High School Natural Resources

Location:

New Orleans, LA

Posted:

March 24, 2025

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Ahmad R. Robertson

**** *** ***

Greensburg, LA *0441

832-***-****

***********@*****.***

Professional Summary

A career position as an USDA Soil Urban Conservationist. My goal is to work with agricultural clientele to plan and organize a well- balanced agriculture program in my domicile. I plan on working with area farmers and ranchers to design conservation plans and monitor conditions. Provide research based educational material and programming with area clientele on conserving the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources.

Skills

Customer and Personal Service

Active Learning

Reading Comprehension

Judgement and Decision Making

Management of Material Resources

Planning

Team Building

Qualifications

Hands-on experience working in an agricultural laboratory

Through knowledge of developing strategies to manage agriculture, food and natural resources.

Outstanding ability to deal with students in outdoor classroom and teaching across the curriculum.

Education

St. Helena Central High School

Hwy 37 Greensburg, LA 70441

Tops High School Diploma and completed Agriculture Sciences 1-4.

Southern University A&M College

801 Harding Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

Agricultural Sciences, Received Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry Plant & Soil Sciences.

December 12, 2005

Work Experience

USDA Farm Service Agency

Urban Agriculture County Executive Director

2520 Bayou Road

New Orleans, LA 70119

June 4, 2023-Present

Duties

My role as Urban Ag CED, I provide direction to my Program Technicians and oversight for FSA commodity, conservation, and livestock programs in Jefferson and Orleans parish. I directed and managed FSA programs with our urban county committee. I attend field, and outreach activities on the North and South shore to accomplish Farm service agency urban agriculture program objectives.

Participate in public outreach forums

• Target information for programs to urban producers

• Encouraging urban producer participation in COC elections

• Developing partnerships to provide FSA services to urban producers

• Performing Outreach Coordinator Activities at all levels of FSA for urban producers

• Developing or analyzing strategic outreach plans and target program outreach events

• Organizing and attending lender meetings and contacts

• Small business outreach efforts

• Preparing or reviewing outreach reports, including tracing and reporting outreach events in the Outreach Tracking and Information System

• Preparing and sending newsletters that provide information related to the new Farm Bill

• Legislation, signup dates for programs, and other topics related to the Farm Bill

• Planning for and speaking at informational meetings held with urban producers to discuss new programs or changes to existing programs

St. Helena College & Career Academy

14349 LA-37,

Greensburg, LA 70441

November 27, 2016-Present

Agriscience Instructor

Duties

My role as FFA Advisor improved the quality of instruction on Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. I utilized the mindful teaching strategy for integrating academic and Ag education model; FFA, outdoor laboratory, and classroom. Provided students with equitable Supervised Agricultural Experiences leading to career preparation. I attended summer workshops and Leadership conferences with FFA students.

Taught Agriscience Fundamentals, Horticulture Technology, Small Animal Care, Equine Science, Animal Science, Landscape and Turf Management, IBCA, and Journey to careers.

Created Lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school district standards.

Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.

Pursued professional development activities to broaden and deepen knowledge of content and teaching skills.

Created an interactive classroom atmosphere to maintain student’s interest and facilitates learning.

On November 10, 2022, I’m leading a USDA Conservation project in our School District.

Pine Grove Elementary CRP Bats

Woodland High School Forest Stewardship

Oak lawn High School Forest Stewardship

Soil Conservationist Lauren Liuzza, Dr. Williams State Forester, and Mr. Mallach. Established property deeds and survey to create the Farm and Tract number.

St. Helena College & Career Academy

14349 LA-37,

Greensburg, LA 70441

November 27, 2016-Present

Assistant Football Coach/ Defensive Line Coach

Duties

My role as a Defensive line coach was to make sure the defensive line executes the weekly game plan set by the defensive coordinator. I trained my player’s skills and techniques; reading run plays, controlling gaps, rushing the passer. Also run scout team cards, JV Defensive coordinator, and kick off team coordinator.

Built strong rapport with athletes and assistants before, during and after coaching seasons.

Maintains through knowledge of all rules, games procedures, coaching techniques and current current trends in football Ex. Alabama, Glazier, Southern University, Tulane, and LSU coaching clinics.

Worked with football coaching staff regarding weekly game scouting reports and game strategies for opponents.

Designed D-Line fronts, drills and organized game strategies.

Completed certification standards for coaching and emergency medical treatment.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Soil Conservationist

201 N Central Ave.

Idabel, Oklahoma 74745

10/1/ 2016 -11/28/2016

Duties

Determine the extent and cause of land erosion, soil conservationists take measurements and collect soil samples.

Present clients with reports and help them develop management and conservation plans, which can include cost and time calculations.

Utilize engineering manuals and technical guides to create specifications for plan implementation.

Performed long-term monitoring to ensure conservation plans are properly followed.

Louisiana Landscape Forestry

805 St. Louis St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

October 2002- April 2005

Supervisor Steve Shurtz 225-***-****

25 Hrs. a week

Internship

My role was to provide landscape design stages through planting. The project consisted of planting urban native trees throughout downtown Baton Rouge. Also landscape beautification projects were maintained seasonally in the street medians. All the projects maintenance and planting data was recorded in Microsoft Excel.

Southern University Agricultural Center

P.O. Box 10010 Baton Rouge, LA 70813

October 1, 2013 – October 1, 2016

Assistant Area Agriculture & Natural Resource County Agent St. Helena & Tangipahoa Parish

Dr. Gina Eubanks 225-***-****

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center

Dr. Dawn Mellion Patin 225-***-****

Southern University Agricultural Research Center

Duties

My duties as an Area A.N.R. County Agent focus on conducting basic and applied research, and disseminate information to the clientele of South East LA that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic and cultural needs. I provide leadership and non-formal education in agricultural programming to commercial and consumer vegetable producers, beef cattle producers, school and community gardens, and through the program Building Opportunities Through Leadership and Development.

Agricultural Leadership

Tomato Variety Trial demonstration

1.Action:

St. Helena and Tangipahoa farmers were encouraged to visit the demonstration plots. An available list of varieties and ratings were given to area producers. The tomato trial demonstration was used as a teaching tool for horticulture advisory members, Master gardeners, and farmers in the South East Region. All participating farmers were asked to grow the tomatoes on plastic mulch, using drip irrigation and to incorporate a conventionally based fungicide spray program to prevent infestation of diseases.

Outcome:

The purpose was to determine if a particular TSWV-resistant variety yielded better than others and also to see if any were susceptible to TSWV. Nine TSWV-resistant tomato varieties were grown in four locations in St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish. LSU Ag Center specialist Dr. Kiki Fontenot, Dr. Melanie Ivey and Alejandra Jimenez visited the plots quarterly and gave best management recommendations.

Area farmers visited the demonstrations sites and were informed about variety performance, insect and disease control. The farmers had the opportunity to taste the different varieties and were made aware of plant size, foliage coverage, exterior color, interior color, firmness, cracking, fruit size and yields.

Goal: Vegetable growers to increase knowledge and skills in Agriculture and Natural Resource sustainable production.

Action: 1. Farmers were encouraged to attend LSU/SU Ag Center workshops, conferences, and demonstration trial plots.

2. Farm visits as needed to assist integrated disease and pest management, weed control, pasture, and garden soil analysis test.

3. St. Helena Horticulture and A.N.R. Advisory meeting to discuss needs and identify critical needs and concerns of the area producers USDA St. Helena & Tangipahoa Parish FSA and NRCS.

4. Louisiana Master Cattleman Florida Parishes Class.

5. Conservation programs and practices.

Outcome:

Area farmers were able to choose the best chemicals to control insects and disease. Farmers are more aware of the importance of applying chemicals safely and correctly. 25% of the area farmers attended small farmers conferences, USDA Local working Group, H.P.I., research & extension conferences, parish vegetable growers meetings, agritourism, and Louisiana S.A.R.E. Farm tours. 100% of the participants received recertification for the pesticide card. Over 100 youth and adults participated in 2015 St. Helena sustainable farm tours. Over 200 ranchers, and farmers, gathered at the cattle farm. Over 35 farmers and Tangipahoa Master Gardeners attended the 2015 Roselle Hibiscus workshop. Over 30 ranchers attended the St. Helena H.P.I. summer and winter forage management, herd health management, and pasture weed management educational workshops.

St. Helena & Tangipahoa A.N.R. Horticulture Advisory Board 2016 USDA

I invited USDA employee’s Patrick Babineaux County Executive Director. Terrick Boley Loan Officer, Brandon Bates District Soil Conservationist, and Mack McCraney Rural Development.

Assist area producers with implementing conservation programs (EQIP) on their farms. Engaged area clientele about the livestock Indemnity program, Microloans, Nap insurance, and Drought Assistance. Hosted educational field days with St. Helena and Tangipahoa USDA staff so area clientele can be more aware of government programs and Farm Bill.

Assisted Dexter Sapp NRCS Strike Force and invited over 75 farmers and ranchers of the Florida Parishes. The meeting was held in St. Helena Parish at our Multipurpose facility. Mr. Sapp provided outreach to the clientele on USDA strike force iniative.

Tangipahoa-St. Helena Land Conservation

USDA District Soil Conservationist Brandon Bates

Attended meetings of the SWCD and assisted farmers and ranchers on various conservation systems.

2015 Florida Parishes Louisiana Master Cattleman Class:

The 42 participants who successfully completed the course received a Master Cattleman cap and a metal farm sign to signify endorsement. The Master Cattleman program involved 10 sessions covering a wide range of material about beef production. The commodity-specific program gives beef producers the tools they need in order to implement important beef cattle best management practices. It also allowed participants further integration into farm management and marketing components related to beef production. St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish have thirty certified Louisiana Master Cattleman after completing their thirty required hours.

Goal: Roselle Hibiscus Production Trial Demonstration Plots

1. Action:

St. Helena and Tangipahoa farmers were encouraged to add Roselle Hibiscus to their farming operation. Transplants and seeds were given to farmers to incorporate in their summer and fall garden at the educational workshop. The Roselle trial demonstration plots were used as a teaching tool for horticulture advisory members, master gardeners, and farmers in the South East Region.

Outcome:

The purpose was to conduct research on Jamaican and Thailand hibiscus variety. The two varieties were grown in eight locations in St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish. The farmers had the opportunity to learn about nutritional value, disease management, and production under various growing conditions. Dr. Jana Snowden and Dr. Melanie Ivey visited the plots quarterly and gave best management practices. Area farmers visited the demonstrations sites and were informed about variety performance, insect and disease control. The farmers had the opportunity to taste test wine, tea, jelly, and calyx’s yields. The hibiscus production allowed growers to introduce its products to area farmers markets, and it allowed small farmers to increase its marketability and profitability.

Over 35 farmers and Tangipahoa Master Gardeners attended the 2015 Roselle Hibiscus workshop. Producers left the workshop with information that will help them become prepared for the niche market, enable

The demonstrated medicinal properties and a populace with increased interest in natural products to maintain good health have made Roselle hibiscus plant as a high cash-value functional crop for small farm production.

“The Roselle is up and growing again this spring in St. Helena and Tangipahoa parish. While it is pretty enough all summer long with its dark green, dissected leaves, and red stems, that’s only the beginning of the show. As the season progresses, it gets better as the flowers bloom and the bright red calyces line the stem, said Robertson. Mid- April is a great time to plant Roselle hibiscus with an expected harvest period within 180 days late September until November before the first frost occur.

Teamwork

Situation: In today’s society, computers, gaming systems, and electronic devices all seem to have become a major part of youth everyday life.

Action:

1. SET Animal Science

2. 4-H Beef and Meat Goats Livestock projects.

3. St. Helena Goat Club and Tangipahoa Market Steers.

Outcome:

The traits learned in the youth livestock project build character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Just the daily task of feeding, watering, showmanship, and animal care; alone contribute to the strengthening all the traits listed above in youth development. The livestock project helps youth become involved in a positive learning experience such as 4-H. The youth exhibited their animals at the listed fall and spring livestock shows; Tangipahoa parish, Southern University, and Shreveport.

Goal: Building Opportunities Through Leadership & Development Community & Economic Development. St. Helena & Tangipahoa Youth to become more aware of Agricultural Opportunities.

Action:

1.Assist area youth with hands on school garden and landscape beautification projects with plant demonstrations, insect life cycle and fruit and vegetable production.

2. Support and Participate in Ag Wonders and 4-H Fest.

3. Assist area youth with 4-H Livestock Projects; commercial heifers, steers, and market goats.

4.USDA Loan officer Terrick Boley assisted our youth on microloans in Tangipahoa parish.

Outcome:

St. Helena Central School and Tangipahoa School Garden supports and promotes a sustainable garden and nutrition based learning programs in St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish. We empower youth and kids to embrace healthy eating habits and to develop respect and stewardship of all living things. The following schools are on the school garden curriculum St. Helena Arts & Technology, St. Helena Head start, Ponchatoula High, Hammond Magnet High, Hammond Culinary Arts Institution, Amite Elementary Magnet, and Hammond Junior High with school garden projects. The schools have vegetable plots that grow fall and spring fresh produce school to farm. The youth have harvest days after each semester and share the rewards with their families. All of the school garden students learned how to plant seeds, transplant, plant spacing, and depth. Students keep records of fertilization, irrigation, and weed control. Also youth landscape and design their garden projects in the spring and fall of the school year.

1.Assisted Tangipahoa 4-H Club at Camp Grant Walker in Pollack, LA as an Adult Leader; it was an excellent experience that help youth appreciate the outdoors, live together as a group, and appreciate their peers. The youth had an opportunity to participate in six activity tracks dramatic arts, get ready s.e.t., outdoor adventures, wetlands, hunter safety certification, and fit for the future. Fifty eight youth from Tangipahoa attended and participated at camp.

5.Assisted St. Helena youth at 4-H University in Baton Rouge, LA. I had the pleasure of assisting Dr. Kiki Fontenot, and Mr. Bobby Williams in plant science and horticulture judging education courses. Eight youth from Tangipahoa parish attended the plant science educational course. The youth had the opportunity to learn about Louisiana horticulture. Also it was a great opportunity to mentor St. Helena Male youth and give them advice on career choices and life skills.

6.Assisted St. Helena youth at 4-H Challenge Camp November 10-12, 2015. It’s a learning experience where youth can learn team building, decision making, communication and conflict resolution skills in the great outdoors. They learn and practice living together as a group, getting along with others, and appreciating people different interests and backgrounds

Highlights

Efficient organizational and management skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite-Excel, Word and Power Point

In-depth knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development of educational programs

Differentiated instruction techniques

Advising FFA Chapter

Working with diverse student population

AEST Certified

Professional Membership

Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

St. Helena Heifer International Organization

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)