Sandy Budde
Summary
Skilled in garden maintenance and team collaboration, I enhanced ecosystem health at Garden Buddy Chemical-Free Gardening by integrating native plants and removing invasive species. As a self-employed Editor, I significantly improved content readability and engagement. My expertise spans sustainable agriculture practices and effective communication, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship and clear, impactful messaging.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Gardener/Landscaper
Garden Buddy Chemical-Free Gardening
10.2023 - Current
- Performed fall and spring cleanup to clear brush and debris from landscaped areas, Identified and removed invasive plants and noxious weeds
- Boosted biodiversity and ecosystem health by incorporating native plants into garden designs.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and preferences, resulting in personalized garden plans.
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate plants based on climate conditions, soil types, and desired aesthetics.
- Continued learning about plants, gardening techniques and best practices to provide customers with accurate and constructive information.
Editor/Professional Writing Consultant
Self-employed
06.2005 - Current
- Wrote and created content for various topics and mediums.
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
- Guided clients through the rewriting process, helping them to effectively convey their ideas and strengthen their writing skills.
- Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
Farm Apprentice
EarthDance Organic Farm School
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Expanded knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices by attending workshops or conferences related to the field.
- Promoted healthy ecosystems on the farm by incorporating practices that protect and preserve local flora and fauna.
- Operated various farm equipment for planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops with precision and care.
- Increased awareness about environmental conservation among peers by sharing experiences from the Farm Apprentice program.
- Participated in local farmers markets to sell produce directly to consumers while promoting community engagement.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow apprentices, farm staff, and managers to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Applied integrated pest management strategies to minimize damage from insects while preserving beneficial organisms.
- Cleared land and prepared soil for planting by tilthing, and adding organic matter for successful harvests.
- Inspected crops for signs of pests and disease to implement necessary control measures.
- Trimmed and removed unwanted plant growth to improve health and yield of crops.
Newsletter Editor
Piasa Palisades Group, Sierra Club IL Chapter
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Enhanced newsletter content quality by meticulously editing articles for grammar, style, and clarity.
- Maintained a consistent brand voice across all issues, ensuring cohesive messaging and tone.
- Organized regular brainstorming sessions with the editorial team, fostering creativity and innovation in content planning.
- Managed a team of freelance contributors, providing feedback and guidance on their submissions.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
Communications Consultant
Wells Fargo Advisors
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Developed comprehensive training materials to improve employees'' communication skills, resulting in more
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal audiences.
Education
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILSkills
- Effective Time Management
- Landscape Care
- Garden Planting Expertise
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Sustainable practices
- Organic gardening
- Power tool operation
- Project management
- Plant identification
Accomplishments
- Grew a customer base of repeat and referral customers by continually offering exceptional customer service.
- Grew business by [Number]% through strategic marketing and advertising efforts.
Affiliations
- MastSierra Club Illinois Chapter Garden Society of Wildwood Confluence Climate Collaborative,
- Founding Member LaVista Ecological Learning Center, Active Participant
- Master Naturalist (Intern) Master Gardener (Trainee) Conservation Committee
Certification
- Professional Educator License - Elementary Education K-9
- Colorado Physical Education Endorsement
- Wilderness First Aid/CPR Certification
- PSIA-Certified Ski Instructor, Alpine Level 1
- USA Swimming University Core Certification
- Kayak Flatwater Safety & Rescue/Safety Boater
- Boulder Mountaineering School (Colorado Mountain Club)
- Boulder Rock School (Colorado Mountain Club)
Timeline
Gardener/Landscaper
Garden Buddy Chemical-Free Gardening
10.2023 - Current
Farm Apprentice
EarthDance Organic Farm School
06.2023 - 08.2023
Newsletter Editor
Piasa Palisades Group, Sierra Club IL Chapter
01.2021 - 12.2022
Communications Consultant
Wells Fargo Advisors
07.2016 - 08.2019
Editor/Professional Writing Consultant
Self-employed
06.2005 - Current
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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