John Melton
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong background in environmental compliance and equipment maintenance. Known for cultivating community relationships and implementing conservation initiatives, leveraging expertise to drive impactful results in natural and cultural resource management and educational outreach.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner / Operator
John Melton Professional Arborist
Tallahassee, FL
09.2010 - Current
- Managed daily operations of the business, including staff, sales, inventory, and accounting.
- Monitored financial performance of the business on a weekly basis to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Maintained relationships with vendors and suppliers in order to secure favorable terms on materials and services.
- Cultivated client relationships through effective communication and service delivery.
- Inspected trucks and trailers before and after trips and completed basic maintenance for optimal performance.
Assistant Park Manager
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Crawfordville, FL
09.2019 - 03.2025
- Coordinated park operations and maintenance activities to ensure visitor safety.
- Supervised staff in daily park management and customer service interactions.
- Developed educational programs to promote environmental awareness among visitors.
- Implemented conservation initiatives to protect local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- Assisted in budget management for park resources and operational needs.
- Trained new staff on park policies, procedures, and customer service standard.
- Organized and supervised staff for special events, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting and resource allocation.
- Ensured compliance with local laws, regulations and ordinances related to parks management.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate projects that impacted the park environment or public access.
- Conducted regular inspections of park facilities and equipment to ensure safety standards were met.
- Oversaw daily operations of multiple parks sites including assigning tasks, monitoring progress and resolving operational problems.
- Provided training to new employees on proper use of equipment and safety protocols.
- Interfaced regularly with members of the public providing information about available recreational activities or upcoming events at area parks locations.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Planned programs of events or schedules of activities.
- Assigned tasks and scheduled work hours for staff.
- Communicated with customers to convey information about events or activities.
- Trained workers in company procedures or policies.
- Oversaw workforce schedules and allocated resources in order to achieve project goals.
- Explained rules and regulations of facilities and entertainment attractions to customers.
- Interviewed and hired associates to fill staff vacancies.
- Operated and explained the proper use of mechanical equipment to employees.
- Inspected rides, games and vehicles to detect wear and damage.
Park Ranger
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Crawfordville, Florida
12.2017 - 09.2019
- Monitored park areas for wildlife safety and environmental health.
- Conducted educational programs for visitors on conservation efforts.
- Collaborated with local agencies to enforce park regulations effectively.
- Maintained trails and facilities to ensure visitor accessibility and safety.
- Assisted in habitat restoration projects throughout the park region.
- Provided guidance to volunteers during community service events.
- Developed interpretive materials for diverse park programs and activities.
- Reported incidents and environmental concerns to appropriate authorities promptly.
- Enforced park rules and regulations to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
- Provided assistance to visitors regarding camping permits, reservations, fees.
- Assessed damage caused by weather conditions or natural disasters in the park area.
- Responded to emergency situations involving visitors or wildlife on-site.
- Conducted safety inspections and ensured compliance with regulations.
- Inspected trails for hazards or maintenance issues and performed necessary repairs.
- Contributed to park ranger training and development by mentoring and assisting new team members with tasks.
- Reviewed incident reports from other staff members and determined appropriate action.
- Organized special events such as guided hikes, campouts, and educational programs.
- Gave presentations on local flora and fauna at schools or community centers.
- Executed guided visitor tours to convey park information and highlight notable areas.
- Helped participants enjoy activities while ensuring adherence to protocol.
Landscape Development Specialist / Staff Arborist
Florida Dept. Of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee, Florida
09.2011 - 12.2017
- Created outreach programs that informed and engaged the community on environmental protection initiatives.
- Managed project timelines and resources for various development initiatives within the department.
- Recruited volunteers to work with the program as guest speakers, teachers and mentors.
- Evaluated customer needs to tailor services that ensured successful program completion.
- Allocated and monitored work assigned to volunteers and staff, and provided ongoing feedback and regular appraisals.
- Cultivated diverse plant species for optimal garden aesthetics and health.
- Operated gardening tools and equipment to maintain landscape quality.
- Managed soil preparation and fertilization processes for sustainable growth.
- Designed seasonal planting schedules to enhance garden visual appeal.
- Implemented pest control measures to protect plants from infestation.
- Collaborated with team members on landscape design projects for efficiency.
- Assessed garden conditions regularly to ensure optimal plant performance.
- Ensured that garden maintenance tasks were completed efficiently and safely.
- Performed transplanting, cultivating, trimming, fertilization and pruning tasks.
- Used power equipment such as mowers, trimmers and blowers to maintain lawns in good condition.
- Fertilized, cultivated, and weeded soil to deliver a steady supply of nutrients to plants.
- Applied weed control treatments as necessary.
- Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris, and snow to reduce hazards.
- Responded to customer inquiries regarding plant care and growing conditions. regarding plant growing conditions and proper care.
- Transported plants and trees to and from planting sites.
- Maintained grounds through regular care and upkeep. by mulching, aerating, and edging around flower beds and walkways.
- Inspected outdoor areas regularly to ensure they are free from hazards such as broken glass or trip hazards.
- Troubleshot mechanical issues and completed basic repairs to keep equipment working at peak levels.
- Collaborated with landscape architects and designers to bring complex garden projects to fruition.
- Conducted soil tests to determine pH and nutrient levels, adjusting soil amendments accordingly.
- Educated clients and community members on sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship.
- Applied fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides following safety protocols to promote plant health and control pests.
- Kept detailed records of plant care, treatments applied, and garden changes to track progress and issues.
- Cultivated and enriched soil, preparing grounds for planting flowers, shrubs, and trees.
- Mixed and sprayed or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides using hand or automatic dispensers.
- Performed seasonal tasks such as mulching, leaf removal, and snow clearance to maintain garden appearance.
- Directed garden restoration projects, revitalizing neglected areas through targeted planning and care.
- Assisted in the selection and purchase of plants, gardening supplies, and equipment within budget constraints.
Education
High School Diploma -
Worth County High School
Sylvester, GA05-1984
Some College (No Degree) - Radio And Television Broadcasting
Albany Jr College (now Darton College)
Albany GASome College (No Degree) - Environmental Geology
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Wildland firefighting
- Tree biology
- Tree identification
- Tree preservation
- Tree inventory
- Environmental compliance
- Pest management
- Safe pesticide usage
- Chainsaw operation
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Arborist equipment maintenance
- Landscape equipment knowledge
- Storm damage cleanup
- Soil management
- Public safety awareness
- Hazardous tree evaluation
- Records and documentation
- Effective communication
- Client relationship management
- Client engagement
- Community outreach
- Public speaking
- Staff training
- Problem resolution
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Scriptwriting
- Content creation
- Audio mixing
Certification
- Tallahassee Community College Wakulla Ecotourism Institute
Green Guide Certificate, December 3 , 2006 - International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Arborist Fl-5925a, August 16 ,2008
- Florida Green Industries, Best Management Practices certificate of
training, GV8186-1, January 15 ,2010 - Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services Limited Lawn
and Ornamental State Pesticide License, LL193758, March, 2012 - Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services LTD
Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Holder, LF194224, March, 2012 - International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Risk Assessment
Qualification (Fl-5925a) May 28 ,2015 - Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service
Ranger Academy #79 Certificate of Graduation, October
17 ,2015 - American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate # GSZ6T8
- Florida Dept. of State, Bureau of Archaeological Research
Certified Archaeological Monitor, February 22 &23 , 2017 - Computer Tutors: Excel, New User Certificate, March 12, 2018
Computer Tutors: Word, New User Certificate, April,IO, 2018 - NWCG S-190 Wildland Fire Behavior, November, 26 , 2018
- NWCG S-130 and L-180 Basic Wildland Fire Fighter,
November, 27-30, 2018 - Certified DEP Chainsaw safety trainer January 2020.
- NWCG S131 Fire Fighter type 1
February, 2024
Accomplishments
- Florida Park Service, District 1 Employee of the Month, January,
2014. - Florida Park Service, District 1 Employee of the Month, June, 2019
Timeline
Assistant Park Manager
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
09.2019 - 03.2025
Park Ranger
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
12.2017 - 09.2019
Landscape Development Specialist / Staff Arborist
Florida Dept. Of Environmental Protection
09.2011 - 12.2017
Owner / Operator
John Melton Professional Arborist
09.2010 - Current
High School Diploma -
Worth County High School
Some College (No Degree) - Radio And Television Broadcasting
Albany Jr College (now Darton College)
Some College (No Degree) - Environmental Geology
Tallahassee Community College