Composting Operator - Part time (Frederick, MD)

Join us at Compost Crew, a locally owned fast-growing organics recycling company based in Rockville, MD. We are rescuing over 30 million pounds of unwanted food scraps from the landfill per year, helping to retain valuable nutrients by converting the food scraps into a rich soil amendment – compost. Compost Crew is the largest organic recycling company in our region, serving over 20,000 homes, businesses, communities and governments throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We’re innovative leaders in the elimination of food waste, revitalization of our soil and sustainability. At Compost Crew, you’ll enjoy a friendly work environment where you’ll be treated with appreciation and respect. You’ll make a real difference in the well-being of our community and environment.

Position Overview

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Are you interested in a career processing food scraps into high-quality soil amendment? We are hiring a Composting Operator to perform composting operations at our innovative Compost Outpost located in Frederick, Maryland. As Composting Operator, you will work closely with our Lead Composting Operator and Composting Operations Supervisor to turn food scraps from our customer base into nutrient-rich compost. This is a great opportunity for you if you want to build your career in sustainability while you earn competitive pay. This is a part-time position of 20 hours per week with a variable schedule. After initial training schedule of 9 am - 1 pm Mon. - Fri, schedule will usually be 1 pm - 5 pm Mon. - Fri.  Starting pay $18 - $19/hr.

Responsibilities  

Perform composting operations at our Compost Outpost:

• Perform weekly composting operations by following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as specified in the Compost Facility Operating Plan (CFOP), to include but not limited to: 

  • Facility set-up and breakdown

  • Complete decontamination procedures

  • Complete proper material monitoring and mixing with temperature, moisture, porosity, and bulk density recommendations

  • Complete aerated static pile (ASP) inputs and outputs, as well as passive aeration windrow turning.

  • Comply with health and safety requirements as specified in the Health and Safety Plan (HASP)

  • Record and maintain composting operation metrics including, but not limited to; feedstocks received, pile temperatures, Carbon to Nitrogen ratios, bay(s) used, moisture, working hours, and any additional notes. 

  • Perform compost sifting tasks and coordinate compost application, purchases, and hauling as needed.

  • Maintain feedstocks including carbon feedstocks and nitrogen feedstocks (waste organics generated from our routing system)

  • Complete pre and post skid-steer checks and preventative maintenance procedures

  • Perform compost mixing and movement tasks with equipment/machinery

• Operate and perform maintenance on equipment and vehicles including but not limited to; a front-end loader (FEL), skid-steer, sifter, conveyor, ASP system and pickup truck with  trailer.

• Keep up to date with certifications required for and sponsored by Compost Crew

• Attend classes, seminars, conferences and other assigned educational activities to stay up-to-date on composting industry and innovation techniques

• Perform composting operations tasks at other sites in region as needed

• Support the Composting Division with any additional projects or tasks

Key Requirements

• Proficient in English (both reading and writing)

• Ability to lift at 55 pounds

• At least 2 years experience operating industrial or farm equipment and/or machinery, ideally on agricultural land

• Enthusiasm for the mission of protecting the planet and reducing waste

• Effective listening skills.

• Clear communication and organizational skills

• Capable of taking on multiple tasks with minimal supervision

• Attention to detail

• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-changing work environment

• Team player willing to share and learn from other members of the team, and to learn from your peers’ best practices

• Disciplined adherence to procedures, instructions and assignments when working in team and working independently

• Safety-first mindset

• Ability to obtain DOT medical card & pass drug and alcohol test (company pays for exam & test)

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, Google applications, spreadsheets, and other systems tools

• Ability to travel to sites throughout region on occasional basis (no overnight travel required)

• Access to reliable transportation to and from regional sites - public transportation and rideshares services are not viable options given location of sites

• Access to cell phone for reporting and communications

• U.S.-issued driver’s license in good standing

• Clean driving record

• Available for flexible schedule of 4 hours daily Mon. - Fri., typically between 9 am - 5 pm

• Availability for occasional work hours in very early morning, late afternoon and  weekends

• Availability for occasional overtime

• U.S. employment authorization

Other Helpful Background

• Experience in an environmental field including composting, farming, environmental education and sales opportunities

• Interest in becoming a Compost Facility Operator (CFO) as certified by the State of Maryland and any other certifications as needed by local and State regulatory agencies. Already having a CFO certification is a plus.

• CDL license

• Experience driving commercial vehicles requiring DOT medical card

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay $18 - $19/hr

• 20 hours/week

• 401k retirement plan

• Paid Time Off and paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program

• Food scrap collection discount in Compost Crew service areas

Position pay range for continuing employees $18 - $20.95/hr.

This is an hourly position. 

20 hours per week

This is a non-management position. 

Location: Onsite

Learn more about Compost Crew at:

https://compostcrew.com/
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, regardless of age, national origin, race, color, disability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Department: Operations
This is a non-management position
This is a part time position

Salary : $18 - $19