What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compost Operator position at White Oak Conservation?
Job Title: Compost Operator
Department: Support Services
Reports To: Director of Support Services
Effective Date: April 1, 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
Position Purpose:
This role is responsible for managing the compost facility and composting process using windrow methods, ensuring proper material decomposition, maintaining equipment, delivering and spreading final composted product, and adhering to environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in heavy equipment operation, composting, agriculture, or waste management and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
• Windrow Management: Build, turn, and monitor compost windrows to ensure optimal conditions for decomposition.
• Monitoring & Data Collection: Regularly check moisture levels, temperature, and oxygen levels using appropriate tools and techniques, adjusting as needed.
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Operate compost turners, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other machinery safely and efficiently. Perform routine maintenance and report malfunctions.
• Material Handling: Receive, sort, and mix organic waste materials to maintain proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios; receive and manage woody debris, and deliver and spread final composted product as requested and needed.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensure operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Implement best practices to control odors, leachate, and vectors.
• Quality Control: Assess compost maturity and perform testing/screening to produce high-quality finished compost.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Manage and maintain the composting facility and compost area; Mmaintain a clean and organized work environment while following all safety protocols.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of composting activities, equipment use, and regulatory compliance
• Contractor Management: Manage all contractors associated with the composting process.
• Assist Road Maintenance, or other Support Services departments, as needed.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
• Experience in composting, agriculture, landscaping, waste management, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of composting principles, including microbial activity, aeration, and decomposition.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely (training/certification preferred).
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently.
• Physical ability to lift heavy materials (50 lbs), stand for extended periods, and perform manual labor.
• Basic skills for record-keeping and reporting.
• Ability to operate without direct supervision and be self-motivated, persistent, confident, tenacious, and take pride in work.
• Efficient time management; ability to manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines; and ability to be fast and flexible – multitask.
• Dependable, responsible, trustworthy, and neatly groomed
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with organic waste management or environmental compliance.
• Mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of soil science, compost testing, and sustainable agriculture.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
