Leigh Pickering, MLD, CPH

Experience

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  National Zoological Park

  Jun 1982 - Jun 1984

  Animal Keeper, Birds

  Provide direct care and feeding for a wide array of birds. Maintain plants in and construct or renovate exhibits. Capture and handle birds for health procedures. Observe and record daily behavior, Design and install new species-appropriate exhibits and plantings. participated in several breeding and research projects including the Hoopoe, Sun Bittern, and Double Crested Cormorant. Attend weekly necropsy analyses. Educate public about birds in collection and train volunteers in keeper duties.

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  Virgin Grand Beach Hotel

  Mar 1987 - Oct 1987

  Landscape Gardener, Virgin Islands

  - Maintain on-site nursery for a 20- acre resort property and its multi-year construction installations. - Install and maintain specialty landscape beds. - Oversee requisite pesticide application. - Maintain all interior plants in multiple resort buildings. - Design and create floral arrangements for resort common areas and restaurants from on-site plants.- Train student interns from local high school.

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  Westfield Realty Company

  Oct 1987 - Mar 1988

  Assistant Manager, Landscaping

  - Supervise plant technicians responsible for the care of primarily interior plants (and some exterior displays) throughout multiple properties in Rosslyn, VA. (Including, for example: 25' Ficus trees, orchids within a waterfall, and monthly flower rotations for both interior and exterior sites). - Prune and secure plantings, apply pesticides, and install drainage systems and artificial plant displays.

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  Campbell and Ferrara Nurseries

  Mar 1988 - Jun 1989

  Landscape Foreman

  - Trained and supervised multiple crews for commercial and residential landscape/hardscape installations. - Created objective systems and procedures which ensured installation projects were consistent with the original plan design, installed on time and within budget. - Installed plantings, trees and hardscaping from landscape plans- Operated Front-end loaders, commercial trucks and tank trailers.

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  LandscaPerfect

  Jan 1989 - Jan 2000

  Independent Business Owner; Designer/Sales

  • Established and operated a full service residential and commercial design and installation business. • Developed and implemented payroll and accounting systems. • Hired and trained both management and crew level employees. • Oversaw company marketing efforts, landscape/hardscape plan design, project estimating, local code compliance, on-site installation and customer relations.

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  Springfield Nursery, Inc.

  Mar 2000 - Jul 2001

  Landscape Designer/ Sales

  • Surveyed and assessed residential and commercial properties; recommended landscape action plans, specifications and schedules based on evaluations. • Designed landscape, hardscape and lighting plans (ranging from engineered retaining walls to complex water features) using CAD based software programs. • Coordinated with Installation Manager and provided oversight of actual on-site installation. • Researched and ensured compliance with multiple local construction codes. Obtained government permits and conducted soil sampling as needed. • Developed specific cost (labor and materials) estimates and create specifications for installation of designs.• Presented design and maintenance plans to governing boards and individual clients. • Served as primary client contact for design and installation projects. • Created commercial and homeowner marketing packages and seasonal company newsletter. Show less

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  USDA APHIS PPQ

  Sept 2002 - May 2004

  Agriculture Quarantine Inspector

  • Inspected cargo, passenger baggage and aircraft for evidence of pests, diseases and contaminants. • Served as liaison to citizens, third-party business personnel (e.g., passengers and brokers) and other federal agencies regarding Agriculture regulations and compliance procedures. • Monitored official communications and integrated policy changes into daily inspection activities. • Training included 160 hours of Entomology Laboratory and 160 hours of “Regulatory Decision Making”.• Received internal employee recognition for new national record and interception of several species of invasive pests* Produced posters and flyers for several Cultural Diversity airport functions using MS Publisher; prepared workload graphs and violation notices. Show less

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  LandscaPerfect

  Mar 2004 - now

  Landscape Designer/ Consultant

  I am a versatile landscape designer focused currently on the modern landscape use of appropriate native plantings and aesthetic stormwater management in the suburban environment, and its incorporation into traditionally designed architecture. I also advise on arboricultural care and soil improvement techniques. I am also skilled in the design of cultural and historic landscape features: Boxwood parterres, espalier, pleached alles, and stonework. I have decades of residential work, and my current focus is directed towards updating traditional properties and multi-unit communities. I have reached many of these clients through speaking presentations, Audubon outreach events, fellow Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners and Tree Stewards. and years with my own installation firm of the same name. Show less

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  Arlington County Parks

  Jun 2004 - Jan 2007

  • Supervised multiple work crews and directed daily landscape maintenance activities at county parks, streetscapes and public areas. • Designed and supervised installation and/or maintenance of numerous landscape projects at various Arlington County properties, including (a) its 3,500 specimen Rose Garden and (b) its 12,000 square feet of annual plant displays (rotated twice yearly). Oversaw greenhouse propagation operations in support of annuals program and Rose Garden spraying program. • Developed and operated within an established budget. Formulated protocols for working within the County purchasing system. • Supported Arlington County plan review, including the provision of specific design input and maintenance assessments (e.g., maintenance impact analyses). • Developed comprehensive landscape schedule and long-term organizational protocols to maximize staff efficiency.• Developed enhanced procurement procedures and ensured proper staff maintenance of tools, equipment, supplies and vehicles. • Assessed landscape maintenance contractor compliance and provided specific recommendations to property managers. • Directly involved with Arlington County citizens in addressing their issues and expectations (both in person and electronically). Regularly met with citizens groups and committees as a representative of the Landscape Section. • Designed and supervised implementation of display booths for numerous community events. • Responsible for day-to-day staff coordination, including (a) assignment of employee duties and roles, (b) resolution of personnel issues and (c) scheduling and training. • Created and produced an extensive and comprehensive “Landscape Team Leader Manual” and “Landscape Section North Parks & Properties Manual”. Show less • Designed, planned, scheduled and coordinated all landscape installation and maintenance projects with respect to a seventeen block urban area in Rosslyn, Virginia (including a 10,000 square foot annual plant display, rotated twice yearly). • Developed and implemented integration of landscape teams and work crews necessary to effectuate completion of large scale installations; provided on-site employee training as to landscape techniques and procedures.• Designed plans and developed line item cost estimates in connection with various landscape installations. • Purchased and maintained tool, equipment and supply inventory. • Developed purchasing and supply protocols and maintained a system for tracking expenditures and monitoring budget line items. • Negotiated and monitored vendor contract development and fulfillment. • Created digitized database of managed properties. Maintained supervisory and administrative records. • Served at liaison to citizens and local business owners regarding ongoing projects and regarding issues and concerns thereof. • Supervised the daily activities of BID “Ambassadors”. • Created and produced a comprehensive “Rosslyn BID” employee procedure manual. Show less

  • Landscape Team Leader, Northside

    Jan 2005 - Jan 2007

  • Urban Park Specialist

    Jun 2004 - Jul 2005
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  United States Botanic Garden

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  Supervisory Horticulturist

  • Managed all horticultural appearance and health at the Conservatory (including the surrounding three acres of grounds). Oversaw plant care, pest and disease management, soils management, plant-related safety issues and building/property safety and maintenance.• Oversaw seasonal exterior and ongoing interior flowering plant rotations throughout the property.• Developed and implemented IPM scouting system and coordinated spraying and beneficial release schedules.• Prepared work orders for all physical plant maintenance needs prioritized by visitor/staff safety.• Maintained administrative records and complied with federal procurement procedures for obtaining needed tools and supplies within budget.• Supervised execution of contracts and directed contractors in providing and fine-tuning needed services.• Supervised and coached team leaders and employees in techniques and care of plant collections. Assigned staff additional duties as needed to achieve organizational goals. Addressed and resolved personnel issues, and recommended and scheduled training as appropriate to employees’ needs. Ensured staff compliance with OSHA, EPA, EEO and Worker Safety procedures.• Provided and coordinated horticultural support including plant propagation, exhibit creation and maintenance for Public Programs classroom and exhibit activities. Coordinated horticultural support for numerous events, including the summer Terrace show, holiday displays, APGA activities, Herb Days and private Congressional functions.• Coordinated horticulture volunteer schedules and activities in the Conservatory (including their work in the gardens and with on-staff Gardeners). Show less

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  Graduate School USA

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2013

  Instructor of Landscape Plants

  Created comprehensive graduate level curriculum related to plant identification and landscape design.Delivered wide‐ranging academic and practical presentations to graduate students, both in the classroom and in the field.Developed and administered testing and grading parameters consistent with the standards and goals of the school administration.

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  Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery

  Aug 2011 - May 2012

  Nursery Manager

  • Manage all aspects of a local-genotype native plant nursery with over 30,000 woody and herbaceous plants of 300 species, including propagation, irrigation, facilities, production and database management.• Train and supervise an all-volunteer staff of all ages and abilities in propagation and nursery care.• Advise clients and provide species recommendations based on site conditions and needs; either restoring ecological communities or residential and commercial landscaping.• Create and deliver PowerPoint lectures on several sustainable topics to citizen audiences. Show less

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  Arlington County Public Schools

  Sept 2012 - Oct 2013

  Visiting Horticulturist; Consultant

  ‘ Assess and implement the collaborative educational goals of the school administration, teachers, parents and children as they relate to horticulture, native plants, sustainability and the natural world.‘ Deliver comprehensive academic and practical presentations to students, parents and teachers.‘ Guide parent volunteers and students in “hands on” endeavors, including the preparation of planting beds; the planting of vegetable gardens; the analysis and planting of a native plant meadow; and, invasive plant removal events on property.‘ Prepare and promulgate teaching and overview documentation which prioritizes outdoor landscape and gardening priorities consistent with the school’s program goals.‘ Design and build an outdoor worm/root display box which allows students to view a natural habitat and for teachers to supplement their classroom curriculum. Show less

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  Audubon Society of Northern Virginia

  Jan 2013 - Oct 2015

  Arlington/Alexandria Audubon at Home Program Coordinator

  • Arrange and conduct site visits for property owners interested in creating habitat for wildlife. • Evaluate sustainability of landscape practices, identify plants and provide suggestions for site improvements to increase food/water/cover/ safety for wildlife. • Maintain documentation for quarterly reports to regional administration. • Create web content for targeted outreach to urban and small property owners; create display materials and presentations for community groups and events. • Create streamlined “ambassador” training documentation for the layperson to provide effective site visits. Show less

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  Washington Golf & Country Club

  Aug 2015 - Jul 2020

  Supervisory Horticulturist

  • Direct and implement all aspects of landscape operations (exclusive of turf and tree removal) on a 125-acre country club property. • Design natural areas, seeded meadows, shrub and perennial beds, showy annual beds, tropical container planters, RPA’s, woodlands and streambanks, and stormwater management features• Purchase all materials, and equipment for implementation of designs and maintenance of landscape and facilities. Schedule all department activities.• Hire and train employees in all aspects of landscape installation and maintenance procedures, annual flower display and tropical container installation and maintenance, propagation, equipment operation and vehicle handling, plant identification, and invasive plant removal. Schedule professional training for staff and self; provide training materials in Spanish and English as appropriate. Translate employee manual to Spanish for staff.• Coordinate with contractors and local government representatives:Masonry, Irrigation, electrical, building maintenance, and site maintenance contractors, Stormwater facility inspectors, County arborists, et. al.• Coordinate with staff and support events for Dining, Golf, Pool, Tennis, and Banquets, as well as General Manager and Member requests• Participate in preparations for 2018 golf course renovation including consulting and advising Superintendent regarding mature tree transplanting and viability, horticultural aspects of re-vegetation of natural areas (soils restoration, species selection, etc.), transplanting of existing shrubs and perennials from construction areas and creating nursery storage, generating greenhouse structure specifications and related supplies for purchase; layout and installation of on-site native plant propagation nursery, collect native seeds and propagative material from existing native flora on property and propagate.• Prepare brief presentations on selected topics for members/staff as requested. Show less

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  Wheat's Lawn & Custom Landscape, Inc.

  Apr 2022 - Nov 2022

  Landscape Designer

  Analyze site conditions, plant health, customer desires and aesthetics to create landscape designs for qualified customers in select areas of Northern VA and the Metro area. Lay out and oversee installation of projects.