Forrest Short
Salem
Summary
Hardworking Groundskeeper and Pesticide Applicator with dedicated work ethic, keen attention to detail and thriving in self-motivated settings. Managing multiple, concurrent projects to completion with attention to quality and timeliness. Experienced in maximizing fertility and quality of warm and cool season turf grasses within the transition zone.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager of Turfgrass Research Center
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
08.2025 - Current
- Organized and managed student scheduling to optimize academic resources.
- Conducted targeted chemical treatments to manage pest populations and enhance plant vitality.
- Performed regular maintenance of greens to enhance turf health and aesthetics.
- Oversaw facility management operations to ensure optimal functionality and safety standards.
- Managed inventory and maintenance of equipment to support seamless operations.
Groundskeeper/Pesticide Technician
Roanoke Country Club
Roanoke, VA
07.2020 - Current
- Disposed of hazardous waste and chemicals according to established methods.
- Mixed chemicals and fertilizers according to manufacturer instructions and safety standard to protect people, pests and vegetation from harm.
- Applied pesticides and other chemicals to prevent growth of weeds and eliminate bugs and other pests.
- Kept appearance of turf neat and professional with daily mowing, trimming and maintenance.
- Set up courses each day by changing cups, putting out flags and emptying trash.
- Improved appearance of greens and planted new trees and shrubbery.
- Removed fallen, or dead trees.
- Was part of multiple turf grass renovations.
- Identified, and treated, disease on both warm and cool season grasses.
Groundskeeper
Roanoke City Public Schools
Roanoke, VA
08.2017 - 06.2020
- Lifted and removed fallen or damaged branches using hand and power tools.
- Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris and snow to reduce hazards.
- Shoveled snow and spread salt on walkways and parking lots.
- Maintained and lined athletic fields
- Mixed and sprayed pesticides and herbicides.
Mowing Crew Leader/Pesticide Technician
RSG Landscaping
Roanoke, VA
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
- Cut and trimmed lawns using power mowers and edgers.
- Trimmed shrubbery and trees to help plants produce more flowers and fruit to benefit wildlife.
- Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris and snow to reduce hazards.
- Maintained garden areas and landscaping greenery to enhance property appearance and plant health.
- Operated landscaping equipment to maintain grounds and remove trees.
- Mixed and sprayed or spread herbicides and insecticides using hand dispensers.
- Shoveled snow and spread salt on walkways and parking lots.
- Removed snow with truck and plow.
Education
Turfgrass Management
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2028
Pesticide Technician Certification
04-2017
High School Diploma -
Salem High School
Salem, VA06-2011
Associate of Science - Turfgrass Management
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2028
Skills
- Pesticide Application
- Good Work Ethic
- Dedicated and Driven
- Data Entry
- Effective Team Management
- Chemical Solution Knowledge
- Pest Identification
- Reporting and Documentation
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Task delegation
Timeline
Assistant Manager of Turfgrass Research Center
Virginia Tech
08.2025 - Current
Groundskeeper/Pesticide Technician
Roanoke Country Club
07.2020 - Current
Groundskeeper
Roanoke City Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2020
Mowing Crew Leader/Pesticide Technician
RSG Landscaping
06.2016 - 08.2017
Pesticide Technician Certification
High School Diploma -
Salem High School
Turfgrass Management
Pennsylvania State University
Associate of Science - Turfgrass Management
Pennsylvania State University