Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Steven Farina

Middlefield,CT

Summary

Seasoned Area Supervisor dedicated to streamlining operations and maximizing team performance. Driven to improve processes and reduce costs with hands-on management style. Bringing strong communication, planning and problem solving abilities demonstrated over 18 years in the field.

Overview

17
years of professional experience
1
Certificate

Work History

Amazon

Fulfillment Center Associate
11.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Enhanced order accuracy by diligently picking and packing items according to customer specifications.
  • Streamlined fulfillment processes for increased efficiency through consistent organization of inventory and workspace.
  • Reduced shipping errors by meticulously checking orders against packing slips before dispatching packages.
  • Expedited order processing time with proficient use of warehouse management software and scanning equipment.
  • Maintained safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and promptly reporting any hazards or incidents.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members for seamless coordination during high-volume periods, ensuring timely order completion.
  • Contributed to quality assurance measures by inspecting products for damage or defects prior to packaging, minimizing customer complaints related to product quality.
  • Utilized material handling equipment responsibly, reducing workplace accidents and maintaining organized warehouse layout conducive to efficient operations.
  • Adapted quickly to shifting priorities during peak seasons or promotional events, ensuring prompt fulfillment of all orders without compromising on accuracy or quality standards.
  • Communicated proactively with team leads regarding potential bottlenecks or challenges in workflows, facilitating timely resolution of operational obstacles.
  • Achieved exceptional attendance record by consistently arriving punctually and prepared for work, contributing to overall team dependability.
  • Promoted positive working culture through effective communication, active listening, and collaboration with co-workers across various departments.
  • Reduced fulfillment errors by using RF scanners to quickly pick items to proper bins.
  • Performed proper lifting and handling techniques to maintain safe working environment.
  • Picked and packed order items.
  • Operated equipment such as pallet jacks and hand trucks to move heavy boxes.
  • Built pallets and positioned orders on loading dock to safely pile and ship goods.

Blue Moon ,Central Market Flowers, Topiary 219

Freelance Floral Designer
07.2022 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Tagged merchandise and neatly stocked on shelves and display areas.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
  • Assisted customers by answering questions and suggesting merchandise.
  • Filled orders by gathering merchandise specified in requisitions.
  • Received product shipments and organized in stockroom storage area.
  • Taught customers how to plants dish gardens
  • Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
  • Increased sales of Plant nutrient products by 80%
  • Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
  • Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements.
  • Mentored junior designers in advanced techniques, fostering collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Designed custom sympathy arrangements that provided comfort during difficult times while reflecting personality of deceased loved ones.
  • Revitalized store displays with seasonally appropriate arrangements showcasing current trends in color palettes and materials usage.
  • Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.

Greenleaf plants

Growing on Supervisor
01.2022 - 05.2022

Job overview

  • Oversaw 8 assistant growers
  • Maintain plant quality of perennial liners in 40 greenhouses
  • Ran 2 daily meetings
  • Implementation of weekly spray program in conjunction with plant growth regulator program
  • Scheduled all sprays, day to day work, days off for 8 assistant growers
  • Oversaw entire facility one weekend during every month
  • Make sure crops are on Schedule for sale date
  • Current Pennsylvania pesticide license
  • License #907070
  • #1 responsibility was to ensure all plant material is green leaf quality
  • Evaluated employee performance, coached and trained to improve weak areas.
  • Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
  • Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
  • Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through regular process reviews and implementing necessary changes.
  • Reduced employee turnover by fostering positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.

Marshalls Riverbank Nurseries

Assistant Grower/propagation/ Ipm Specialist
01.2020 - 12.2021

Job overview

  • 1 year and 11 months
  • Work with head perennial grower to assess and implement strategies to combat fertility requirements of various herbaceous ornamental's
  • Perform trials on various plants for controlling height, insects and diseases
  • Daily scouting for pests and diseases
  • Apply plant growth regulates as well as give recommendations to head grower on what plant growth regulators to use and when
  • Assist plant health manager with all scouting and sprays
  • Assist propagation manager with various insect and disease problems that are present
  • Data entry for all plant growth regulators as well record keeping
  • Coordinated with BFG and Advancing Alternatives to order, oversee and build roll up sides for 6 large Quonset style Greenhouses
  • 1 greenhouse was outfitted with automatic roll up sides
  • Oversaw this project with crew members
  • Met all deadlines
  • Used skills to grow new plants from seeds, clippings, bulbs and clone-cubes.
  • Coordinated inventories of seeds, chemicals, plant nutrients and tools to achieve business targets.
  • Unloaded plants and nursery items from delivery trucks.

The Ivy Farm

Production Manager/Head Grower
08.2018 - 12.2019

Job overview

  • 1 year and 4 months
  • Manage all aspects of production
  • Managed 40 employees
  • Oversee all aspects of plant health
  • Direct assistant growers on watering needs as well as pesticide spray applications
  • Routine scouting
  • Weekly job lists for employees
  • Data entry
  • Incorporated Grow point production systems
  • Held current VA pesticide license
  • Lead grower
  • Wrote and conducted formal performance reviews for production personnel.
  • Analyzed production data and prepared reports for senior management.
  • Prepared and maintained production reports and personnel records.
  • Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
  • Sourced materials to keep up with production goals and meet customer demands.
  • Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Researched latest industry trends and technologies, boosting knowledge and understanding of industrial production
  • Enhanced production efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing lean manufacturing techniques.
  • Reduced waste and material costs by optimizing resource allocation and inventory management.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products according to customer requirements.
  • Negotiated with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall procurement costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
  • Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications

Ck Greenhouses inc

Lead Grower
01.2018 - 07.2018

Job overview

    • Managed 3 employees and delegate daily tasks
    • Work with head grower to make weekly lists
    • Oversee and manage 8 acres of greenhouse crops and 10 acres of field crops
    • Daily watering as well as pesticide sprays/drenches
    • Maintain crop salability and have crops ready on time
    • Weekly scouting Program all micro gro systems for heating and cooling
    • Run VPD booms for propagation as well as watering and drenches
    • Apply Plant Growth Regulator if needed
    • Maintained sustainable bio-control program on all crops as well as all organic greenhouses
    • Maintain pesticide records

Adams Garden Of Eden

Floral Designer
09.2017 - 12.2017

Job overview

    • High end floral design for foxwoods and Mohegan sun, mystic seaport
    • Wedding design and consultation/event planning
    • Everyday floral design work as well as design for musicians at foxwoods such as Lady Gaga
    • Flower processing 20 years of design experience
    • Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
    • Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
    • Collaborated closely with customers to create unique designs for bouquets, wreaths, and gifts.
    • Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
    • Prepared potted plants and bouquets based on customer requirements.
    • Consulted with clientele to discuss special occasion floral designs for weddings, funerals, and other events.
    • Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
    • Section Grower

Grower Direct Farms

Section Grower
08.2016 - 08.2017

Job overview

  • Be accountable for 4 acres of various ornamental crops
  • Use boom irrigation to water and apply pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators
  • Apply and count sticky cards weekly to monitor insects
  • Work directly with head grower to monitor and maintain all crops
  • Have crops ready by given deadlines
  • Mix fertilizer as needed
  • Help other section growers as needed
  • Clean areas between crop change over.
  • Collaborated closely with production team, resulting in improved efficiency and timely delivery of products to market
  • Developed effective pruning strategies, leading to healthier plants with increased fruit set and yields
  • Managed greenhouse climate control systems, optimizing temperature, humidity, and light levels for ideal plant growth

Select Seeds

Head Grower
10.2014 - 07.2016

Job overview

  • Remain accountable for overall plant health and quality
  • Direct employees in shipping and production
  • Plan production times
  • Water as needed, apply pesticides and implement proper plant health techniques
  • Maintain all stock plants for propagation and propagate as needed
  • Collect seeds
  • Pack seeds
  • Accomplishments
  • Established organic and bio control program
  • Increased use of micro grow control system from 15% to 100% to control greenhouse climate
  • Maintained and repaired greenhouse systems and irrigation.
  • Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimizing performance, and minimizing waste
  • Used skills to grow new plants from seeds, clippings, bulbs and clone-cubes
  • Unloaded plants and nursery items from delivery trucks
  • Maintained tidy, clean and well-organized greenhouse for optimal productivity and professionalism
  • Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property
  • Used excel to record and document information regarding pesticide use, yields and costs
  • Increased crop yields by implementing advanced growing techniques and optimizing environmental conditions

Lagana'sFlorist

Floral Designer
02.2013 - 10.2014

Job overview

  • Proven ability to provide excellent customer service
  • Operate cash register and deliver arrangements as needed
  • Designed floral arrangements for weddings, funerals and holidays
  • Order flowers, plants and supplies on weekly basis.
  • Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge of various types of flowers and their seasonal availability.
  • Collaborated closely with customers to create unique designs for bouquets, wreaths, and gifts.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences
  • Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements
  • Streamlined design process for efficiency, implementing effective time management strategies and prioritizing tasks

Judges Farm Perennials

Head Grower
03.2007 - 01.2013

Job overview

  • Used Microsoft Excel to record PGR applications
  • Completed and logged pesticide applications
  • Monitored insect levels; type, number, and plant damage
  • Scheduled and delegated tasks for 12 employees
  • Gained extensive knowledge of growing perennials and annuals
  • Was accountable for overall plant health and quality
  • Maintained and repaired greenhouse systems and irrigation
  • Accomplishments: extensive research on bulking Echinacea through 24 hour lighting until plants are pot full
  • This in conjunction with 2 configure sprays resulted in excellent overwintering with substantial increase in branching as well as flower count.
  • Increased crop yields by implementing advanced growing techniques and optimizing environmental conditions
  • Improved plant health through careful monitoring, timely treatment of pests, and diseases
  • Managed greenhouse operations for efficient production, minimizing waste and maximizing profits
  • Optimized irrigation schedules based on plant needs, conserving water resources while maintaining high-quality crops
  • Conducted thorough research on new cultivars, selecting best varieties for increased yield potential and market demand
  • Provided training and guidance to staff members on proper horticultural practices, fostering skilled workforce committed to excellence in crop production
  • Maintained compliance with all relevant regulations from governmental agencies such as EPA or OSHA concerning worker safety and pesticide use in agricultural settings
  • Established proactive preventative maintenance programs for greenhouse equipment, reducing downtime due to unexpected malfunctions or repairs
  • Regularly reviewed soil fertility tests results, adjusting fertilization protocols accordingly for optimal nutrient availability and plant health
  • Evaluated emerging technologies within the industry for potential implementation into current growing systems
  • Streamlined record-keeping processes for accurate tracking of greenhouse inputs and outputs
  • Enhanced employee engagement by prioritizing open communication channels between management team members
  • Coordinated procurement activities of necessary supplies like seeds or planting materials efficiently managing inventory control measures
  • Fostered strong relationships with vendors negotiating favorable pricing terms that translated into cost savings across multiple product categories
  • Maintained compliance with all relevant regulations from governmental agencies such as the EPA or OSHA concerning worker safety and pesticide use in agricultural settings

Education

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

Associate of Applied Science from Ornamental Horticulture

University Overview

  • [Number]

Nathan Hale Ray High Scool
East Haddam, CT

High School Diploma
06.1995

University Overview


  • Awarded Most Improved Student
  • Honor Roll 1,2,3 1995
  • Frederick L. Ray Scholarship Recipient
  • Relevant Coursework: Plant Science & Vocational Agriculture
  • Extracurricular Activities: Soccer

Skills

  • Priority Management
  • Business Administration
  • Business Planning
  • Contract Management
  • Waste Reduction
  • Processes and Procedures
  • Job Assignments
  • Safe Work Methods
  • Following Supervisor Instructions
  • Shipping Procedures

Certification

Certified private pesticide applicator license Pennsylvania 907070

Timeline

Fulfillment Center Associate
Amazon
11.2023 - Current
Freelance Floral Designer
Blue Moon ,Central Market Flowers, Topiary 219
07.2022 - 08.2023
Growing on Supervisor
Greenleaf plants
01.2022 - 05.2022
Assistant Grower/propagation/ Ipm Specialist
Marshalls Riverbank Nurseries
01.2020 - 12.2021
Production Manager/Head Grower
The Ivy Farm
08.2018 - 12.2019
Lead Grower
Ck Greenhouses inc
01.2018 - 07.2018
Floral Designer
Adams Garden Of Eden
09.2017 - 12.2017
Section Grower
Grower Direct Farms
08.2016 - 08.2017
Head Grower
Select Seeds
10.2014 - 07.2016
Floral Designer
Lagana'sFlorist
02.2013 - 10.2014
Head Grower
Judges Farm Perennials
03.2007 - 01.2013
University of Connecticut
Associate of Applied Science from Ornamental Horticulture
Nathan Hale Ray High Scool
High School Diploma
Steven Farina