Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Sara Gillespie

Amy B.H Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
San Diego,CA
2
years of professional experience

Dedicated Business Administration student with a minor in Environmental Science, experienced in client relations, horticulture, and POS systems. Demonstrates effective communication and hands-on expertise in conservation and community outreach. Committed to integrating sustainable practices into business strategies to enhance environmental impact and operational efficiency.

Work History

Ethnobotanical Intern

2 Months
Amy B.H Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden | 06.2026 - 08.2026

Surveyed Ferns in the Garden
Applied knowledge and research skills to deepen understanding of the various fern species in the garden.
Consolidated data into an organized spreadsheet to improve accessibility and analysis.
Conducted a comprehensive survey of the garden to identify naturalized and native ferns.
Nursery Seed Storage
Cataloged seed accession numbers in a spreadsheet to facilitate efficient data retrieval and management.
Optimized seed storage areas to improve accessibility and inventory management.

  • Facilitated transition of garden records from legacy database to new system by cross-referencing data for accuracy.

Nursery Operations

  • Managed potting of multiple plant species to ensure optimal growth conditions and meet diverse horticultural needs.
  • Executed fertilization strategies to enhance growth and health of plants in both nursery and garden environments.
  • Executed cleaning and packaging of seeds for optimal storage in the garden seed bank.
  • Nurtured and maintained extensive plant collections.
  • Cultivated hāpu’u fern from spores, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and adherence to established protocols.
  • Executed seed preparation for storage and planting, including cleaning, scarifying, and labeling packages with corresponding accession details.

Visitor Experience

  • Collaborated with volunteer groups to manage garden maintenance and weeding activities.
  • Facilitated educational sessions on native plants and ecosystems to enhance visitor knowledge.
  • Acquired hands-on expertise through extensive field experience.
  • Prepared and planted a selection of Hawaiian awa varieties to enhance agricultural diversity.

Organized Garden Signage

  • Assisted in the development of accession signage for effective communication. Supported teams in organizing materials for signage projects.
  • Verified accuracy of displayed signage for Kalo varieties against accession records.
  • Compiled and organized data in a spreadsheet to facilitate analysis of variety mismatches.

Server

4 Months
Earls Kitchen + Bar | 09.2025 - 01.2026
  • Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
  • Managed guest orders using point-of-sale systems for accuracy and efficiency.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and presentation.
  • Upsold menu items through effective communication and product knowledge.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly to uphold restaurant reputation and satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.

Cashier

2 Months
Island Naturals Market | 06.2025 - 08.2025
  • Processed transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
  • Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided personalized service.
  • Maintained accurate cash drawer balance throughout shifts.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth store operations.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly, fostering positive shopping environment.

Sales Associate

6 Months
Mary Jane's | 06.2024 - 12.2024
  • Assisted customers in product selection and provided exceptional service to enhance shopping experience.
  • Processed transactions efficiently using POS systems, ensuring accuracy in cash handling.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales goals through effective communication and teamwork.
  • Maintained store merchandise displays, contributing to an inviting and organized environment.
  • Learned product knowledge quickly to address customer inquiries and provide informed recommendations.
  • Supported promotional events by setting up displays and engaging with customers to drive sales initiatives.

Education

High School Diploma

Kealakehe High School | Kailua-Kona, HI

Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Science

University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | 05.2029
  • 3.5 GPA

Skills

Gardening and horticulture
Rapid learner
Community outreach involvement
POS system operation
Data analysis
Plant care techniques
Public education initiatives
Sustainable practices

Timeline

Ethnobotanical Intern

Amy B.H Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
06.2026 - 08.2026Read More

Server

Earls Kitchen + Bar
09.2025 - 01.2026Read More

Cashier

Island Naturals Market
06.2025 - 08.2025Read More

Sales Associate

Mary Jane's
06.2024 - 12.2024Read More

Kealakehe High School

High School Diploma
Read More

University of San Diego

Bachelor of Arts from Environmental Science
Read More
Sara Gillespie