Steven Sparks
Agriculture Operations
Howell,MI
Summary
Veteran with over 22 years experience with top-level skills in managing operations and mission accomplishment. Likeable personality and customer-focused background coupled with expertise in team building, operational planning and execution. Ready to tackle new challenges and build success with exciting organization.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Operator II Grain Elevator
Archer Daniels Midland
Webberville, MI
11.2022 - Current
- Performed dozens of tasks following SOPs and instructions as part of grain elevator operations. Including loading/unloading, sampling, grading, transferring, blending and storage of grain.
- Capable of safely operating all equipment and heavy machinery including for daily operations at the grain elevator including grain elevator legs, drags, belts, conveyor equipment, locomotive, front loaders, skid steer, telehandler and articulating boom lifts.
- Executes and knowledgeable of daily housekeeping of grain elevator and grounds, while adhering to specific safety guidelines and utilization of appropriate tools and methods.
- Ensures compliance all applicable safety policies and procedures following corporate guidelines.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Owner/Operator Culpeper Farms LLC
Self-employeed
Argentine Twp, MI
03.2021 - Current
- Created farm strategies to maximize production and convert farm operations to profitability and growth.
- Produced, stored, sold and delivered 165 tons of alfalfa/grass mixed small square bales annually.
- Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support achievement of revenue goals.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Capitalized on social media platforms to increase market awareness.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Maintained and repaired various farming equipment.
Senior Advisor Michigan Counter Drug Program
US Army
Lansing, MI
02.2017 - 12.2021
- Leader and manager of 60 personnel operating in over 12 locations across the state of Michigan.
- Responsible for administrating in accordance with federal and state policies, laws and regulations this included, interviewing, hiring, and training all employees.
- Dealt with inter-company conflicts, complaints to remove obstacles to troop readiness.
- Responsible for individual performance evaluations that assessed monthly and annual operational capability.
- Maintained awareness of subordinates' shortcomings, supporting professional growth through training, coach and counseling.
First Sergeant Infantry Company
US Army
Dowagiac, MI
06.2015 - 02.2017
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Prepared and delivered investigative reports and briefings.
- Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
Lead Instructor
US Army
Arlington , VA
06.2011 - 05.2015
- Increased Criminal Analysis training from 56 hours to 80 hours of classroom instruction, resulting in international recognition by the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Used learning assessments to regularly monitor student understanding of class concepts and materials.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Reviewed class and student records to identify improvement opportunities.
Infantry Platoon Sergeant
US Army
Selfridge, MI
01.2008 - 05.2011
- Trained, supervised and organized over 42 soldiers and personnel for combat operations.
- Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions as platoon sergeant in the Ninevah Province, Iraq over 50 combat missions
- Maintained health, welfare and combat readiness of personnel within platoon while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Enforced technical and tactical training standards to accomplish unit mission objectives.
- Conducted personal and professional counseling, routine inspections and physical fitness tests.
Squad Leader
75th Ranger Regiment
Ft. Benning, GA
07.2000 - 01.2006
- Squad leader in the 75th Ranger Regiment, responsible for leading a 9 man team while conducting complex, joint special operations missions.
- Successfully completed and lead over 6 operational deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Determined necessity and type of additional resources and change of approach and techniques.
- Maintained property and equipment inventory and crew assignments.
- Led squad during infantry dismounted battle drills and situational training exercises.
Education
High School Diploma -
Roseville High School
Roseville, MI 09.1996 - 06.2000
Currently Working Toward Degree - Agricultural Industries
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 08.2023 - Current
Skills
Cultivation
Operations Management
Senior Instructor
Staff Management
Project Management
Heavy Equipment Operator
Safe equipment operation
Material movement
Effective communication skills
PPE Compliance
Safety program understanding
Critical Thinking
MS Office
Timeline
Currently Working Toward Degree - Agricultural Industries
Michigan State University
08.2023 - Current
Operator II Grain Elevator
Archer Daniels Midland
11.2022 - Current
Owner/Operator Culpeper Farms LLC
Self-employeed
03.2021 - Current
Senior Advisor Michigan Counter Drug Program
US Army
02.2017 - 12.2021
First Sergeant Infantry Company
US Army
06.2015 - 02.2017
Lead Instructor
US Army
06.2011 - 05.2015
Infantry Platoon Sergeant
US Army
01.2008 - 05.2011
Squad Leader
75th Ranger Regiment
07.2000 - 01.2006
High School Diploma -
Roseville High School
09.1996 - 06.2000