Operations Manager, Horticulture and Grounds maintenance

Anna-Marie Landschoot Burrows

Ajax, Ontario 905-***-****

adcgif@r.postjobfree.com

Operations Manager Profile

Extensive history of success strategizing ground-breaking projects for enhanced operational efficiency.

Repeated success guiding sizeable, cross-functional teams in the conception, funding, development, and launch of leading-edge business solutions. Talent for launching programs, policies, and initiatives that promote sustainability, efficiency, and safety. Expert presenter, negotiator, and businessperson; able to forge solid relationships with partners, build consensus across multiple organizational levels, and secure significant grants. Skilled in MS Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) with the ability to quickly adopt and utilize modern technologies, policies, and methodologies.

Highlights of Expertise

Business & Project Planning

Project Management

Team Leadership & Guidance

Project Proposals & Funding

Program Development

Strategic Consultation

Process Improvement

Change Management

Continuous Improvement

Career Experience

Toronto Zoo, Scarborough, Ontario

Manager, Horticulture & Grounds (2008 to November 2019)

Administrated a team of 90 Ground maintenance professionals and 3 supervisors through all operations and initiatives relating to horticulture, environmental, material collection, custodial and facility maintenance activities. While providing mentorship and instilling a dedicated focus on continuous improvement while managing budgets, masterminding projects, and collaborating with landscape architects, partners, and contractors. Create and deliver presentations for executives to secure project approval and funding for diverse sustainability, agricultural and conservation initiatives. Interface with government organizations to supply expert consultation on natural heritage planning concepts. Establish environmental branch procedures and policies for the Toronto Zoo site.

Strategized and directed complex projects for the daily upkeep, maintenance, and improvement of facilities, exhibits, and landscaping within the zoo. Maintain facilities and responded to problems, as well as the needs of staff and guests to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of systems and equipment.

Develop and supervisor day-to-day routines and programs for all Toronto Zoo 720 acres and facilities. Responsible for monitoring staff and contractor adherence to applicable regulatory codes, safety standards and processes.

Executed a strategic plan for modernization at the zoo, conceptualizing and implementing innovative policies and programs aimed at optimizing various aspects of the organization.

Generated a tactical succession plan involving the development and use of a browse farm, apple orchard and an agri-food greenhouse for the continuous, economical production of food for animals at the zoo. Trained personnel in greenhouse operations and planting techniques with the development of a training manual written by me.

Produced hazard assessments and response processes to ensure the safe training of equipment use and pest management as well as the proper investigation and correction of incidents. Created a tree maintenance program for the Toronto Zoo to maintain a safe environment for guests and staff throughout the site.

Directed natural heritage programming from conservation area management planning within the Rouge Forest to restoration and stewardship initiatives to drive all objectives for the Toronto Rouge Conservation Authority.

Responsible for the purchasing of equipment for entire Toronto Zoo maintenance department. Contacting vendors, arranging for demonstration of equipment, completion of Request for Proposals and purchasing of units.

Toronto Zoo, Scarborough, Ontario

Supervisor, Horticulture & Material Collection (2006 to 2008)

Responsible for day to day operation of Horticulture North and the entire site for Material Collection.

Provided ongoing leadership and clear, consistent direction and development to the Horticultural team of 9 full time unionized staff and 27 seasonal unionized staff.

Co-ordinated and oversaw all project work and designs, including liaison with landscape contractors.

Responsible for the operating budget of $1.3 million for the Horticulture North and Material Collection.

Trained staff members on equipment operations including weed trimmers, walk behind self-propelled mowers, tractors, John Deere front mounts, Toro Zero turn mowers, Commercial Vehicle trucks, sander units for winter, brine application units, fall protection and chain saw operation.

Developed training material for new hires in full time and seasonal positions by creating a checklist to track and confirm that staff are trained on each required area.

Staples, Ajax, Ontario

Sales Manager (2004 to 2006)

Handle all areas of operations for a retail store that completes over 4 million in sales for a year.

White Rose Home and Garden, Scarborough, Ontario

Store Manager (1990 to 2004)

Maximize customer satisfaction and revenue goals by developing and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies for local markets.

Oversaw the day to day operations of the entire store including inventory control and maintenance of plant material.

Responsible for the contracts for the building maintenance, including snow removal, lawn care and irrigation maintenance for the premises.

Designed floor plans for seasonal layouts on a continuous basis for in store displays.

Evaluated weekly profit and loss statements to establish strengths, weaknesses and a plan of action for improvement.

Aid in the development of waste reduction for the store operations through recycled cardboard and plant material programs.

Ensured the operation maintained the policies, procedures, vision and culture of the company with a hands-on management approach.

Maintained a strong staff interaction and communication through consistent presence and availability on the retail floor.

Raised over $1600 to aid in the development of the Butterfly meadow at the Toronto Zoo. Involved with Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, various schools for fundraising and Co-op programs as a mentor.

Planned events such as the Canada Bloom booth, lectures for Canada Bloom and the Toronto Garden show.

The store was awarded the Best Store for Customer Service and Satisfaction by the Scarborough Mirror for Garden Centre category 1999 thru to 2004.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario

Certifications

Class 1 & Class 3 Pesticide Licenses

Registered Playground Practitioner

Project Management Professional (PMP) – Graduating 2021

Supervising in a Unionized Environment by Pearlman and Associates

Certified Operator of Compost Facility

Rain Garden Design and Construction Landscape Ontario

Fall Protection Requirements for Industrial Establishments Industrial Safety Trainers

Operator Supervisory Course – Level 1 Ground Force Training Inc.

Trail Special Workshop – Ontario Parks Association

Class G driver’s license with Z endorsement. Scheduled to take D course at Durham college.

Professional Development

Teambuilding & Leadership – Ontario Management Development Program

ISO 14001: 2004 Awareness & Overview – AQA International

Scaffolding and Working at Heights

Backhoe and Loader certification City of Toronto

Skid Steer Operator Battlefield Professional Safety Training Program

Chainsaw operator Doss Rumford Training

Trained on Dynamics for work order initiating and tracking until completion.

Affiliations

Ontario Urban Forest Association

Ontario Invasive Plant Council

Ontario Arboriculture Society

City of Toronto Waste Diversion Committee

Landscape Ontario

Energy from Waste, Waste Management Advisory Committee

Malvern Family Resource Center, Board Member

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