co-workers.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Grant Site Mgr.
Ysleta ISD
11.2011 - 04.2012
- Supervised six tutors engaged in an elementary school after-school program designed to improve student outcomes in academics and social skills.
- Conducted regular meetings with team members, fostering open communication channels for efficient problem-solving and progress updates.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and teachers through consistent communication, progress reports, and prompt resolution of concerns and issues.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained new workers.
Horticulture Mgr.
University of Texas El Paso
06.2011 - 11.2011
- Established steps and short term goals aligned with the university's long term goals for a unified campus landscape design.
- Worked independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Evaluated existing landscape and turf areas to determine more suitable horticulture approaches to address landscape design deficiencies and water conservation concerns.
- Proposed campus-wide tree inventory to establish baseline for future urban forestry projects.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations as needed, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently and used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Provided guidance and support to the UT El Paso Engineering Department rooftop garden project.
Park Area Supervisor
City of El Paso Parks Dept.
02.1989 - 06.2011
- Supervised operations of the El Paso Municipal Tree Farm for four consecutive years. This consisted of an annual tree harvest of seventy-five to one-hundred 2 inch caliper trees for transplanting into city parks. This was followed by planting of sapling trees into one-acre plots destined for future harvest. This was accompanied by cultivating native tree seeds and tree seedlings (furnished by the Texas Forest Service windbreak program) in a 100x20 ft. greenhouse. Tractors, tree spade, and other implements were routinely maintained for dependable and sustainable operations.
- Successful grant writer for the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department for three project years of CDBG grants. Federal funding awarded a total of $21,000,000 (twenty one million) for various Community Development Block Grant projects.
- Researched and applied for a CDBG Urban Forestry Project grant of particular significance that resulted in federal funding to cover all costs for over 5,000 (five thousand) native and desert adapted trees to be systematically planted in city parks throughout El Paso. Many of those parks were literally transformed in appearance and the vast majority of this urban forest is thriving.
- Planned sequence of operations and established work and seasonal schedules.
- Supervised between 15 and thirty employees charged with maintenance of over 800 park acres which included athletic fields, thousands of trees, open turf areas, hydroelectric irrigation and storm water reclamation systems, landscaping, hardscape and playground areas.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by mediated discussions that led to mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Ensured employees adhered to employee rules, policies and procedures.
- Inspected and maintained clean well-organized public park areas to avoid safety violations, remove hazards and minimize liabilities.
- Maintained open lines of communication between upper management and staff, facilitating teamwork and collaboration towards shared goals.
- Increased productivity with enhanced staff training and regular performance evaluations.
- Led team meetings to discuss progress toward goals, address challenges, celebrate successes, and encourage continuous learning experiences among team members.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Collaborated with HR department for recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new employees, resulting in the formation of high-performing teams.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to provide feedback, identify areas for improvement, enhancing overall team productivity.
- Conducted regular training sessions for new hires, ensuring consistent levels of public service.
- Organized employee schedules to meet operational demands while balancing individual needs for work-life balance.
- Coordinated with other departments and citizen organizations to launch successful community events.
Owner/Operator
Rancho La Fe
10.1992 - 12.1996
- Managed day-to-day business operations for this small scale holistic cow-calf and alfalfa farm.
- Contracted with cattle ranchers from Chihuahua, Mexico to fatten-up their annual harvest of 6 to 9-month old steers in our self-sufficient feedlot system that produced market ready yearlings.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication resulting in streamlining calf selection processes to reduce costs.
- Planted, irrigated, and harvested 100-acres of alfalfa and sorghum which was used as silage in this feed lot operation.
- Performed routine maintenance and repair of farm equipment, irrigation pumps, water wells, fences and corrals.
Education
No Degree - Sociology/Environmental Justice
UT El Paso
El Paso, TXNo Degree - Horticulture And Drafting
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TXSkills
- Operations and Project Management
- Documentation And Reporting
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Development
- Logistics Planning
- Sound Judgment
- Business Management
- Team Leadership
- Sales and Marketing Strategies
- Desktops, Laptops, and Mobile Devices
- MS 365 and MS Office
Affiliations
- Friends of Hueco Tanks State Park - past Treasurer
- Trans Pecos Master Naturalist - Charter Member
- Friends of Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
- Texas A&M Water Conservation Auditor
- West Texas Urban Forestry Council - Charter Member and past president
- Southwest Turfgrass Association - past copresident
- Rio Grande Council of Governments - Releaf Committee
Timeline
Sole Proprietor
Ochoa Property Mgt Company
01.2015 - Current
Horticulturalist
Davey Tree
04.2012 - 11.2012
Business Mgr
AFSCME Local 59
02.2012 - 10.2014
Grant Site Mgr.
Ysleta ISD
11.2011 - 04.2012
Horticulture Mgr.
University of Texas El Paso
06.2011 - 11.2011
Owner/Operator
Rancho La Fe
10.1992 - 12.1996
Park Area Supervisor
City of El Paso Parks Dept.
02.1989 - 06.2011
No Degree - Sociology/Environmental Justice
UT El Paso
No Degree - Horticulture And Drafting
El Paso Community College
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