Charles Eckman Email & Phone Number

United States

Watersmeet, Michigan, United States

Lead Horticulturist; Assistant Manager (Up to 12 Employees) | February 2017 – January 2022• Ship 4M+ seedlings annually to Great Lakes Region Forests & create 10-year seed outlooks considering seed loss, disease, and more.• Engage with clients to discover needs and schedule annual seedling production according to scientific and production practices.• Manage seed storage and stratification and design detailed sowing plans for a wide range of threatened, endangered, & native species.• Oversee rootstock procurement and conifer grafting for regional seed orchards.• Act as Unit Safety Representative by facilitating pesticide training and maintaining records for nursery personnel.• Represent the nursery as an official liaison with Forest Service International Programs in Mozambique, Africa.• Consult with plant pathologist, entomologist, and soil scientists to support University of Minnesota NE Extension, Forest Growers.• Design, formulate, and perform cultural activities from soil preparation and weed control to sowing, irrigation, and fertilization.• Develop & implement programs to prevent, detect, and control damaging nursery pest and disease with Integrated Pest Management.• Interpret soil, foliar, and water tests to manage nutrient levels and identify deficiencies.

Moscow, Idaho, United States

• Directed all greenhouse operations from climate controls to irrigation, fertilization, and preventative maintenance.• Supported student research projects as designated botanical expert and consultant.• Provided research support to deliver technology and share knowledge to sustain and restore GSD ecosystems.• Produced native plant materials for revegetation and restoration in compliance with agency mission, national direction, & policies.• Administered chemical and mechanical treatments to control pest and disease.• Provided editorial support for the Native Plant Propagation Database.• Leveraged information management systems, including FACTS and NRIS, to gather, record, disseminate, and retrieve data.• Adapted, modified, and developed propagation protocols for under-researched species.• Promoted the protection of pollinators and their habitats at the Forest levels.• Coordinated with state agencies and other Forest Service programs.

Missoula, Montana, United States

• Managed native plant greenhouse and assisted with planting of native plans for the city’s 4000 acres of conservation lands.• Maintained and repaired all greenhouse heating, cooling, and irrigation systems.• Standardized and implemented seed collection and planting protocols and ensured reporting requirements were met.• Served as a subject matter expert by providing strategic advice and guidance to field units during site visits.• Optimized inventories by controlling quality of collected data.• Mobilized volunteers to plan & execute environmental education events discussing conservation of threatened/endangered species.

Bozeman, Montana, United States

• Advised homeowners, landscapers, developers, and property managers on restoration services, garden maintenance, and more.• Utilized advanced knowledge of plant ecology and taxonomy, native and ornamental plant communities, and ecosystem interactions.• Translated technical plant health, weed, and pest control concepts into understandable terms for non-technical audiences.• Elevated environmental awareness through discussion of pollinators, native plants, and prevention of invasive species.• Conducted site visits and consultations, developed proposals, and determined appropriate tools and equipment to complete work.• Sustained high levels of client satisfaction for completing work efficiently, on time, and according to client requirements.

International Falls, Minnesota, United States

• Coordinated native plant production program, including species selection, propagation, and execution of re-vegetation projects.• Designed and assisted in the construction of a greenhouse for plant production, including propagation, operations, and maintenance.• Provided technical, logistical, & field support for Natural Resources Conservation Service soil crew tasked with mapping the location.• Applied new developments to critical and novel problems and made recommendations that significantly impacted park programs.• Collected vegetation and phenological data at soil survey sites.• Assisted in the preparation of an aquatic invasive plant management environmental assessment.• Supervised team of up to 5 seasonal employees, including training on proper greenhouse operation and seed collection/processing.• Designed plant materials for ethno-botanical garden, including planning, planting, and garden construction processes.• Led staff, school groups, and volunteers in planting activities.• Utilized appropriate materials and methods to identify, monitor, control, and chemically and mechanically treat exotic park plants.• Ensured herbicide logs, weather forms, and GPS data was collected properly and within the Trimble GPS and ArcGIS systems.• Provided support to the wildlife program on beaver, moose, and cormorant studies.• Participated in restorative prescribed burns, including ignition, holding, and mop-up.• Supported the aquatic division in data collection of water quality for eight interior lakes in canoes, row boats, and other watercrafts.

Falcon Heights, Minnesota, United States

• Sowed seeds and propagated vegetative material in the greenhouses.• Planted greenhouse materials in outside trial beds.• Cultivated, fertilized, and prepared planting beds.• Conducted routine garden maintenance, including watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and herbicide applications.• Evaluated new cultivars overall performance throughout the year and collected and analyzed data.• Collaborated with the Garden Manager to supervise two staff members and delegate daily duties and project work.

Master'S Degree, Horticultural Science

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Ornamental Horticulture

Education record