Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Volunteer Experience
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michael Mendiola

Olympia,WA

Summary

Extensive experience in customer service roles, including grocery assistance and barista positions, focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and ensuring product quality. Proven ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members to create desired outcomes and foster positive interactions. As a union representative, developed skills in organizing meetings and training sessions, enhancing team cohesion and support. Demonstrated resilience in navigating challenging situations to maintain high standards of service and support for both customers and colleagues.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Food Bank Volunteer

Thurston County Food Bank
Olympia, Washington
02.2026 - 06.2026

Assisted in food distribution at the Olympia Food Bank to support the local community.
Promoted customer engagement during service hours for better outreach.
Assisted with workspace setup and breakdown for efficient food service operations.
Restocked non-perishable items, and organized fresh fruits and vegetables.
Handled the receipt of donations, keeping thorough inventory records.
Participated in various initiatives to improve the visitor experience.

Lead Interpreter

Puget Sound Estuarium
Olympia, WA
08.2024 - 01.2026

Interpreted habitats for visitors, enhancing understanding of 33 species across five ecosystems.

Welcomed and checked in guests, providing facility details at the front desk.

Monitored and fed animals, executing essential husbandry duties.

Conducted water changes and filter cleaning for saltwater aquariums.

Engaged visitors with marine life insights, fostering appreciation for marine ecosystems.

Contributed to exhibit development supporting the Estuarium's mission.

Participated in outreach events, promoting the Estuarium from Olympia to Tacoma.

General Laborer / Irrigation Team

Country Green Turf Farms
Olympia
07.2025 - 09.2025

Executed daily movement of 60lb metal pipes over 50 feet for optimal irrigation.

Collaborated with a team to maintain and irrigate over 100 acres of turf.

Performed general farm labor tasks, including mowing grass and cleaning equipment.

Operated John Deere tractors and attached trailers for various farm activities.

Barista

Starbucks
Tumwater, WA
11.2022 - 06.2024

Prepared and served high-quality espresso-based beverages, teas, and specialty drinks efficiently.

Provided exceptional customer service through engaging interactions and order management.

Maintained cleanliness and organization of coffee bar area, including equipment and condiment stations.

Demonstrated knowledge of coffee brewing methods to recommend selections tailored to customer preferences.

Welcomed customers warmly to foster a friendly atmosphere in the café.

Collaborated with team members to enhance service speed and maintain quality standards.

Stocked supplies and cleaned shop floor to provide a welcoming environment for patrons.

Followed detailed customer instructions to ensure satisfaction with each beverage.

Starbucks Union Intern

Starbucks Workers United
Tumwater
08.2023 - 01.2024

Enhanced store organization and nurtured coworker relationships to cultivate a positive work environment.

Set up meetings with peers to discuss difficult topics, improving overall communication flow.

Engaged in group learning focused on worker rights, effective management communication, and labor empowerment.

Coordinated various activities to support union objectives while developing training presentations for employees.

Assisted union team in organizing events that promote employee involvement in labor activities.

Researched labor laws and collective bargaining agreements to inform strategies for better working conditions.

Created informative materials aimed at increasing union awareness and participation among Starbucks workers.

Partnered with union leaders and management to tackle workplace challenges and promote fair labor practices.

Systems Signal Support

Army
Tacoma, WA
06.2016 - 06.2020

Education

Undergraduate Degree - Environmental Science

The Evergreen State College
Olympia
05.2026

AAS - Software Development, Information Technology

South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA
12.2023

Skills

Communication and teamwork

Microsoft Office proficiency

Customer service excellence

Public speaking skills

Interpersonal communication

Laboratory experience

Report writing expertise

Barista experience

Marine Animal Docent

Hobbies and Interests

  • Marine Biology
  • Mushrooms & Fungi
  • Local Plants
  • Invasive Plants
  • Guitar
  • Skateboarding

Volunteer Experience

Puget Sound Estuarium, 06/01/24, Olympia, WA, Started helping at the Puget Sound Estuarium to learn more about Marine Biology & enjoy working with people with similar interests. I helped so far with community activities like Pier Peer, Outreach at events, & as an assistant during a couple shark dissection.

Certification

  • MAST
  • Food Handlers

Timeline

Food Bank Volunteer

Thurston County Food Bank
02.2026 - 06.2026

General Laborer / Irrigation Team

Country Green Turf Farms
07.2025 - 09.2025

Lead Interpreter

Puget Sound Estuarium
08.2024 - 01.2026

Starbucks Union Intern

Starbucks Workers United
08.2023 - 01.2024

Barista

Starbucks
11.2022 - 06.2024

Systems Signal Support

Army
06.2016 - 06.2020

Undergraduate Degree - Environmental Science

The Evergreen State College

AAS - Software Development, Information Technology

South Puget Sound Community College
Michael Mendiola