Tara Jackson
Kansas City,MO
Summary
On the report of the Clifton Strengths Assessment, my character embodies 5 words: Empathy, Connectedness, Input, Developer, and Adaptability.
Connection drives an ability to deeply relate with others and propels me to community facing positions where I can inspire others and be inspired in return. I believe in effective and empathetic communication in the work place, being respectful and fair to all, and using a career as a catalyst for nurturing skills and passions.
Naturally enthusiastic and inventive, I enjoy employing a broad skillset to go about and beyond with projects and objectives. I have worn many hats on top of main roles including display designer, project manager, promoter, social media manager, event planner, and even muralist!
These traits, applied to a passion for conservation and people, equip me to involve others and let them have a seat at the table, while encouraging the community to participate in something worthwhile.
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” - John Muir
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Barista
Post Coffee Company
10.2022 - Current
- I provide a warm atmosphere where the community comes to enjoy specialty coffee. The best part is getting to know each person that walks through the door, and making them a product that they are excited to tell their friends about.
- This position includes having a breadth of knowledge about the trade to prepare high end coffee and cocktails, while always learning new skills and techniques.
- I get to know the community and tell them about upcoming events and products.
- I manage the flow of the cafe and set my teammates up for success.
Greenhouse Technician
Enright Gardens
01.2022 - 10.2022
- At this local greenhouse I assisted customers and answered questions regarding all varieties of annual and perennial plants and general garden maintenance. On top of 5+ years of working with plants, I learned about native shrubs, tropicals, and flowers, to help people choose foliage for their spaces.
- Helped owners run promotions and plan events, as well as general maintenance of greenhouses and garden tools.
- Counted inventory, organized, and prepare displays.
- I was tasked my first season to plant and prepare all houseplants, succulents, and geranium houses! I maintained them throughout the season and managed their displays as my own project.
- I was also expected to lead and delegate tasks to others, and clarify questions.
Secretary and Greenhouse Technician
Blueville Nursery
04.2020 - 08.2021
- I answered questions regarding all products, landscape and lawn maintenance, chemical application processes, and administrative concerns
- I would take phone calls and organize messages for all departments
- I regularly read material from Kansas State University Research and Extension to answer questions about invasive species, fertilization, and pest management
- I attended many of the company's guest seminars on various agricultural topics in the field to gain understanding and direct people to better solutions
- My favorite thing about this position is applying my knowledge of plants and maintenance techniques to help customers find solutions to carry on with their landscaping projects! This often included how to seed new lawns, maintain and prune perennials and fruit trees, apply chemicals and fertilizers, and properly caring for all varieties of plants.
Assistant General Manager
Radina's Coffeehouse & Bakery
06.2018 - 04.2020
- I provided coffee and service training for all new team members, assisted with hiring, and hosted monthly meetings to update policy and procedures, and resolved concerns.
- I completed all daily cash deposits, and put in daily orders for baked goods as well as for commercial inventory.
- I delegated tasks to employees and was a resource for all questions.
- On top of my barista position, the General Manager would often requested that I arrange product displays and create graphics and advertisements.
- I mediated between the owners, general manager, shift leaders, and the floor team to make sure lines of communication were clear and provided an environment where everyone felt understood! It made a great impact on the morale of the cafe, and increased employee retention.
Greenhouse Production
Horticulture Services
03.2018 - 06.2018
- Myself and two others were responsible for raising hundreds of plant varieties for the entire season from seed to maturity.
- My daily tasks included pruning, propagating, seeding and cutting, transplanting, transporting and organizing flats of plants using a railway and large carts, and watering.
- Other regular responsibilities were batching and mixing soil using agricultural machinery, filling pots and flats, unloading supply trucks, and using and maintaining a detailed list to pick out mature varieties to transport to the flower shop to sell.
Animal Caretaker and Aquaponics Technician
Pet Life By Roberts
05.2017 - 08.2017
- I was tasked with restoring an old outdoor hydroponics system, raised water beds, and small pond. I nurtured the pond beds back to health by systematically treating the fish and plants with nutrients, removed and treated massive algal overgrowth, and transplanted all plants into clean and functional net pots with the proper substrate. After, the waterlilies produced the most beautiful blooms and the plants sold so quickly!
- I cared for all animals including reptiles, fish, cats, rodents, insects, and birds including two twenty year old parrots! This included maintaining their enclosures, giving the animals baths and administering medicine, and feeding and grooming.
- I designed graphics and unique displays to help promote products.
- I assisted customers and offered appropriate product solutions.
Sales Associate and Groundskeeper
Stutzman's Greenhouse
06.2016 - 04.2017
- As one of four employees at this location, I maintained a small plot of land in the Sand Hills for selling commercial annuals. Being an outdoor nursery had different challenges. I learned about water systems, active fertilization and water soluble nutrients, and how to manage wildlife.
- My role included general groundskeeping; insect management, water system and drip irrigation maintenance, use of garden tools, and maintenance of trails and walk ways.
- This site was also the host to many of the companies events, my favorite being a fall perennial sale and pumpkin patch. I hand painted the display signs and life-sized cut out props for family photos! It was so fun to see the community being excited about something I had made.
Server
The Diner
08.2013 - 08.2015
- The Diner was a wonderful place to start developing customer service skills at age 14. I got the opportunity to be every piece of the puzzle including baking, preparatory cooking, bussing, hosting, dish washing, and my favorite position, serving.
- Being apart of this community and spending time with the regulars and the Sunday brunch crowd is where I learned the importance of genuine hospitality and what made my first employment experience memorable. It was a story of a little family of people and their own complex lives and I got to be apart of each one while learning practical life skills and true empathy.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Parks Management And Conservation
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05.2025
Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Training and Development
- Graphic Design
- Customer Service
- Compassion and Empathy
- Leadership Competency
- Team Building
- Community Oriented
- Engaged Communication
- Hospitality and Accommodation
Certification
- Project WILD Environmental Education Certification - 2021
- Food Handlers Certification (MO) - 2023
- Liquor Handling License (MO) - 2023
Timeline
Barista
Post Coffee Company
10.2022 - Current
Greenhouse Technician
Enright Gardens
01.2022 - 10.2022
Secretary and Greenhouse Technician
Blueville Nursery
04.2020 - 08.2021
Assistant General Manager
Radina's Coffeehouse & Bakery
06.2018 - 04.2020
Greenhouse Production
Horticulture Services
03.2018 - 06.2018
Animal Caretaker and Aquaponics Technician
Pet Life By Roberts
05.2017 - 08.2017
Sales Associate and Groundskeeper
Stutzman's Greenhouse
06.2016 - 04.2017
Server
The Diner
08.2013 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Parks Management And Conservation
Kansas State University
Similar Profiles
Oscar ChabanOscar Chaban
Barista at Trading Post Coffee RoastersBarista at Trading Post Coffee Roasters
Mia Mia null
Barista and All-rounder at Post CoffeeBarista and All-rounder at Post Coffee
Lori KeenLori Keen
Owner at Vint Hill Coffee, The Queen's Bean LLC, Specialty Coffee Roasting CompanyOwner at Vint Hill Coffee, The Queen's Bean LLC, Specialty Coffee Roasting Company
Robin ThomasRobin Thomas
Legal Assistant at Waits & BrownleeLegal Assistant at Waits & Brownlee
Ada D. TurrentineAda D. Turrentine
Operations Support Specialist at Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment CenterOperations Support Specialist at Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center