Alex Custer

About Alex Custer

Industry professional with over 15 years of experience in horticulture and landscape…

Experience

1. Program Manager - Orchard and Greenhouse Program Pdp

   Bennett Compost

   Dec 2023 — Present · Philadelphia, PA, US

   Program Manager for a transformative agriculture-based education program within the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, leading a hands-on training initiative for incarcerated individuals focused on sustainable food production, interpersonal skills, life skills, and workforce readiness. The program combines hands-on training with an academically rigorous curriculum to foster personal growth, practical skills, and food justice awareness. This role is central to promoting rehabilitation, self-sufficiency, and community engagement, while producing nutritious food that supports internal healthy eating and cooking initiatives.Program Highlights-Manage a 2-acre orchard with 200+ fruit trees and 5 production greenhouses, focused on regenerative practices and high-yield cultivation-Facilitate two 12-week cohorts per year (Spring & Fall), each serving 12 participants, combining academic instruction with practical agricultural training-Deliver a trauma-informed, interdisciplinary curriculum blending agriculture, math, science, social sciences and general landscape construction-Provide training and guidance on horticultural techniques, integrated pest management and safety procedures-Develop curriculum and P\\provide instruction that prepares participants for industry-recognized certifications, including the Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License and ServSafe Food Handler Certification-Supervise program assistants, volunteers, and interns as needed.Community Impact-Partner with facility staff and community organizations to support participant reentry planning and job placement in agriculture or related fields-Coordinate food distribution to in-house nutrition initiatives and external organizations serving food-insecure populations-Over lbs / year of produce donated, advancing regional food justice across Philadelphia-Fresh food also supports internal healthy eating and cooking education initiatives, promoting wellness and skill-building.

Education

• Temple University

  Environmental Studies, Urban Agriculture

  2008 — 2012

Skills

• Welding
• Metal Fabrication
• Furniture
• Fine Woodworking
• Hand Finishing
• Craftsmanship
• Art
• Fine Art
• Greenhouse Management
• Gardening
• Sustainable Gardening
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Organic Farming
• Permaculture
• Project Management
• Team Leadership
• Plant Propagation
• Landscape Design
• Construction