 Staff Lead Highlight: Jacob Cradic, Lead Horticulture Technician Staff Highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers. This month, we're excited to highlight the outstanding work of Jacob Cradic, our dedicated Lead Horticulture Technician at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Over the past year, Jacob has made a tremendous impact, bringing both skill and passion to his work in horticulture and inspiring those around him. With his dedication to connecting with nature and helping beautify our parks, Jacob has quickly become an invaluable member of our team and a fantastic leader to volunteers.Jacob began his journey at MetroParks as a full-time Horticulture Technician and quickly stepped into his current role as Lead Horticulture Technician. His passion for horticulture began when he worked as a landscaper at his aunt's dentist's office, where he first developed the skills that sparked his interest in this field. Although he hasn't yet pursued a formal degree in horticulture, Jacob plans to return to school to deepen his knowledge and further his career. One of the most rewarding aspects of Jacob's role is seeing the difference his work makes in the parks, especially when park visitors express their appreciation for his efforts. He loves spending his days outside, fully immersed in nature, and feels grateful to have a career that aligns with his passion for the outdoors. "It's definitely something I look forward to every day," Jacob shares, underscoring the pride he takes in his contributions to MetroParks. When asked about his approach to leading volunteers, Jacob emphasizes the importance of trust and understanding each volunteer's strengths. For him, effective leadership is about appreciating the diverse skills volunteers bring to the table. This understanding fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. Jacob credits volunteers for significantly improving his team's efficiency, saying they help "make a huge time difference" and bring a positive, can-do attitude that adds "a positive light to the day." Volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks have also shared positive feedback about working with Jacob. One first-time volunteer commented, "Jacob did a great job leading this event, and I appreciate his help for this 'first-timer' at volunteering for FRMP." Jacob is grateful for the way volunteers contribute to the mission of MetroParks, helping protect our region's natural heritage and create meaningful outdoor experiences. He believes that volunteer support is essential to MetroParks's mission, and he values the role they play in fostering a community connected to nature. Jacob's dedication to his role and commitment to volunteer engagement make him an exceptional leader of volunteers! We're excited to see how he continues to grow and inspire both his team and our volunteers. Join Jacob and other Cox Arboretum staff at one of the upcoming Cox Arboretum Gardening shifts! View Cox Arboretum Gardening volunteer opportunities here. Or join us for our next Volunteer Open House, where you can meet one-on-one, in person, with a Volunteer Coordinator and learn how you can support this opportunity! Click here to RSVP to an upcoming Open House. Thank you, Jacob, for being a true supporter of volunteers and volunteerism at MetroParks! Have questions? Need volunteer support? Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator.
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Oct 30, 2024
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by Volunteer Services
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