MEMORANDUM

TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:

Megan Even, English 320 Instructor

Mami Kuwahara
September 27th, 2016
Unit 2- Job Packet

I have enclosed my resume and cover letter with this memorandum. Listed below are nine
businesses looking to hire entry level horticulture positions and interships that I will be qualified
for and will be available when I graduate on Fall 2018 after finishing my degree in horticulture
production and business at North Dakota State University.

Baker Garden & Gift

Bergens Greenhouses
Colonial Garderns
Disney Parks & Resorts
Dole
Driscolls
Gertens
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
New York Botanical Garden

I have been working as a research assistant in the Plant Science Department at North Dakota
State University since 2014. Through the job, I have gained basic horticulture skills such as
management of greenhouses, plant propagation, operating hydroponic systems, tissue culture,
and plant breeding. I am qualified for these job positions as not only my degree in hortiulture
production and business has prepared me, but also because the skills and knowledge I have
gained throughout working as a research assistant.
Disney Parks & Resorts and Grand Rapids Downtown Market are the two business positions I
am most interested in. Disney Parks & Resorts posted an internship position called Disneys
Horticulture Project Internship-2017 and Grand Rapids Downtown Market posted a position as a
greenhouse manager. Both companies are suitable for me because I have gained skills and
knowledge of managing greenhouses and plants. In addition, both companies requires not only
those skills but also working as a team. I have experience managing the workers over this
summer and worked as a large team. Therefore, I think I am suited for these two position over
the other seven options because of the specific skills and experience they are each looking for.
Below is a table comparing the two businesses on their mission statement, values, and company
goals.

Disney Parks & Resorts

Grand Rapids
Downtown Market

Mission Statement

Create magical guest experience and

be top leading
producer/entertainment provider.

Provide dynamic public space,

entrepreneurship opportunities, and
local foods for customers.

Values

Innovation, high standard of

excellece and maintaining that high
standard, and positive ideas.

Integrity, satisfaction of returning

customer experience, and leadership

Company Goals

Sustainability goals on reducing the

companys operating impact on the
planet and inspiring others to do the
same.

Support local farmers. Also, attract

people throughout the region and
beyond.

Future Destination

Diversification of businesses.

Build community pride.

Financial Goals

Maximize earnings and cash flow,

and to allocate capital toward
growth initiatives that will drive
long-term shareholder value.

Open more restuarants, rent spaces

and incubator kitchen to get more
income.

I would write my resumes and cover letters by showing my skills and experience that will benefit
each of the businesses following the mission statements and the requirements. For cover letters, I
would mention that I have three years of experience in the horticulture field, knowledge of
Microsoft programs, and valid drivers license which both requires.
Greenhouse manager poisition at Grand Rapids Downtown Market are asking for skills and
requirements such as management experience, ability to teach greenhouse related educational
classes, and greenhouse management. In a cover letter, I would highlight three things. First, I
have worker management experience for field research work at North Dakota State University
and I am educated on basic planting skills. Second, I have teaching experience for Horticulture
211 lab at North Dakota State University and 4-H Community Club in Moorhead, MN. Third, I
have an experience for greenhouse management which includes pest and disease control.
In a cover letter applying for the posiion at Disney Parks & Resorts, I would highlight my
experience working on landscape installation projects. I have a experience on construcion

installation of large landscape projects at North Dakota State University in order to break up
wind and install disease resistant trees.
Although some qualifications from both companies were the same, following the mission
statement, values, and company goals would stress certain skills and experience I have in a cover
letter.
When choosing between the two of these companies on which I would rather be a part of, I
would choose Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Compared to Disney Parks and Resorts, Grand
Rapids Downtown Market was more detailed in skills and the requirements they are asking for
that fits me best. In addition, I would be able to utilize my knowledge that I have gained
throughout my college course work to reach the company goal.
Needed requirements

My skills and training

Ability to teach greenhouse related

educational classes

Teaching experience for Horticulture 211 lab at

North Dakota State University and 4-H Community
Club in Moorhead, MN.

Understanding of accounting

I have taken Accounting 210 at North Dakota State

University.

Previous experience working with plants

I have experience working with plants using skills

such as plant breeding, plant propagation, tissue
culture, and grafting.

Greenhouse management

Experience on daily watereing, pest control, disease

control, and temerpature control.

It would be beneficial for the Grand Rapids Downtown Market because of my leadership ,
teamwork, management skills and teaching experience. I believe that I am the right candidate for
this job because of my skills that I gained through being a research assistant at North Dakota
State Univeristy. My skills will help to oversee and manage the greenhouse work which would
help to grow the company and to achieve the company goals.

Mami Kuwahara
th

1101 17 Ave N #115 Fargo, ND 58102 701.730.8184 mami.kuwahara@ndsu.edu

Objective
To obtain the position of greenhouse manager at Grand Rapids Downtown Market.
Education
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Anticipated Graduation May 2018
Expected Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture-Production and Business
GPA: 3.7/4.0, Deans List (four semesters)
Work Experience
NDSU Plant Science Department, Fargo, ND
September 2014 - Present
Research Assistant for Professor Chiwon W. Lee
Utilized Basic horticulture skills to take care of plants in the field and greenhouses
Managed tissue culture, propagation, hydroponic system, and field research

Leadership and Involvement

Hiroshima, Japan
High School Diplomats Program Staff
Summer 2014 Present
Organize a program for high school students to learn about Japanese culture
Volunteer high school students from United States around the Hiroshima Peace Park

Japanese Student Association

Spring 2016 Present
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Created an organization for people in the Fargo/ Moorhead community to learn Japanese culture

Recognition and Honors

Academic & Cultural Sharing Scholarship
Hovland-Jensen Scholarship
Ronald C. Smith Scholarship
Deans List (four semesters)

Teaching Experience
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Teaching Assistant, Horticulture 211 Lab
Skills & Interests
Technical: Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Language: Fluent Japanese, Fluent English, and Conversational Korean

Fall 2016

Mami Kuwahara
th

1101 17 Ave N #115 Fargo, ND 58102 701.730.8184 mami.kuwahara@ndsu.edu

September 27, 2016
Hiring Manager
435 Ionia Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a junior at North Dakota State University and am writing to apply for the position of Greenhouse
Manager at Grand Rapids Downtown Market . Im very interested in management of your greenhouse and
your current staff. The skills I developed during my working experience at North Dakota State University
as a research assistant gave me confidence in my qualifications for this position.
I will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture Production and Business upon graduation from
North Dakota State University in May 2018. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a research assistant for
Plant Science Department at North Dakota State University. I have research experiences on hydroponic
systems, greenhouse management, plant breeding, and plant propagation. Also, I was responsible for
managing students for field research and ensured that the staff members were trained well in order to get
accurate data for the research. Conducting research at North Dakota State University combined with my
course work in undergraduate fostered my interest and allowed me to learn new techniques in the
horticulture field.
The skills that I developed working as a research assistant give me confidence in my abilities to meet and
exceed your expectations. Enclosed is a copy of my resume for your consideration, and I look forward to
an opportunity to speak with you in person. Please contact me at mami.kuwahara@ndsu.edu or 701-7308184 to schedule an interview.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Mami Kuwahara

Appendix
Greenhouse Manager: Entry Level
This position will be responsible for the oversight and management of current Greenhouse staff. Additionally,
daily management of rooftop greenhouses and all growing spaces in and around the Market, including live
walls, green roofs, rain gardens, and various landscaped areas.
Background
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market Rooftop Greenhouses are currently used for the following activities:
Growing ingredients for culinary education programs
Growing ingredients for tenant products
Growing for local organizations
Business incubator
Educational programming
Public access space for viewing, relaxing, dining
Showcase of various growing systems
Workforce development/volunteer programs
Year-round event space for private rentals (including weddings, social events, corporate events)

Responsibilities
Create annual year-round growing/aesthetic plan that includes planting and harvesting schedules for the two
Market rooftop greenhouses.
Oversight of daily greenhouse management including watering, pest and disease control, temperature and
humidity monitoring.
Oversight of greenhouse and landscaping equipment needs and issues including all maintenance and
alterations.
Oversight of greenhouse and landscaping supplies including ordering and inventory
Oversight of green roofs, live walls, rain gardens and landscaped areas
Responsible for proposing recommended annual budget and oversight of approved allocations.
Create and maintain any necessary guidebooks and records for all greenhouse operations.
Design curriculum and teach classes for greenhouse education programming in coordination with
Development Director and/or Education Director
Maintain integrity of growing conditions as well as plant life.
Maintain aesthetic appeal of greenhouses.
Oversight of volunteers, service workers and interns
Oversight of community groups and programs for workforce development
Oversight of bench rental program and product sales and donations to non-market businesses and
organizations
Attend designated meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. as it relates to greenhouse management
Serve as support resource for area growers and local non-profits
Work with Development Director on funding opportunities for programs, infrastructure, staffing, supplies
and equipment
Skills & Requirements
Management experience
Experience with creating, maintaining, and executing an annual budget
Understanding of accounts payable/receivable
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs
Ability to maintain spreadsheets to track and manage inventory, expenses, and other budget-related items
Ability and/or interest in teaching Greenhouse-related educational classes hosted by the Downtown Market

Ability to be careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks

Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges
Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision
Previous experience working with plants
Able to pay attention to detail
Dependable
Customer service oriented
Organized
Able to lift 100lbs
Able to work on their feet for extended periods of time
Able to work in heat and humidity of greenhouse atmosphere

Education and Experience

Associates Degree in greenhouse management, Bachelors Degree in horticulture or plant science.
Previous experience in managing a Greenhouse required.
Work Environment
The Downtown Market is a professional office. While the atmosphere is to reflect the spirit of fun and
excitement, professional conduct, communication and responsibility to job functions are maintained at all
times. All employees are subject to background check and drug screening.

References
American Society for Horticulture Science (8/31/16). Director of Fruit and Vegetale Production. Retrieved
from
http://ashscareers.careerwebsite.com/jobseeker/job/30190985/Director%20of%20Fruit%20and%20Vegetable
%20Production/Colonial%20Gardens/?str=1&max=25&t731=478462&vnet=0&long=1
Baker Garden & Girt (n.d.) Retail Garden Center-Indoor Sales Associate. Retrieved from
http://www.bakernursery.com/employment.html#.V-tyUFdOLzI
Bergens Greenhouse (n.d.) Production Assistant. Retrieved from http://www.bergensgreenhouses.com/careerpportunities
Disney Parks & Resorts (9/23/16). Disneys Horticulture Project Internship Spring 2017. Retrieved from
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/job/lake-buena-vista/disney-s-horticulture-project-internship-spring2017/391/3099344
Dole (n.d.). Controller-Farming Operations. Retrieved from https://doleopenhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobInfo&version=1&jobid=461
Downtown Market Grand Rapids (n.d.). Greenhouse Manager. Retrieved from
http://downtownmarketgr.com/be-a-part/work/greenhouse-manager
Driscolls (n.d.). Blueberry Breeding Research Associate. Retrieved from
http://www.driscolls.com/about/careers
Gertens (n.d.). Plant Sales. Retrieved from http://www.gertens.com/employment.htm
New York Botanical Gardern (n.d.). GreenSchool Science Ed Intern. Retrieved from
http://www.nybg.org/employment/listing.php?id_employment_listings=1809