Lela Thompson
Mount Pleasant,IA
Summary
Detail-oriented line cook with extensive culinary skills and a commitment to safety compliance. Proven ability to manage multiple orders in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of food quality.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Line cook , closer
Hardees Fast Food
Fort Dodge, Iowa
05.2025 - 04.2026
- Prepared food items according to standardized recipes and menu specifications.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during meal preparation.
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Communicated effectively with other staff members regarding orders and menu changes.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
- Performed basic knife skills such as dicing onions or slicing meats.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
- Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
- Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
- Stocked and restocked kitchen supplies throughout the shift.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
- Monitored product freshness and rotation dates to maintain quality assurance standards.
- Inspected equipment for cleanliness prior to use every shift.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Responded quickly to any customer complaints or concerns about their dining experience.
- Washed and peeled ingredients for meal preparation to ensure cleanliness and quality. to prepare for different meals and recipes.
Carpentry Laborer
Self employed
Burlington, IA
03.2020 - 08.2024
- Operated hand and power tools safely and efficiently on job sites.
- Collaborated with subcontractors to ensure project timelines were met.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment at all times.
- Installed doors, windows, and cabinetry according to specifications.
- Inspected completed work for quality and adherence to building codes.
- Measured and cut wood to specified dimensions using saws and other cutting tools.
- Loaded lumber onto trucks for transportation to job sites.
- Used levels and measuring tapes to ensure accuracy when installing fixtures or framing structures.
- Sanded surfaces to prepare them for finishing treatments such as painting or staining.
- Completed sawing, sanding, trimming, routing, cleaning and bonding duties.
- Installed doors, windows, cabinets, and trim with a variety of hand and power tools.
- Filled nail holes and cracks with putty or plaster materials.
- Removed old fixtures before installing new ones in their place.
- Ensured that all tools were returned in good condition after use.
- Cleaned up debris at job sites after each shift was completed.
- Read and interpreted specifications, diagrams and blueprints to determine best techniques for job.
- Assembled prefabricated components into finished products according to plans or specifications.
- Maintained accurate records of tasks completed during shifts.
- Applied sealants to protect wood against weathering elements.
- Reported any damages or discrepancies found during inspection of work areas.
- Repaired existing cabinetry, furniture, and other wooden items as needed.
- Inspected work sites to ensure safety regulations were followed.
- Provided assistance during onsite repairs or remodeling projects.
- Followed blueprints or instructions from supervisors when constructing buildings.
- Set up scaffolding for high-level carpentry projects.
- Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
- Assisted in the construction of wooden structures such as walls, floors, and roofs.
- Used hand tools, portable power tools and standard measuring instruments to complete daily tasks.
- Cut materials to specified sizes for installation with power saws and tile cutters.
- Calculated dimensions, angles and required materials to support consistency and accuracy throughout projects.
- Cleaned and maintained shop areas to reduce hazards.
- Inspected work to verify quality and conformance to specifications.
Caregiver
VA Caregiver Program
Mediapolis, Iowa
03.2001 - 04.2022
- Provided daily personal care to veterans, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Assisted with medication management and adherence for multiple clients.
- Developed tailored care plans based on individual veteran needs and preferences.
- Coordinated transportation for medical appointments and community activities.
- Monitored health status, reporting changes to healthcare professionals promptly.
- Engaged clients in social activities, promoting mental well-being and connection.
- Educated families on caregiving techniques and resources available through the program.
- Maintained accurate documentation of care services and client progress regularly.
- Supported bathing, dressing and personal care needs.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Performed light housekeeping tasks related to the client's care such as laundry and changing linens.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Prepared meals according to dietary requirements and assisted with feeding when necessary.
- Provided companionship for elderly clients by engaging in conversation and participating in recreational activities.
- Encouraged independence while promoting self-care skills such as bathing, grooming and toileting needs.
- Laundered clothing and bedding to prevent infection.
- Respected the rights of each individual client while maintaining confidentiality of all personal information.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Provided emotional support for clients who were experiencing depression or anxiety due to their illness or disability.
- Encouraged residents to participate in activities of daily living to enhance personal dignity.
- Administered prescribed medications on a timely basis following care plan instructions.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Assisted with ambulation by providing support during transfers from bed to chair or wheelchair.
- Created safe and positive living situations for clients by communicating with family and other staff about concerns or challenges.
- Observed changes in behavior or physical condition that may require medical attention and reported them promptly to supervisor.
- Helped maintain the safety of the client's environment by removing hazards such as rugs or furniture that could cause falls.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Followed safe lifting and transferring techniques to transport residents.
- Drove clients to shop for groceries, attend doctor appointments and run errands.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided, changes in client condition, medications administered and other pertinent information.
- Monitored vital signs and medication use, documenting variances, and concerning responses.
- Reported concerns to nurse supervisor to promote optimal care.
- Transported clients to doctor appointments and other errands using wheelchair accessible vehicles.
- Accompanied clients to social events such as movies or plays.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and standards governing home health care services.
- Helped patients during ROM exercises to maintain musculoskeletal functions and increase strength.
- Worked closely with clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans.
Maction teck
Shears
Burlington, IA
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Conducted system analysis and testing to identify and resolve technical issues or inefficiencies.
Ground Crew Worker
MC Cabe's tree service
Burlington , IA
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Assisted in rigging and lowering branches to prevent damage.
- Prepared job sites by clearing debris and obstacles effectively.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure safe operation.
- Collaborated with team members to execute tree trimming efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to minimize risks during operations.
- Communicated with clients about service details and expectations clearly.
- Provided customer service support to passengers at check-in counters prior to boarding their flights.
- Assisted with cleaning duties inside the aircraft cabins after every flight operation was completed.
- Inspected and maintained aircrafts before take-off to ensure safety of passengers and crew members.
- Loaded baggage onto airplanes using specialized equipment such as forklifts, conveyor belts.
- Kept track of inventory levels for tools, supplies, spare parts, necessary for carrying out day-to-day operations efficiently.
- Operated various types of machinery including tugs, tractors, loaders for loading, unloading luggage into, from planes.
Education
Carpentry And Constrion
SCC
Burlington Iowa01-2023
High School Diploma -
Beardstown High
Beardstown, IL01-1991
Skills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen safety
- Basic knife skills
- Food plating
- Order accuracy
- Time management
- Customer service
- Grill operation
- Fryer operation
- Crew training
- Stock making
- Equipment maintenance
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Cleanliness maintenance
- Organizational skills
- Multitasking ability
- Workplace organization
- Supervision and leadership
- Multitasking
- Decision-making
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Tool maintenance
- Project collaboration
- Stress management
- Flexible and adaptable
References
Pam general manager 515-576-3471 -Hardees
Galen manager 515-576-3471 Hardees
Rahela Ray fraind 515-302-0282
Timeline
Line cook , closer
Hardees Fast Food
05.2025 - 04.2026
Carpentry Laborer
Self employed
03.2020 - 08.2024
Maction teck
Shears
05.2017 - 09.2017
Ground Crew Worker
MC Cabe's tree service
01.2015 - 05.2017
Caregiver
VA Caregiver Program
03.2001 - 04.2022
Carpentry And Constrion
SCC
High School Diploma -
Beardstown High