Kathryn McInnes
The Channon,NSW
Summary
Results-driven professional with a proven track record of achieving significant impact through effective teamwork and flexibility. Strong focus on task completion, adaptability to changing needs, and collaboration. Key skills include problem-solving, communication, and project management. Known for reliability and commitment to excellence in every task. Experience in hospitality, retail, and the horticultural industry with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail, and efficient work practices in both team-based and independent roles. Organised and hard-working individual with an eye for detail. Recognised for a positive attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Motivated to advance professionally and contribute to business success. Possesses exceptional leadership and planning abilities with a deep understanding of Horticultural practices. Teachable and eager to learn from experienced professionals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
R&D Trainee Researcher Assistant
Mountain Blue Farm
03.2023 - Current
- Assisted in daily research operations, supporting smooth workflows, data collection, and task completion across projects.
- Collaborated with team members to design and execute experiments, ensuring adherence to research protocols.
- Analysed data sets using statistical software and compiled reports to inform decision-making and improve trial outcomes.
- Supported the development of research methodologies and helped manage multiple projects, meeting deadlines and budget requirements.
- Completed training in industry-specific software (PhenomeOne) to enhance data management and project tracking efficiency.
- Shadowed senior staff and management staff during client and stakeholder meetings to gain insights into professional research communication and planning.
- Participated in the development and refinement of propagation, irrigation, and pest management protocols to improve plant health and productivity.
- Monitored plant health, soil conditions, and environmental factors; identified issues early to reduce disease pressure and optimise growing conditions.
- Maintained nursery operations, supporting plant propagation, pest management, and environmental monitoring to ensure healthy crop growth.
- Trained and guided staff in horticultural best practices, improving consistency and quality in plant care.
- Assisted with nursery operations, including potting, pruning, weeding, and fertilising, aligning tasks with seasonal crop demands.
- Helped maintain irrigation systems and monitored water application to ensure plant requirements were met efficiently.
- Conducted inventory checks, supported restocking processes, and maintained clean, organised workspaces to improve workflow.
- Participated in daily team meetings, contributing observations and feedback to promote collaboration and learning.
- Supported administrative tasks including scheduling, documentation, database management, and timekeeping.
- Monitored and enforced workplace safety and hygiene standards, promoting a secure and productive environment.
- Adapted quickly to new tools, systems, and technologies, contributing to process improvements and team efficiency.
- Gathered and analysed customer feedback to guide product development and service enhancements.
- Contributed to market research activities, providing data and insights to support strategic planning
- Trained in safe use of horticultural tools, chemical handling, and WHS procedures to support a safe and productive working environment.
- Provided training support and shared horticultural best practices to improve team consistency and plant care quality.
- Supported quality assurance by conducting inspections and adhering to hygiene and biosecurity standards throughout all operations.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new technologies, procedures, and research methods relevant to the horticulture industry.
Nursery Supervisor
Mountain Blue Farm
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Supervised day-to-day nursery operations, ensuring compliance with WHS, biosecurity, and quality standards.
- Trained, mentored, and evaluated staff on plant care, nursery protocols, and horticultural best practices.
- Directed a team of 20+ nursery staff and greenhouse growers responsible for managing over 500,000 plants annually.
- Oversaw planting, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting—including display gardens and seasonal blueberry crops.
- Implemented efficient inventory and irrigation systems to monitor plant stock, water schedules, and resource use.
- Developed and delivered educational training materials to enhance team horticultural knowledge and consistency.
- Monitored plant health and soil conditions, identifying pests, diseases, and nutrient issues early to reduce losses.
- Planned planting schedules and coordinated crop rotation to optimise growth cycles and maximise yield.
- Consulted with horticultural experts to evaluate nursery operations and implement improvements to meet evolving demands.
- Ensured facilities and equipment were maintained to high standards, coordinating repairs and safety inspections.
- Recruited, onboarded, and supervised both permanent and seasonal staff, adjusting workforce based on peak periods.
- Managed greenhouse presentation and retail displays to ensure a clean, professional, and customer-friendly environment.
- Performed propagation using seeds, cuttings, and clone-cubes to support ongoing stock supply.
- Oversaw movement of plants from production to retail areas, ensuring plants were display-ready and healthy.
- Maximised productivity by aligning staff, schedules, and workflows with seasonal demands and customer needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of nursery industry trends, technologies, and plant varieties.
Potting Shed Manager
Mountain Blue Farm
02.2017 - 03.2021
- Led daily potting shed operations, ensuring smooth workflow, team coordination, and task completion.
- Trained new and existing staff in safe plant handling, potting techniques, and nursery standards.
- Reviewed and improved workflows to reduce bottlenecks, increase efficiency, and meet production goals.
- Managed staff rosters, allocated resources, and adjusted schedules to align with seasonal workloads.
- Maintained effective communication with nursery, propagation, and dispatch teams to coordinate operations.
- Accurately recorded potting activities and stock movement to meet compliance and traceability standards.
- Enforced quality control procedures to maintain plant health, consistency, and presentation.
- Monitored team performance, provided feedback, and encouraged skill development and accountability.
- Fostered a safe, positive, and team-oriented workplace culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Reduced waste and costs by optimising the use of materials, labour, and workspaces.
- Addressed staff and internal issues professionally, promoting teamwork and problem-solving.
- Maintained a clean, organised, and compliant shed environment in line with WHS and biosecurity protocols.
Packing Shed Manager
Mountain Blue Farm
06.2015 - 02.2017
- Planned and executed daily operational workflows to maximise packing efficiency and minimise downtime.
- Coordinated crop intake and packing activities to optimise yield, product quality, and consistency.
- Trained new and existing staff on WHS, food safety, packing standards, and quality control procedures.
- Monitored staff performance, conducted evaluations, and provided feedback to support skill development.
- Created and managed staff rosters, allocating resources to meet fluctuating seasonal demands.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and well-organised shed environment in full compliance with WHS and food safety regulations.
- Ensured adherence to HACCP, Freshcare, and traceability protocols to meet quality assurance standards and audit requirements.
- Conducted regular hygiene and sanitation inspections, proactively addressing risks of contamination.
- Accurately recorded traceability and compliance data for all packed produce to support quality control and recall readiness.
- Resolved staff concerns promptly and fairly, promoting a supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Cross-trained team members to ensure operational flexibility and consistent productivity across packing lines.
- Managed inventory levels and liaised with suppliers to maintain adequate stock of materials and packaging.
- Identified and implemented process improvements to reduce waste and increase operational efficiency.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with growers, transport partners, and quality assurance personnel.
- Oversaw opening and closing procedures, ensuring smooth handovers and readiness for each shift.
- Introduced cost-control strategies to manage budgets and improve profit margins.
- Applied lean and agile principles to enhance workflow responsiveness and reduce delays.
- Supported branding and marketing initiatives by promoting product quality, presentation, and sustainability values.
Nursery Crew
Mountain Blue Farm
06.2014 - 06.2015
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organised nursery environment by following health and safety protocols.
- Assisted in plant preparation, potting, and dispatch to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
- Supported team operations by keeping workspaces tidy and tools properly stored.
- Trained new staff on nursery procedures, plant handling, and basic sales techniques.
- Promoted a positive and productive work culture through clear communication and teamwork.
- Followed safety procedures when preparing products and handling materials.
- Ensured accuracy in order fulfillment with strong attention to detail.
- Helped improve team morale and efficiency through collaboration and support.
- Watered and monitored plant health daily, reporting signs of pests or disease.
- Labelled and organised stock for easy access and efficient workflow.
- Assisted with retail sales and answered customer questions about plant care and product availability.
Casual Packing Shed Crew
Mountain Blue Farm
11.2013 - 06.2014
- Delivered excellent customer service by efficiently processing orders and addressing inquiries.
- Operated equipment safely and maintained cleanliness to meet food safety and hygiene standards.
- Worked closely with team members to complete tasks and maintain smooth operations during busy periods.
- Trained and supported new crew members in daily procedures and best practices.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocked supplies to avoid disruptions.
- Ensured accuracy and quality in order packing and presentation.
- Suggested and implemented workflow improvements to reduce wait times and boost efficiency.
- Multitasked effectively in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality.
- Accepted feedback from supervisors and worked well with others to meet team goals.
Bartender
The Channon Butterfactory Tavern
01.2011 - 2014
- Served high volumes of customers during busy nights, weekends, and special events.
- Provided friendly, efficient service, building strong relationships with regular patrons.
- Managed bar setup, closing duties, and accurate cash handling at the end of each shift.
- Followed responsible service of alcohol (RSA) guidelines and maintained a safe, respectful environment.
- Maintained a clean, well-stocked bar area that was compliant with health and safety standards.
- Recommended drinks based on customer preferences and educated guests on menu options.
- Reduced wait times by managing orders quickly and prioritising service.
- Trained and supported new bartenders in drink prep, customer service, and hygiene practices.
- Worked closely with kitchen and floor staff to ensure smooth and timely service.
- Maintained accurate inventory levels by restocking and tracking supplies.
- Prepared ingredients and assisted in cooking during busy service periods.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and followed food safety guidelines.
- Helped with cleaning, organising workstations, and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Supported inventory checks and restocking to keep kitchen operations running smoothly.
- Mix and serve beverages efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction and adherence to quality standards.
Retail Assistant
The Channon General Store
01.2007 - 2012
- Provided friendly and helpful service to customers in-store and over the phone.
- Operated POS systems to process sales, refunds, and discounts accurately.
- Restocked shelves, organised displays, and maintained a clean, tidy store.
- Assisted with opening, closing, and daily cash handling duties.
- Trained new team members on store tasks and customer service.
- Worked with the team to meet sales targets and improve store performance.
- Handled customer complaints calmly and professionally.
- Adapted to different roles, including food service and cleaning.
- Prepared and served food safely, adhering to hygiene guidelines.
- Cleaned kitchen and customer areas, using cleaning tools and chemicals safely.
- Sorted and delivered mail; helped customers with forms and postage.
- Followed safety procedures and kept work areas organised.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW01-2026
No Degree - Business
Southern Cross University
NSW01-2022
No Degree - Engineering Mechanics
Southern Cross University
NSW01-2020
No Degree - Preparing For Success At SCU Program
Southern Cross University
NSW01-2019
Certificate III - Childcare
TAFE NSW
Wollongbar, NSW01.2012
High School Diploma -
Richmond River High School
Lismore, NSW01.2010
Certificate II - Hospitality
Richmond River High School
Lismore, NSW01.2010
Skills
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Documentation and reporting
- Safety monitoring
- Data entry
- Data analysis
- Administrative support
- Research
- Proficient in, MS Office application programs, Adobe CS4 Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Professional,
- Proficient in both Mac and PC platforms
- Multitasking and organization
Certification
- LF (Forklift) - High Risk Work Licence, NSW ex: 2025
- Responsible Conduct of Gambling, NSW ex: 2016
- Responsible Service of Alcohol, NSW ex: 2016
Timeline
R&D Trainee Researcher Assistant
Mountain Blue Farm
03.2023 - Current
Nursery Supervisor
Mountain Blue Farm
03.2021 - 03.2023
Potting Shed Manager
Mountain Blue Farm
02.2017 - 03.2021
Packing Shed Manager
Mountain Blue Farm
06.2015 - 02.2017
Nursery Crew
Mountain Blue Farm
06.2014 - 06.2015
Casual Packing Shed Crew
Mountain Blue Farm
11.2013 - 06.2014
Bartender
The Channon Butterfactory Tavern
01.2011 - 2014
Retail Assistant
The Channon General Store
01.2007 - 2012
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture
Charles Sturt University
No Degree - Business
Southern Cross University
No Degree - Engineering Mechanics
Southern Cross University
No Degree - Preparing For Success At SCU Program
Southern Cross University
Certificate III - Childcare
TAFE NSW
High School Diploma -
Richmond River High School
Certificate II - Hospitality
Richmond River High School
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