Zackary Perry
New Albany,Indiana
Summary
Results-driven and innovative Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) professional with extensive experience in CEA startup ventures. Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize strategies and drive efficiency in CEA production. Proven expertise in aquaculture, commercial hydroponics, and aquaponic production on both domestic and international scales. Skilled in research, operations, and developing effective grower and operational strategies. Demonstrated leadership abilities, managing labor from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds in commercial CEA settings.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Farm Manager
FoodChain
08.2018 - 03.2019
- I successfully oversaw all aspects of aquaculture production, utilizing a creative and sustainable approach that combined aquaculture and hydroponics
- Maintained a healthy environment for aquaculture production, implementing effective disease management and prevention strategies, and managing proper feed ratios and stock rotation
- Managed crop cycling and rotation, overseeing the process from seeding to transplanting and through to final harvest
- Ensured crop health through the implementation of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) practices
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive manual for farm operations processes, ensuring streamlined and efficient workflows
- Contributed to public awareness and education of aquaponics and urban agriculture by creating a basic curriculum for visitors and participants.
Aquaponics Consultant
Fusion Farms inc
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Led system design for vertical farm and hurricane-protected agriculture projects utilizing hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, and soil-based growing methods.
- Provided invaluable support in farm development plans, labor modeling, and crop selection.
- Facilitated seamless farm operations from seed to harvest, ensuring optimal performance.
- Played a crucial role in the development of post-harvest operations.
- Assisted in building a comprehensive database of indoor vertical agriculture models.
Production Manager
SquareRoots Urban Growers
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Led daily farm operations, ensuring consistent production targets for yield and quality in controlled environment agriculture.
- Accountable for plant health, integrated pest and disease management, and food safety protocols.
- Managed campus production plan, balancing crop schedules with order fulfillment, minimizing over/under production.
- Evaluated and optimized production operations for maximum efficiency and overcoming bottlenecks.
- Handled ordering and inventory management of production supplies. Collaborated with Facilities and Sanitation Manager for clean, well-maintained, and safe growing systems.
- Worked closely with Square Roots Central Team and Managers to achieve company-wide goals.
- Regularly communicated insightful data and crop health metrics to stakeholders. Initiated version 3 farm in Springfield, Ohio, and version 4 farm in Shepherdsville, KY, overseeing final construction stages, commissioning, material ordering, hiring, and training of farm staff to ensure successful farm operations. Managed performance, success, and well-being of campus production team members, prioritizing their physical safety through regular check-ins.
Assistant Grower
AppHarvest inc
05.2020 - 02.2022
- Assist head growers in crop labor management and planning, utilizing PRIVA FS
- Performance system controls
- Develop and oversee weekly labor plans for a three-hectare greenhouse with a large workforce, leveraging data from production employees through Priva FS Performance
- Conduct weekly crop registration, data collection, and entry to monitor growth progress effectively
- Perform daily water quality testing of irrigation and drain water samples to maintain optimal growing conditions
- Support the management of a twelve-hectare alarm system and digital control features, ensuring environmental consistency, infrastructure integrity, and crop quality.
Greenhouse Construction Foreman & Aquaponics Consultant
HATponics inc
03.2019 - 04.2020
- Spearheaded the design and construction of small-scale aquaponics systems for educational purposes
- Led and supervised crews of three to eight employees during greenhouse construction, ensuring smooth project execution
- Delegated daily tasks to the construction team, efficiently meeting daily, weekly, and monthly goals
- Maintained effective communication with company owners and clients, ensuring timely project completion and customer satisfaction
- Assisted in aquaponics consultation projects, leveraging expertise in the controlled environment agriculture industry
- Adapted to various roles as a startup, contributing to company goals and fulfilling multiple responsibilities.
Interim Farm Manager
EcoPonics Sahara Group
01.2018 - 08.2018
- On Elephantine Island, Aswan, Egypt, I established a sustainable aquaponic food production system for local food supplementation
- Responsibilities included:
- Developing and implementing Arabic-translated processes and SOPs for the farm
- Overseeing filtration system redesign and retrofit for improved aquaculture efficiency
- Procuring essential parts, equipment, and materials for smooth farm operation
- Conducting comprehensive staff training in fish husbandry and crop care
- Establishing arid climate-tailored crop planning and rotation strategies
- Initiating shelf life and taste testing trials, resulting in higher quality farmed fish
- My dedication and expertise contributed significantly to the startup's mission, fostering a positive impact on the local community and promoting food security.
Aquaponics Intern
EcoPonics Sahara Group
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted in building and designing the company's first commercial aquaponics system launch
- Developed essential process guides and provided training in fish/aquaculture husbandry and crop care.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Assisted in various aquaponic and aquaculture related research studies
- Managed maintenance, feeding, and harvesting cycles in aquaponic and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Designed and constructed various small-scale aquaponic systems for effective demonstration purposes
- Conducted daily water quality testing on replicated research aquaponic systems.
Forklift Operator
FedEx Freight
01.2014 - 05.2018
- Perform freight handling using appropriate motorized and manual equipment, including but not limited to: forklift, pallet jack and hand truck
- Verify documentation matches freight description (e.g
- Type, weight, hazardous materials), using current electronic or manual system
- Secure freight inside trailers using appropriate tools and supplies (e.g
- Pallets, straps, rope)
- Recoup/repair damaged freight when necessary
- Verify and complete required documentation and reports
- Assist customers with freight and freight documentation as needed
- Perform hostling duties if required
Aquaponics Intern
Bluegrass Aquaponics
02.2016 - 05.2016
- Organized daily planting and harvest schedules, gaining valuable experience in greenhouse and indoor aquaponics system management
- Assisted in juvenile tilapia care and harvesting for orders
- During these internships, I gained hands-on experience in various aspects of aquaponics, from building and designing commercial systems to managing daily operations and providing essential training
- These opportunities deepened my knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices and cultivated my passion for controlled environment agriculture.
Education
BS - Agriculture Food and Environment, aquaculture
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY12.2018
High School Diploma - undefined
Anderson County High School
Lawrenceburg, KY05.2012
Skills
- Production Operations
- Organic Farming
- Crop Planning and Rotation
- Staff Training and Leadership
- Project Management
- Process Development
- Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
- Environmental Policy
- Inventory Management
- Contract Services
- Irrigation Systems
Timeline
Production Manager
SquareRoots Urban Growers
05.2022 - 08.2023
Aquaponics Consultant
Fusion Farms inc
02.2022 - 05.2022
Assistant Grower
AppHarvest inc
05.2020 - 02.2022
Greenhouse Construction Foreman & Aquaponics Consultant
HATponics inc
03.2019 - 04.2020
Farm Manager
FoodChain
08.2018 - 03.2019
Interim Farm Manager
EcoPonics Sahara Group
01.2018 - 08.2018
Aquaponics Intern
EcoPonics Sahara Group
05.2017 - 08.2017
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
05.2016 - 05.2018
Aquaponics Intern
Bluegrass Aquaponics
02.2016 - 05.2016
Forklift Operator
FedEx Freight
01.2014 - 05.2018
BS - Agriculture Food and Environment, aquaculture
Kentucky State University
High School Diploma - undefined
Anderson County High School
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