Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Starks

Wright,WY

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in ranching and haul truck operations at Arch Coal Black Thunder. Proven expertise in livestock care and safety practices, enhancing herd health through effective management. Recognized for reliability and team supervision, consistently optimizing operational efficiency and maintaining meticulous records. Committed to sustainable practices and proactive problem-solving.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Ranching

Self Employed
05.2020 - Current
  • Managed daily operations of livestock care and feeding schedules.
  • Oversaw pasture management and crop rotation for optimal yield.
  • Implemented sustainable farming practices to enhance soil health.
  • Improved livestock health by implementing a comprehensive vaccination and deworming program.
  • Examined animals for signs of sickness and overall herd health.
  • Herded livestock using horses or ranch ATVs.
  • Maintained condition of stock horses used to herd cattle.
  • Established emergency response procedures for natural disasters or disease outbreaks, minimizing potential losses through proactive measures.
  • Conducted regular safety inspections on equipment and facilities to minimize hazards and prevent accidents on the ranch premises.
  • Implemented rotational grazing strategies to optimize pasture usage and improve land stewardship.
  • Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
  • Inspected and repaired equipment for livestock and crop management.
  • Maintained ranch records and documentation.
  • Used skills to grow new plants from seeds, clippings, bulbs and clone-cubes.

Haul Truck Driver

Arch Coal Black Thunder
10.2010 - 05.2020
  • Operated haul truck for material transportation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • Conducted pre-trip inspections to maintain vehicle safety and operational efficiency.
  • Assisted in training new drivers on equipment operation and safety protocols.
  • Troubleshot minor mechanical issues on haul trucks, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by conducting pre-shift inspections and maintenance checks on haul trucks.
  • Maintained high levels of safety awareness, performing regular hazard assessments and reporting any issues promptly to management.
  • Reduced downtime with consistent adherence to safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Streamlined communication between departments by effectively utilizing radios for clear transmission of essential information during work shifts.

Haul Truck Driver

Rio Tinto Jacobs Ranch Mine
10.2005 - 10.2010
  • Collaborated with site supervisors to optimize load scheduling and delivery routes.
  • Monitored cargo loads for stability and secured materials during transit to prevent damage.
  • Led daily safety meetings to reinforce workplace safety standards among crew members.
  • Ensured seamless handovers between shifts by providing clear and concise information about work completed, potential hazards, or challenges faced during the shift.
  • Supported team members in achieving collective targets, actively participating in group discussions and problem-solving sessions.
  • Increased productivity through effective communication with dispatchers, loaders, and supervisors for seamless coordination of tasks.
  • Improved fuel efficiency by optimizing haul routes and minimizing idle time during loading and unloading processes.
  • Exhibited professionalism in maintaining accurate records of daily work activities, including hours worked, material transported, and any incidents encountered.
  • Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
  • Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
  • Inspected trucks and trailers before each trip to assess safety and identify maintenance concerns.
  • Operated haul truck for material transportation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • Conducted pre-trip inspections to maintain vehicle safety and operational efficiency.
  • Assisted in training new drivers on equipment operation and safety protocols.
  • Troubleshot minor mechanical issues on haul trucks, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by conducting pre-shift inspections and maintenance checks on haul trucks.
  • Maintained high levels of safety awareness, performing regular hazard assessments and reporting any issues promptly to management.
  • Reduced downtime with consistent adherence to safety regulations and standard operating procedures.

Lab Technician

Standard Laboratories
10.2004 - 10.2005
  • Conducted laboratory tests to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment for accurate analysis and testing.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to streamline lab processes.
  • Trained junior technicians on laboratory protocols and safety measures to enhance team proficiency.
  • Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
  • Analyzed complex samples using advanced analytical instruments, improving data reliability and turnaround time.

Cleaner

Arch Coal Black Thunder
09.2001 - 10.2004
  • Maintained cleanliness and orderliness in all operational areas, ensuring safety compliance.
  • Operated cleaning equipment, including scrubbers and vacuums, efficiently and safely.
  • Conducted routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and ensure quality standards.
  • Trained new staff on proper cleaning procedures and safety protocols, enhancing team performance.
  • Cleaned and sanitized bathrooms, kitchens and other similar areas according to established protocols.
  • Enhanced workplace cleanliness by performing thorough daily cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and dusting.
  • Removed trash, debris and other waste materials from premises.
  • Used time management and efficient cleaning methods to meet deadlines.
  • Cleaned and polished glass doors, mirrors and other surfaces to maintain professional appearance.
  • Handled equipment, chemicals, and materials properly and with caution.
  • Confirmed all cleaning tools and equipment were stored properly after use.
  • Emptied trashcans and transported waste to collection areas.
  • Maintained a well-organized storage area for cleaning supplies to ensure easy access and efficient use of materials.
  • Cleaned and maintained lobbies, offices and other common areas in commercial buildings.
  • Improved overall facility hygiene by sanitizing high-touch surfaces regularly to minimize the spread of germs.
  • Provided assistance to other staff members with cleaning of difficult areas.
  • Organized and used industrial cleaning products following strict safety procedures.
  • Demonstrated an outstanding commitment to safety protocols by consistently wearing protective gear during cleaning tasks that involved hazardous materials or situations.
  • Supported facility operations with comprehensive knowledge of proper chemical usage, storage, and disposal procedures.
  • Supported event setups and teardowns, ensuring venues were returned to their original state promptly.
  • Used hand trucks or manually lifted supplies, equipment and heavy furniture.

Production Manager

Don's Super Market
05.2000 - 09.2001
  • Oversaw daily operations of produce department, ensuring quality standards met consistently.
  • Managed inventory levels, implementing efficient stock rotation practices to minimize waste.
  • Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
  • Managed product rotation to minimize waste, optimizing freshness and quality of available goods.
  • Purchased produce following guidelines of marketing plan.
  • Maintained produce area and kept produce storage area clean and sanitary.
  • Adapted department operations during seasonal fluctuations in supply, ensuring continued availability of diverse product selections throughout the year.

Laboratory Technician

Standard Laboratories
08.1999 - 05.2000
  • Conducted laboratory tests to analyze samples and produce reliable results.
  • Monitored equipment functionality, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance for optimal performance.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
  • Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
  • Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
  • Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
  • Performed complex analyses using various instrumentation, delivering reliable data for informed decisionmaking.
  • Maintained safe, tidy and organized laboratory environment for accurate test results.
  • Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.

Certified Nursing Assistant

PCMH and Nursing Home
10.1995 - 05.1999
  • Provided compassionate care to patients, ensuring comfort and safety during daily activities.
  • Assisted nursing staff with patient assessments and documentation to maintain accurate health records.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient conditions promptly to healthcare team.
  • Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and safety procedures, improving team efficiency.
  • Implemented infection control measures that contributed to a safer healthcare environment for patients.
  • Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
  • Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
  • Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
  • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
  • Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
  • Assisted in rehabilitation of patients, facilitating quicker recovery with exercise and mobility support.
  • Documented patient conditions and care provided, ensuring accurate health records for informed medical decisions.

Education

Accounting/ Business

Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott, KS

Skills

  • Farm equipment operation
  • Business management
  • Animal handling
  • Fence building
  • Safety practices
  • Team supervision
  • Reliability
  • Equipment operation
  • Livestock care
  • Record keeping
  • Staff supervision
  • Inventory management

Timeline

Ranching

Self Employed
05.2020 - Current

Haul Truck Driver

Arch Coal Black Thunder
10.2010 - 05.2020

Haul Truck Driver

Rio Tinto Jacobs Ranch Mine
10.2005 - 10.2010

Lab Technician

Standard Laboratories
10.2004 - 10.2005

Cleaner

Arch Coal Black Thunder
09.2001 - 10.2004

Production Manager

Don's Super Market
05.2000 - 09.2001

Laboratory Technician

Standard Laboratories
08.1999 - 05.2000

Certified Nursing Assistant

PCMH and Nursing Home
10.1995 - 05.1999

Accounting/ Business

Fort Scott Community College
Karen Starks