Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

KARA STENGER

Encinitas,CA

Summary

Hardworking and passionate professional skilled in sustainable agriculture, irrigation and environmental education. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders. Strong organizational and communication skills. Thrives in dynamic and collaborative settings that value innovation and critical thinking.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Plan Check Specialist

VDLA Landscape Architects
02.2022 - Current
  • Review large-scale residential and commercial landscape and irrigation projects per week to meet water conservation requirements, including water use calculations, irrigation equipment & plant material.
  • Educate & guide applicants in multi-stage approval process while meeting multiple, simultaneous deadlines.

Irrigation Consultant

Old Moon Farm
06.2019 - 10.2020
  • Designed multiple-zone overhead irrigation system for 14,500 sq. ft. horse pasture and arena.
  • Successfully met budget restrictions by retrofitting and extending existing system while creating flexible system for multi-use area.
  • Suggested & started windrow manure compost system that improved property soil and greatly reduced manure removal costs.

Agricultural Intern

Old Moon Farm
01.2019 - 05.2019
  • Created and planted 400 sq ft. organic vegetable garden, integrating vertical planting to maximize yield for human and farm animal consumption; tested and amended soil, created crop rotation plan, and established IPM practices.
  • Designed and installed inline drip irrigation system with smart controller and app-based control, created water budget and seasonal irrigation schedules.

Horticulture Teacher

Village Gate Children's Academy
11.2017 - 06.2018
  • Developed lesson plans and led weekly hands-on Horticulture lessons to K-8 students on topics including biodiversity, plant anatomy, soil science, sustainable farming, and water conservation. Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies.
  • Installed drip irrigation in all planting beds which reduced water usage and increasing crop success.
  • Introduced square-foot & companion planting methods; transformed annual pumpkin patch into educational Milpa garden.

Outdoor Education Teacher

Ocean Knoll Children's Farm
07.2016 - 07.2017
  • Managed elementary school’s one-acre produce farm including garden beds, food forest, static and vermicompost, and chickens; supervised 1 employee.
  • Participated in department meetings to create curriculum for new ag-based math, science, music, and art lessons for 600 K-6 students. Led creative, experiential lessons on farm that also met required national standards.
  • Advised school leadership and other schools on strategies to incorporate farm into student learning.
  • Fostered student curiosity by adding interactive components including music wall, sundial, and signage.
  • Recruited school families, community members and local organizations for volunteer work days, special projects & educational events.
  • Increased awareness & support for farm through social media, flyers & networking with local schools and organizations.

Freelance Writer and Editor

Self-Employed
01.1999 - 01.2011
  • Ran successful business Wrote and edited educational, marketing, and media content for corporate, nonprofit and private clients including Amazon.com, Ernst & Young, and renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

Education

Professional Education - Sustainable Agriculture & Crop Production

MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA
05.2020

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
06.1993

Skills

  • Farm/Garden/Greenhouse Operations Management
  • Irrigation Systems
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Creative Lesson Plan Development
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Public Speaking & Education
  • Writing & Editing
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Flexible and Adaptable

Certification

  • QWEL certified- 2018 - Present

Timeline

Plan Check Specialist

VDLA Landscape Architects
02.2022 - Current

Irrigation Consultant

Old Moon Farm
06.2019 - 10.2020

Agricultural Intern

Old Moon Farm
01.2019 - 05.2019

Horticulture Teacher

Village Gate Children's Academy
11.2017 - 06.2018

Outdoor Education Teacher

Ocean Knoll Children's Farm
07.2016 - 07.2017

Freelance Writer and Editor

Self-Employed
01.1999 - 01.2011

Professional Education - Sustainable Agriculture & Crop Production

MiraCosta College

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

DePaul University

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