Peter James Usilton pejamus@gmail.com
609.513.5862
Atlantic Cape Community College
Associates in Education Spring 2011
Temple University
Bachelors Environmental Studies Spring 2015
Sustainable Food Systems Certificate Summer 2015
Certified Aquaponics Specialist Nelson and Pade, Inc 2016
Summary
Graduate of Temple University with experience in urban agricultural systems management, edible-and-ornamental landscape design and management, cooperative business models, cooking, and community beautification projects. Passionate about food access, agriculture, and community empowerment. Great team player and leader. Alumni of City Year and Temple University.
Job Experience
Beach Plum Farm, Assistant Landscape Manager Spring 2018-Fall 2018
-Implemented landscape designs from lead Landscaper Harry Gamble, including edible, ornamental, and woody plants. Daily tasks included watering, weeding, propagation, planting.
-Installed extensive underground irrigation for both the farm and farm’s cottage properties
-Pruned and planted flowers, woody shrubs, ornamental plants
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Gardens Specialist September 2016-June 2017
-Managed greenhouse propagation for City Harvest community gardens as well as propagating for a 2.5 acre urban farm at ASD in the Philadelphia Prison System
-Daily responsibilities include propagation, irrigation maintenance and construction, weeding, planting and harvesting, crop rotation and soil management, managing diverse personalities and backgrounds, agricultural instruction, cooking education, small engines repair and maintenance, and landscaping/hardscaping.
Green Fish, LLC Horticulture Consultant August 2016
-Helped develop best practices for high-yield aquaponics systems based on pH, lighting, and environmental requirements in various aquaponics systems.
-Worked with peers and IT specialists to innovate aquaponics and hydroponics through the development and testing of remote-sensors to read DO, pH, lumens, and ammonia, and read data in real-time.
2 Dirty Dudes, LLC Independent Farm Contractor March 2015-July 2016
-Built Greenhouses, Garden Beds, and Hydroponics for Union Farms in Olney, as well as developed community partnerships for food distribution and volunteers. Oversaw day to day farm maintenance, repairs, and distribution for Union Farms. Installed a high-yield, efficient vertical hydroponics system and focused on soil amendments for raised organic gardening.
-Installed vertical hydroponics for Girard Dream Garden Community Garden in Brewerytown.
-Planned, constructed, and oversaw installation of hydroponics and aquaponics system at Creation Plantation in Louisburg, North Carolina.
Rad Dish Cooperative Cafe Founder, Sustainability and Social Justice Chair 2013-2015
-Planned, developed, and opened a student-run cooperative Cafe at Temple University. Founder of the Sustainability and Social Justice Committee. Tasks for the co-op included finding sustainable and ethical food system purveyors, seasonal menu development, business planning, and overseeing food prep and sanitation methods. The role of my committee ultimately became organizing guest speakers and events focused around
sustainability and food access in urban areas.
Professional References
Matt Lachapelle, Program Director, All Hands and Hearts Barranquitas (787)-692-4727
Harry Gamble, Landscape Manager, Beach Plum Farm, (856)472-5492
Tim Majoros, PHS Supervisor, Roots to Reentry tmajoros@pennhort.org (401)662-9695
Rick Rutherford, Owner/Operator Rio Station Restaurant. (609) 602-0088
Michael Bavas, Temple Ambler IT & Aquaponics Instruction. mbavas@temple.edu (215)280-7801
Christina Rosan, Professor Geography and Urban Studies Temple University. christina.rosan@temple.edu
Carol Smith, President Beckett Community Center. (215) 868-9003
Volunteer Experience
Americorps, City Year South Philadelphia High School 2012-2013: Math Coordinator, Music Club
Temple University Students for Environmental Action: Volunteer and Event Coordinator
All Hands and Hearts, Puerto Rico Disaster Relief, 2018: Assistant Team Leader, CGI Roof repair
Awards and Certifications
Seagall Education Award; $5500 scholarship
Outstanding Excellence in Public Speaking; Atlantic Cape Community College 2010 $500
Certified Aquaponics Specialist; Nelson and Pade, Inc. 2016
Managing Quickbooks for the Farm, University of Pennsylvania 2017