Natasha Robertson

• Directed operations across 13 greenhouses, applying deep knowledge of plant physiology and native species diversity to ensure consistent, high-quality production.
• Lead organizer and head grower for five large-scale client growing projects—representing the majority of seasonal nursery revenue—managing the full cycle from initial contact to final delivery.
  Initiated client relationships and developed customized growing guides tailored to project needs. Coordinated logistics, including load-in, staging, and final delivery of native plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees.
• Represented the nursery as lead exhibitor at MANTS (Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show), showcasing production capabilities and building partnerships with commercial nurseries, government agencies, conservation organizations, and landscape architects.
• Designed and managed the nursery's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, overseeing the safe preparation and application of pesticides, fungicides, and biological control agents.
• Supervised facility operations, greenhouse maintenance, and inventory tracking systems to optimize workflow and ensure accurate forecasting.
• Collaborated on large-scale ecological restoration and conservation projects, translating client objectives into actionable production and delivery plans.
• Strengthened the nursery's market presence through professional engagement with industry stakeholders and strategic project execution.
• Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.

Active Duty: Nov. 2014- Nov. 2021

Reserves: Nov. 2021- Current

• Participated and organized inspections of Waterfront Facilities to maintain and regulate safety, security, and pollution response of cargo terminals, refineries, and passenger ferry/cruise terminals, to prevent accidental and intentional disruptions in the maritime community.
• Actively responded to marine oil spills and chemical releases to determine responsible party, ensure containment protocols were met, and create contingency plans to protect sensitive wildlife areas from oil spills.
• Effectively coordinated and collaborated with outside agencies such as EPA, USDA, CBP, DEP, FEMA, local police and fire departments, and oil spill response organizations during inspections and emergency responses.
• Involved in disaster response deployment for Hurricane Maria in Ponce, Puerto Rico to assess damaged waterfront facilities and collaborate with local Facility Representatives to ensure a full recovery of the port along with maintaining maritime safety measures.
• Develop and conduct training programs for junior Marine Science Technicians on proper inspection procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response techniques to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the team in ensuring maritime safety and security for the United States Coast Guard.

• Completed sterile technique and surface sterilization of plant tissue for agar plating.
• Performed tape mount isolations, Potato Dextrose Broth isolations, long term storage isolation techniques of fungal and oomycete reproductive tissues.
• Conducted DNA extractions on hemp tissue and various plant tissue specimens using QIAGEN and QIAGEN pro kits.
• Performed traditional PCR methods using protocols for master mixes, Taq polymerase, gene primers, and loci isolations and colony PCR methods for fungus and oomycetes.
• Expertly conducted PCR techniques, gel electrophoresis amplification, and effectively organized a database collection for 150 different perennial trees and shrubs on Delaware Valley University's campus arboretum.
• Developed and maintained a database to organize and track research data, including experimental results, protocols, and sample information for Delaware Valley Campus arboretum collection.
• Expertly used lab equipment including Autoclave, Mini Bead Beater, Thermometer, Centrifuge, Micro pipetting techniques, and Oxygen Gel Documentation System.
• Collaborate with other researchers to design, implement experiments and perform data collections of plant pathogens in vegetable and hemp production to support research findings and conclusions.
• Assisted in the preparation of research reports and presentations for conferences and publications for internship professor and research assistant.
• Perform quality control checks to ensure accurate and reliable lab results.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory techniques and protocols used in projects to improve research efficiency and accuracy.

• Utilize expertise in plant health and diseases to provide tailored recommendations to customers on plant care, maintenance, and disease prevention, fostering trust and loyalty towards Farmer Jawn's horticultural products.
• Organize and lead educational workshops for local community on identifying plant diseases and weed identification showcasing processes of plant care and cultivation to educate the public on horticulture.
• Worked to grow, detect diseases, and maintain plant health of culturally significant edible crops and common vegetable crops to sell and educate community.
• Collaborated with the management team to identify areas for improvement in horticultural workshops and sales to then implement effective solutions.
• Provided exceptional customer service by understanding customer needs and recommending products that align with their needs.
• Assisted with training new garden staff and sales associates while providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure their success.
• Collaborate with the marketing team at Farmer Jawn to create educational content highlighting the benefits and uses of horticultural products, aiming to educate and engage customers through innovative and informative materials on social media platforms.