Kit Kirby
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
Detail-oriented candidate with strong organizational and communication skills. Successful at managing multiple tasks and delivering a quality product in a timely manner with a positive attitude.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director
Feed Iowa First
11.2022 - Current
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Implemented best practices in project management to optimize workflow efficiencies across the organization.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
Educator
Lululemon Athletica
10.2020 - Current
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
Farm Manager
Feed Iowa First
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Enhanced crop yield by implementing effective irrigation and fertilization techniques.
- Reduced farm expenses by optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operations.
- Increased farm productivity by introducing modern farming practices and equipment upgrades.
- Ensured high-quality produce by adhering to strict quality control measures during harvesting and packaging processes.
- Oversaw the maintenance of farm machinery, resulting in reduced downtime due to repairs or malfunctions.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of necessary materials at competitive prices.
- Implemented pest control programs to minimize crop damage while adhering to environmental regulations.
Farm Coordinator
Feed Iowa First Via AmeriCorps
05.2020 - 08.2021
- Increased efficiency by streamlining coordination processes and implementing new organizational systems.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Ensured food safety standards were consistently met by adhering to proper handling procedures during harvesting, washing, packaging, and transportation processes.
- Minimized crop loss due to weather events by monitoring local forecasts and adjusting planting or harvesting schedules accordingly.
- Reduced inventory waste by conducting regular stock checks and implementing a first-in, first-out system.
Paraprofessional
Cedar Rapids Community School District
10.2019 - 05.2020
- Worked 1:1 with five, K-5 Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Jackson Elementary
- My time with the school was cut short due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Key Accomplishments: Learned to approach situations with intention, understanding and patience
- Encouraged and guided students with schoolwork and social interactions.
Food Truck Manager/Farmhand
Morning Glory Farm
05.2018 - 10.2019
- Morning Glory is a locally owned and operated Community Supported Agriculture Farm with a passion for growing community
- My first season at Morning Glory, I worked as a full-time farmhand - Seeding, planting and transplanting, weeding, harvesting, troubleshooting and tractor work
- My second season, I managed and ran a food truck and worked part-time on the farm
- We served locally sourced, farm fresh food to our community at several locations weekly
- With a culinary arts background and a passion for real food, we collaborated and opened Morning Glory Food Truck.
Line and Prep Cook
Caucho
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Caucho is an all-scratch Mexican street-food kitchen, started by Andy and Carrie Schumacher (owners of Cobble Hill) in the Newbo District in Cedar Rapids
- I joined the company as one of the original 4 kitchen employees responsible for working through all the issues related to a start-up restaurant
- Caucho offers a unique dining experience, featuring seasonal menus with weekly chef specials, and locally sourced proteins and produce
- Key Accomplishments: Developed excellent multi-tasking skills, while still maintaining high quality and consistency
- Recognized as a quick learner on new techniques
- Established and streamlined prep-cook processes and duties
- Experience on a high-volume line during dinner service.
Line Cook
Need Pizza
07.2016 - 01.2017
- Need Pizza is a New Haven style pizza restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids
- I joined the company in a part-time capacity, with the plan of starting at Caucho in October
- The flood of 2016 delayed the opening of Caucho so I worked full-time from October to January
- Key Accomplishments: Developed consistency of pizza production in a very high volume/fast-paced environment
- Reputation for reliability and quality of kitchen.
Kitchen Manager
Early Bird
04.2014 - 10.2016
- The Early Bird is a locally owned coffee café in downtown Cedar Rapids
- I started as a part-time Prep Cook during college and was promoted to Kitchen Manager in June 2015
- As Kitchen Manager, I had full responsibility for inventory, ordering, menu changes, production and recipe development
- I also assisted with front counter building relationships with customers and running the cash register as needed
- Key Accomplishments: Developed weekly soup specials, which customers would come in just for my soups
- Lowered food costs from 32% to 24% through making my own stocks and vendor negotiations.
Education
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
Kirkwood Community College
Skills
- Policy Implementation
- Effective Leader
- Operations Oversight
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Time Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Verbal Communication
- Problem-Solving
Additional Information - Skills And Capabilities
- Ability to communicate well and keep operations running smoothly
- Very approachable and works well alone and with team members at any level
- Constantly looking for ways to improve farming strategies and organic remediation
- Flexible and ability to adapt
Certification
- Certified Yoga Instructor
Timeline
Program Director
Feed Iowa First
11.2022 - Current
Farm Manager
Feed Iowa First
08.2021 - 11.2022
Educator
Lululemon Athletica
10.2020 - Current
Farm Coordinator
Feed Iowa First Via AmeriCorps
05.2020 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional
Cedar Rapids Community School District
10.2019 - 05.2020
Food Truck Manager/Farmhand
Morning Glory Farm
05.2018 - 10.2019
Line and Prep Cook
Caucho
01.2017 - 05.2018
Line Cook
Need Pizza
07.2016 - 01.2017
Kitchen Manager
Early Bird
04.2014 - 10.2016
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
Kirkwood Community College