Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Gail Shafer

Santa Maria,CA

Summary

Accomplished Plant Breeder and Greenhouse Facility Manager with a proven track record at Ball FloraPlant, enhancing plant yield, size, and resistance through innovative breeding and experimental design. Skilled in collaborative research and budget planning, Improved genetic diversity, demonstrating strong scientific communication and leadership abilities. Highly organized and detail-oriented Facility Manager bringing 23 years of experience in providing leadership to Product Development and Breeding teams. Offering a proven aptitude for proactive issue resolution and enforcement of safe practices among personnel.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Plant Breeder/Greenhouse Facility Manager

Ball FloraPlant
04.2012 - Current

Used plant genetics to improve specific plant yield, size and crop timing.

  • Maintained detailed records throughout research and development cycle using Excel and E-Brida.
  • Coordinated with marketing team to promote sales of new varieties.
  • Increased efficiency of breeding trials through careful experimental design and data analysis.
  • Improved plant genetic diversity by crossbreeding various species for enhanced traits.
  • Successfully registered numerous high-performing crop varieties with relevant regulatory authorities, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Managed multiple concurrent plant breeding projects, prioritizing tasks and resources effectively for timely results delivery.
  • Supervised staff of 8 in day-to-day activities.
  • Crossed plants to produce new breeding material for field and glasshouse trials.

Greenhouse Facility Manager

Ball FloraPlant
02.2001 - 04.2012
  • Supervised staff of 8 in day-to-day activities.
  • Oversaw all aspects of equipment installation, maintenance, and repair for greenhouse and field growing.
  • Evaluated facility operations and personnel for safety and health regulations compliance.
  • Enhanced safety standards by conducting regular facility inspections and addressing potential hazards promptly.
  • Coordinated with vendors and contractors to arrange services and repairs to be completed on time and to desired quality levels.
  • Maintained facility grounds, equipment, and safety compliance.
  • Oversaw annual budget of $800k to handle supply, labor and maintenance needs.

Breeding Station Manager

Yoder Brothers, Inc.
10.1997 - 02.2001
  • Managed staff of 7 for optimal coverage, ensuring excellent customer service and smooth operations.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records, conducting audits, and addressing issues promptly.
  • Improved station efficiency by implementing new operational strategies and streamlining processes.
  • Coordinated special events at the station location to increase brand visibility during industry event CAST.

Grower

Wolfe Greenhouses
06.1992 - 01.1996
  • Managed greenhouse climate control systems, optimizing temperature, humidity, and light levels for ideal plant growth.
  • Led team of 12 to grow and harvest.
  • Produced florist quality holiday and weekly crops.
  • Oversaw 18,000 square feet of coolers to vernalize and store a variety of crops.

Education

Master of Science - Plant Breeding

Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
1997

Bachelor of Science - Ornamental Horticulture

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
1990

Skills

  • Variety Selection
  • Experimental design
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Ploidy Manipulation
  • Field Trial Execution
  • Collaborative Research
  • Budget Planning
  • Research Planning
  • Greenhouse Management
  • Plant Pathology
  • Fertilizer Management
  • Disease Prevention

Timeline

Plant Breeder/Greenhouse Facility Manager

Ball FloraPlant
04.2012 - Current

Greenhouse Facility Manager

Ball FloraPlant
02.2001 - 04.2012

Breeding Station Manager

Yoder Brothers, Inc.
10.1997 - 02.2001

Grower

Wolfe Greenhouses
06.1992 - 01.1996

Master of Science - Plant Breeding

Texas A&M University

Bachelor of Science - Ornamental Horticulture

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Gail Shafer