Community Compost Company collects food scraps in the Hudson Valley and Northern NJ. We are leading the region in the development of a systems approach to food waste reduction, collection, and local processing. The material we collect is brought to our farm facility and made into compost, which will go back to the earth to restore soil quality for the myriad of attributes that it offers the environment. The finished compost is sold through our brand Hudson Soil Company.
We are seeking a Compost Site Operator for our soil farm facility located in Kerhonkson, NY. At our facility, we currently produce organic compost, vermicompost, and liquid compost extract, available in bulk or bagged/bottled. The operator should be interested in composting/soil production and a self-starter who communicates with the highest level of integrity. The site operator should take pride and ownership in their position, and improve efficiency at every level without compromising the product, or company quality and mission. The operator should be curious, organized, and have a desire to work for product excellence.
This position is currently full-time, 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday on site in Kerhonkson. The site operator role requires daily heavy equipment operation, including bucket loaders, skid steers, screening and bagging machines. Candidates should have experience operating a wheel loader and/or similar equipment.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Operate 28,000 lbs. wheel loader safely and effectively to blend feedstocks, build Aerated Static Piles, turn windrows, screen compost and handle other materials
- Follow compost recipe and adjust as needed to build weekly compost piles
- Maintain records of compost pile builds
- Procure feedstocks from local sources
- Monitor and record temperatures of “on air” piles daily and the balance of curing piles weekly
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and record keeping of servicing
- Coordinate with mechanics and equipment service providers as needed
- Maintain a clean and orderly compost site in accordance with best management practices
- Receive and record all materials entering compost facility
- Organize and maintain a clean barn and/or indoor workspace
- Remove contamination, i.e. trash, from incoming loads and throughout the composting process, as needed
Additional Responsibilities:
- Operate bagging machine in fall and spring for seasonal production
- Operate forklift to load and unload pallets
- Deliver bulk and bagged finished compost to clients as needed
- Vermicompost system maintenance as needed
- Coordinate with CEO, Director of Operations and Production Assistant on tasks, scheduling and priorities
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest in composting or waste and environmental issues, or willingness to learn
- Experience operating heavy machinery including wheel loaders, skid steers and/or other farm and construction equipment
- Understanding of equipment and site safety protocols
- Valid drivers’ license and clean driving record, for insurance purposes
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs, perform physical labor for the duration of the shift and work outside, year round in all weather conditions
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Record keeping experience and comfort with some technology for reporting purposes: Tablets, Excel, Google programs, data input apps, etc.
- Basic mechanical knowledge; mechanical skills are a plus
- Team player; experience working on teams
- Must reside in the Hudson Valley within commuting distance of our Kerhonkson, NY facility
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous composting experience, especially using the ASP method
- Training through the US Composting Council Compost Operators Training Course, Maine Compost School or equivalent programs, and/or Soil Food Web training with Dr. Elaine Ingham
Benefits:
-Vacation and sick pay
-Paid holidays
-Professional development opportunities including trainings, workshops and conferences
-Uniform stipend
-Seasonal vegetable CSA share
-Mohonk Preserve pass
To Apply:
-Please submit your resume and cover letter. Professional references will be requested during the interview process.