Steven Van Natta

Chaska, Minnesota, United States

ad2kke@r.postjobfree.com 507-***-****

linkedin.com/in/steven-van-natta-10841a86

Summary

Driven and seasoned Professional Horticulturalist with a demonstrated history working in Horticulture. I have 30+ years of experience promoting plant health by utilizing best management practices and exercising Integrated Pest Management(IPM). I am a people-oriented leader who can deliver outstanding performance outcomes by developing talented, forward-thinking teams. Skilled in pest control, environmental awareness, horticulture, agronomy, equipment mechanics, irrigation site design and operation. Experience

Horticulture Manager

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/ Jul 2014 - Present (9 years 7 months)

Led staff that manage the maintenance of the grounds, Display gardens and Plant collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Forward-thinking Certified Professional Horticulturist with proven industry experience.

• Conscientious fiscal, facility and operations manager.

• Exceptional cultivator of productive and fruitful relationships, particularly with organizational board members, committee personnel and philanthropic donors.

• Empathic listener and persuasive, inspirational leader.

• Oversee current ecological restoration and management plan for sphagnum bog, tall grass prairie and woodland wildflower garden.

• Work with Landscape Horticulturalist, Plant Health Specialist, Director of Operations and Arboretum Director in the Project planning, Garden and Collection management decisions and control of invasive plant species within the boundaries of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

• Experience evaluating Requests for Proposals, reviewing project schedules, budgets, project plans and cost estimates.

• Excel at cultivating productive relationships with highly functioning teams from diverse backgrounds by recognizing strengths in terms of abilities, character, interests, and limitations. Build the team required to work well together and accomplish the overall mission.

• Prepares annual and long term work plan expenditures; assists in the budget preparation and analysis; estimates job and project costs of jobs; prepares budgets for capital landscaping projects; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to approved budgets Steven Van Natta - page 1

• Establishes courses of action by leveraging resources to complete departmental goals scheduling, prioritizing assignments and managing time to ensure that work is completed efficiently and effectively. Leads Arboretum Council as Chair

Turf Consultant/Sales

Ramy Turf Products

Mar 2014 - Jul 2014 (5 months)

I helped Decision Makers select various Seed and Re-vegetation products for their ongoing projects. I worked with Golf, Sports field, Parks and School Professionals. Certified Professional Horticulturalist(CPH) - ASHS Van Natta Landscape Solutions

Mar 1996 - Nov 2013 (17 years 9 months)

The study of plants has always fascinated me. My passion is to grow plants that improve people's quality of life and improve the environment.Of the many plant science disciplines, Horticulture is my favorite. I offer Professional Horticultural Consulting services to home owners, commercial landscape operators and recreation groundskeepers.

Certified Golf Course Superintendent(CGCS)

Perham Lakeside Country Club

Sep 1991 - Nov 2013 (22 years 3 months)

Implemented the necessary turf practices to insure exceptional playing conditions at this private country club. Developed maintenance protocols to ensure consistent playing conditions. Worked to meet customer satisfaction through effective communication, outstanding service and offering a high-quality product on a daily basis. I had the opportunity to build quality relationships with not only fellow co-workers but also customers who demanded a superior and consistent product. Utilized many different fungicides, insecticides,herbicides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and bio stimulates in the maintenance of all fine-turf areas. I have also had success in the researching, testing and implementation of these products in a turf grass management program. Practiced sound judgment in the control of pests while utilizing integrated pest management protocols. Effectively developed and managed human resources, departmental policies and procedures. Successfully developed standard operating procedures and protocols to optimize productivity of staff in assigned work activities.

Effectively established performance standards and annual performance reviews for assigned personnel. Scheduled, coordinated, directed, trained and supervised assigned team members on the installation and maintenance of trees and landscape plantings.

Coordinated a golf course construction project to implement flood control measures on (6) golf holes.This project received awards for outstanding design features and wetland enhancement. Steven Van Natta - page 2

Oversaw a course reconstruction project to adapt to a new highway inter-change.Developed and executed a plan to established several naturalized/low input areas as part of this project. Developed budget draft operations, capital improvement plans and equipment revolving budgets for consideration by Division Head.

Maintained relevant records, completed reports, and tracked supply inventories. Golf Course Superintendent

Perham Lakeside Country Club

Feb 1988 - Sep 1991 (3 years 8 months)

Acting Superintendent of the Golf Course during the original construction of 18 Holes. Worked in tandem with Golf Course Architect Joel Goldstrand. Personally led all seeding and playing surface establishment.

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Eau Claire Golf and Country Club

Mar 1985 - Feb 1988 (3 years)

Golf Course Superintendent

Rolling Oaks Golf Course

Apr 1980 - Mar 1985 (5 years)

Participated in the Grow-In and establishment of the Golf Course. Participated in the day-to-day Maintenance, Cultural Turf Practices, Plant Protectant Applications and Fertilizer applications.

Maintained and scheduled Irrigation System

Trained and instructed subordinates.

Education

University of Minnesota

Masters, Professional Studies in Horticulture

2019 - 2021

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Bachelor of Science (BS), Plant Sciences

1982 - 1986

Licenses & Certifications

Certified Professional Horticulturalist - American Society for Horticultural Science Steven Van Natta - page 3

Certified Golf Course Superintendent - Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

RCR Core - CITI Program

32106300

Skills

Sales Processes • Direct Sales • Environmental Education • Customer Satisfaction • Account Management • Farms • Construction Management • Landscape Construction • Presentation Skills • Communication

Steven Van Natta - page 4

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