Compost Operator

Earth Matter NY is hiring a full-time Compost Operator for METRO HORT GROUP, INC. in New York, NY, starting March 2025, with a salary of $60,000-$65,000. The role involves operating composting equipment, performing maintenance, and assisting with volunteer activities. Candidates should have experience in compost operations, be able to work outdoors in all weather, and possess strong communication skills. A valid NY driver's license is required.
Start Date: March 2025
Compensation: $60,000-$65,000 per year

Earth Matter NY seeks a competent and diligent full-time 40 hours/week Compost Operator. This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all composting equipment, including front-end loaders, chipper, trommel screen, and dump truck. The employee must be able to perform preventative and general maintenance, and troubleshoot minor issues with the equipment. The employee will assist with staffing volunteer and outreach activities as needed. These responsibilities require the candidate to be available for some weekends from May through October. The position reports to the Compost Operations Manager.
Responsibilities/Duties
• Work in all phases of compost production; acceptance and pre-processing of food and yard feedstocks; construct, monitor and maintain compost piles; screen finished compost
• Operate machinery to process organics in Aerated Static Pile Composting systems (Skid steers, front-end loaders, brush chipper, trommel screen, dump truck)
• Inspect and perform safety checks on vehicles and equipment
• Grease, fuel, and clean vehicles, machinery and equipment
• Report the need for repairs; request parts, tools, materials, and supplies
• Perform preventative and general maintenance and repairs
• Shovel, sweep, and organize various materials as required; Clean collection bins
• Distribute compost/soil blends to community partners via dump truck around New York City
• Input data to track and report organics intake and compost production
• Co-lead volunteer and outreach activities such as workdays and tours
• Participate in maintenance of the CLC as needed
• Participate in chicken care and goat care shifts as needed
• Act as an overall ambassador of the NYC Community Compost Network
• Attend Earth Matter staff meetings and NYC Community Compost Network-related meetings
Qualifications/Requirements
• Knowledge of the practices, methods, techniques, tools, and equipment for operation of a composting facility
• Skid Steer, trommel screen, and chipper operation and maintenance experience; Knowledge of hydraulics a plus
• Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions, and on some weekends
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds, and bending, stooping, to perform physically strenuous tasks
• Ability to regularly pull/roll Toters up to 300 pounds with a partner/team
• Ability to endure and address unpleasant odors from compost feedstocks
• Strong communication skills and comfortable with a wide variety of people, solo or as a team, in various settings
• Good sense of humor, flexibility, and openness to learn

Education/Experience
• Minimum two years of verifiable compost operations work experience required
• Experience with basic office software and cell phone usage
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Active NY driver’s license required; experience operating a medium duty truck a plus
Additional Information

Location: Governors Island, NY, NY 10004

$60-$65k/yr + benefits (paid sick leave, 15 days paid time off, 10 paid federal holidays, 401k plan, commuter and phone benefits, gear stipend, 3 week unpaid sabbatical after 7 years of service)

How to Apply: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@earthmatter.org. For more information about Earth Matter NY visit earthmatter.org. Earth Matter NY is an equal opportunity employer.

Organization:
Earth Matter NY Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the art, science, and application of composting in and around New York City. Earth Matter NY seeks to reduce the organic waste misdirected into the garbage stream by encouraging neighbor participation and leadership in composting. Earth Matter provides community scale compost processing and education, as part of the NYC Community Compost Network funded by NY City Council.