John Epps
Manhattan,KS
Summary
Competent and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Experienced and passionate with farm/ranch operations, specifically crops. Skillsets include operating equipment, planting, spraying, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting agronomists in any way possible to help sustain a viable future for crops and improve farmers' yields so the world can eat. Dedicated and focused on making positive impact with careful work. Highly organized with sound judgment, analytical problem-solving skills and decisive nature. Holds active security clearance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Field Research Associate
Bayer Crop Science
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Planted corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, and sunflowers in plots all over Kansas, utilizing both auto-steer and markers.
- Measured and flagged out trials in over 30 plots for data collection.
- Weighed and mixed numerous chemicals.
- Sprayed experimental herbicides and fungicides with hand boom and on tractor.
- Collected data on how crops and weeds were reacting to herbicides/fungicides.
- Rated corn, wheat, and numerous weedy trials, and did stand counts on two soybean fields. Collected data on paper and entered results into computer.
- Mowed alleyways through corn and weedy trials, allowing agronomists to visit and see each trial.
- Assisted R&D agronomist with analyzing the data that came from the trial plots
Explosive Ordnance Technician
U.S Navy Reserves
06.2022 - Current
- Leading Petty Officer of Training Division and oversaw training program
- Qualified overall Team Leader and Quality Assurance/Safety Officer for mine assembly operations.
- Oversaw and inspected explosives qualification/certification program to establish and maintain safe and efficient operational effectiveness.
- Supervised explosives assembly and loading operations, adhering to safety protocols and procedures.
- Educated personnel on safe handling and use of explosives, resulting in 0 mishaps or injuries while on the job.
- In January 2024, assisted Misawa and Okinawa units with assembly operations that resulted in over 350 mines being built with 0 discrepancies.
- In June 2023, assisted Charleston Unit with assembly operations resulting in over 100 mines being built with 0 discrepancies.
- In March 2023, assisted Guam active duty with assembly operations that resulted in over 100 mines being built with 0 discrepancies. Also oversaw loading USS Dewey (DDG-105) with missiles and torpedoes.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Freight Team Associate
The Home Depot
07.2022 - Current
- Loaded and unloaded trucks.
- Scanned items on arrival and departure to create accurate tracking records.
- Kept work areas neat and tidy by removing paper, trash and debris and sweeping floors.
- Operated pallet jacks and forklifts to move freight and load trucks.
- Offered friendly, prompt customer service by answering questions, resolving issues quickly and checking system for inventory.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve challenges and improve productivity.
Explosive Safety Specialist/Quality Assurance Inspector
US Navy
05.2019 - 03.2022
- Vigilantly stood 6 hour armed watches every 5 days, and did security roves to check hundreds of ordnance depots and ensure no intrusion. Cooperated with local Guam police force.
- Oversaw assembly, maintenance, calibration, and testing of over 8,500 underwater mines and mine assets.
- Streamlined QA processes by working closely with production team and staying abreast of changing product demands.
- Created and deployed the best practices to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
- Inspected quality of products, taking note of functionality, appearance and other specifications.
- Assisted numerous Navy destroyers, cruisers, and submarines with onboarding missiles, torpedoes, small arms ammo, and more.
Team Leader, Deck Dept
US Navy
03.2016 - 05.2019
- Implemented new working processes to deliver multiple improvements.
- Worked with colleagues to create prototypes of new designs and training materials.
- As Training Petty Officer (TPO), assisted with new hire processing and ran training program.
- Vigilantly stood 5 hour armed topside rover watch, armed brow watch, or armed officer of the deck watch 1-2 times every 4 days.
- As repair parts petty officer (RPPO), ordered and tracked tools and parts needed for departmental routine maintenance
- Built and deployed minesweeps to combat magnetic, acoustic, and moored mines.
- Patrolled up and down west coast of the Americas, and qualified Master Helmsman, driving ship in and out of ports, during mine hunting operations, refueling at sea operations, and anchoring operations.
- Over 6000 nautical miles spent at sea, and earned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
- Member of "Flying Squad", elite first responder firefighting/flooding unit on ship
Demolition/Landscaping Professional
Pam Peters
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Planted bulbs, trees, bushes and flowers for residential clients
- Diagnosed lawn and garden issues and recommended targeted solutions.
- Operated landscaping equipment with focus on safety and machine longevity.
- Used trimmers and chainsaws for grounds maintenance, brush clearing and tree removal and thinning.
- Developed lasting customer relationships and grew network over time.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy, Consulting And Production
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS08.2025
Certificate - Explosive Ordnance
United States Military Apprenticeship Program
Guam02.2021
Certificate - Mine Warfare/Rigging
Minesweep Boatswain's Mate "C" School
Point Loma, CA09.2017
Certificate - Mine Warfare
Mineman Apprenticeship School
Point Loma, CA03.2016
High School Diploma -
Pleasanton High School
Pleasanton, KS05.2015
Skills
- Safety-focused
- Quality Management and Leadership
- Troubleshooting Technical Issues
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Always On-Time
- Statistical Data Analysis
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Pesticides and Chemical Applications
- Weed Identification
- Excellent Communication
Certification
- Licensed to forklift, transport, and handle explosives
- Security reaction force “B” certification
- Security reaction force “A” certification
- Navy Firearms Line Coach certification
- 2nd class swim certification
- Secret clearance
Timeline
Field Research Associate
Bayer Crop Science
03.2023 - 08.2023
Freight Team Associate
The Home Depot
07.2022 - Current
Explosive Ordnance Technician
U.S Navy Reserves
06.2022 - Current
Explosive Safety Specialist/Quality Assurance Inspector
US Navy
05.2019 - 03.2022
Team Leader, Deck Dept
US Navy
03.2016 - 05.2019
Demolition/Landscaping Professional
Pam Peters
05.2013 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy, Consulting And Production
Kansas State University
Certificate - Explosive Ordnance
United States Military Apprenticeship Program
Certificate - Mine Warfare/Rigging
Minesweep Boatswain's Mate "C" School
Certificate - Mine Warfare
Mineman Apprenticeship School
High School Diploma -
Pleasanton High School