Eco-Cycle, one of the oldest and largest non-profit recycling organizations in the nation and a leader in resource conservation and Zero Waste, seeks a staffer to support the Microbe Brew program. Since 2004, Eco-Cycle has been brewing and selling Microbe Brew compost tea, a liquid soil amendment made from food waste to demonstrate the value of food waste as a resource for building soil. Microbe Brew is available for purchase daily throughout the growing season at our CHaRM facility, 6400 Arapahoe Road in Boulder. It consists of a large and diverse population of beneficial soil microbes populated from our onsite vermiculture (composting worm) beds.
This position is responsible for “brewing” Microbe Brew according to forecasted sales volumes to maintain a consistent supply for our customers. The position may also include managing the vermiculture beds as determined through the interview process.
Expected Schedule
· Seasonal - April through September
· Approximately 8-16+ hours/week according to sales
· Weekly schedule is flexible, but typically requires coming to the site multiple times per week for a half day or less
· More hours may be available to a qualified person with basic construction skills and interest in construction of on-farm composting systems locally (see additional information below under “Skills Preferred”).
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
· Microbe Brew production
o Forecast the volume of each batch needed to meet the likely sales demand according to previous week’s sales, sales trends from the previous year, and weather forecasts. Anticipate Saturday sales volumes in particular as typically the busiest sales day of the week.
o Start, monitor and finish brews brew batches of Microbe Brew as needed to meet anticipated supply.
o Monitor sales, rotate stock, set brewing schedules.
o Use best practices demonstrated in trainings to maintain a high quality and consistent supply of fresh Microbe Brew.
o Maintain an inventory of supplies (jugs, labels, etc.) in anticipation of sales volumes and reorder time required.
o Bottle finished product; clean, label and date jugs.
o Stock shelves in display cooler and backup cooler.
o Clean brewers promptly upon completion of a brew.
o Maintain an orderly work area.
· Manage vermiculture beds
o Learn and utilize best practices from trainings to maintain the health and productivity of worm beds.
o Retrieve food scraps (worm food) from designated suppliers as needed. Clean and return any collection containers to suppliers.
o Once a week or as needed, prepare worm food (remove unusable food, chop to a consistent size, cull twist ties and other contaminants, pre-compost as determined). Spread an even layer of food, bedding, and water as needed according to best practices from trainings.
o Regularly monitor conditions in vermiculture beds using your senses, a thermometer, and potentially other instruments.
o Harvest finished worm castings as needed to maintain adequate Microbe Brew production.
Skills Required
· An interest in composting and gardening.
· Ability to be self-directed and efficient.
· Consistency, reliability, tidiness, attention to detail.
· Good communication skills.
· Ability and flexibility to set and maintain your own schedule in response to sales volumes (May and June are the highest sales volumes so expect to work a few more hours/week in these months)
· Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] The position will remain open until filled.