Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Elected Positions
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Juan Cornejo

Berwyn

Summary

Dynamic horticultural professional with extensive experience at UCP Seguin Garden & Gifts, specializing in plant care and workshop facilitation. Proven ability to lead teams and develop effective pest management strategies. Bilingual with strong organizational skills, committed to enhancing community engagement through innovative horticultural education and practices.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Greenhouse Specialist

UCP Seguin Garden & Gifts
11.2019 - 01.2024
  • Daily care of greenhouse and nursery plants includes planting, transplanting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, controlling insects and disease, ventilation, controlling weeds, and managing plant nutrients.
  • Preparing soil, planting seeds, applying fertilizer, and watering plants.
  • Created a foliar feeding schedule and pest management schedule.
  • Developed and facilitated workshops and classes on horticulture topics for the Chicago Public Library members, McNeal hospital staff, and Seguin customers. Topics included building pollinator gardens, companion planting, container planting, IPM classes, terrarium building, soil amendments, and victory gardens.
  • Trained volunteers on IPM for the greenhouse.
  • Supervised higher-functioning participants in Seguin to monitor and ensure safety.
  • Installed plants in businesses in Berwyn, Cicero, and Riverside.

Groundskeeper

Chicago Botanic Garden
08.2018 - 09.2018
  • Mowed lawns, trimmed weeds, and raked leaves as assigned.
  • Maintained plants and trees, raking and mulching leaves.
  • Cared for ornamental features such as fountains, planters, and benches.

Intern at the Japanese Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden
05.2018 - 08.2018
  • Assisted horticulturists with routine garden maintenance following the standards of three islands within the Japanese Garden.
  • Interacted with visitors and provided them with historical education on the philosophies that influenced the garden.
  • Briefed the Veteran Internship Program staff with a summary of job duties within the department.

Food and Nutrition Clerk

Loyola Hospital
02.2014 - 01.2015
  • Communicated with patients, nurses, dieticians, and diet technicians to edit menus in compliance with diet orders and assisted with tray line activities when needed.
  • Edited menu to ensure compliance with prescribed diets using the Nutrition Care Manual as guidance.
  • Recognized for exceptional work performance and received a personal award named Magi-Star.

Communications Chief

United States Marine Corps
11.2010 - 08.2012
  • Appointed into this higher-level position due to regard of communication experience and expertise.
  • Developed a systems approach toward communications, understanding wire, data, and satellite equipment capabilities and systems integration.
  • Prepared and executed radio communication plans vital to successful unit deployments concerning highly mobile and reliable communications.
  • Supervised the installation and operation of fixed and remote field radio stations.

Radio Supervisor-Field Radio Operator

United States Marine Corps
07.2004 - 08.2012
  • Established contact with distant stations, processed and logged transmissions, made changes to frequencies and cryptographic code via data transfer device.
  • Developed a radio communications plan, operated a radio system with advanced configurations, and operated commercial satellite communications terminals.
  • Properly installed and tuned radio systems including antennas and power sources, built field expedient antennas for cover and concealment.
  • Worked to maintain accurate functioning of communications equipment and conducted preventive maintenance checks and services.

Education

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies -

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
05.2025

Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Sergeants -

Camp Geiger School of Infantry
US Highway 17, Jacksonville NC, 28546
01.2010

Skills

  • Bilingual
  • CPR certified
  • Strong computer skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word
  • Proficient in Excel
  • Proficient in PowerPoint
  • Plant care
  • Soil management
  • Horticultural training
  • Customer service
  • Team leadership
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Communication planning
  • Seed propagation
  • Plant propagation
  • Weeding and watering
  • Nursery operations
  • Watering plants
  • Disease and infestation identification
  • Plant harvesting
  • Greenhouse technology
  • Plant care and maintenance
  • Biological Pest Control
  • Soil preparation
  • Horticultural techniques
  • Fertilizing
  • Crop irrigation
  • Brush removal
  • Landscaping
  • Pruning
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Garden center merchandising

Awards

  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (With one bronze star)
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal (With one bronze star)
  • Iraq Campaign Medal (With one bronze star)
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (third award)
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Navy Unit Accommodation (awarded thrice)
  • Meritorious Mast
  • Certificate of Accommodation (awarded thrice)
  • Letter of Appreciation
  • Certificate of Appreciation

Elected Positions

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Berwyn Post 2378, Quarter Master (Volunteer), 10/01/14, 12/31/17, Disperse funds in the amount designated on the voucher or order., A major factor in the success/failure of the post is the ability and efficiency of the Post Quarter Master.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Berwyn Post 2378, Surgeon (Volunteer), 10/01/14, 12/31/17, Chairman of the Health Committee., Implement health programs for the benefit of the post and community.
  • Chicago Veterans, Volunteer, Portage Park Clean-Up, 04/02/16, https://chicagovets.org/veteranscleanup/
  • Chicago Veterans, Volunteer player, Chicago Veterans Championship, 06/01/17, https://chicagovets.org/an-idea-that-led-to-a-championship-2/

Certification

  • Proven Winners Certification of Completion 2025 Certified Training Program

Timeline

Greenhouse Specialist

UCP Seguin Garden & Gifts
11.2019 - 01.2024

Groundskeeper

Chicago Botanic Garden
08.2018 - 09.2018

Intern at the Japanese Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden
05.2018 - 08.2018

Food and Nutrition Clerk

Loyola Hospital
02.2014 - 01.2015

Communications Chief

United States Marine Corps
11.2010 - 08.2012

Radio Supervisor-Field Radio Operator

United States Marine Corps
07.2004 - 08.2012

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies -

Chicago Botanic Garden

Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Sergeants -

Camp Geiger School of Infantry

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Juan Cornejo