Full-Time Compost Operator

LOCATION: Governors Island, NY, NY 10004

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. We provide community scale compost processing and education.

THE POSITION: Earth Matter NY seeks a competent and diligent full-time (FT) 40 hours/week Compost Operator. In this position you will operate all composting equipment, including front-end loaders, chipper, trommel screen, and dump truck. The employee will perform preventative and general maintenance, and troubleshoot minor issues with the equipment. The candidate is required to be available for some weekends from May through October to staff public visiting hours. For compost operation, the position reports to the Compost Operations Manager. Overall the position reports to the CCN Administrative Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 composting systems (Skid steers, front-end loaders, brush chipper, trommel screen, dump truck, Toter Tipper, grinder,etc)
• Inspect and perform safety checks on vehicles and equipment
• Grease, fuel, and clean vehicles, machinery and equipment
• Perform preventative and general maintenance and repairs
• Report the need for repairs; request parts, tools, materials, and supplies
• 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
• Staff weekend visitor open hours once a month (May-Oct)
• Participate in site maintenance
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee; duties, responsibilities and activities may change

SKILLS/ABILITIES

Basic 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
• Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to regularly manipulate 50 pounds, and perform physically strenuous tasks
• Ability to regularly manipulate wheeled bin up to 300 pounds
• 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
• Knowledge of NYC community composting (preferred)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Experience in compost operations work (minimum 1 year)

• 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

If you are excited about this job, but your past experiences do not align with all requirements we like to encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You might just be the right candidate for this role.

Compensation: $30/hour + benefits (5 paid sick days, 15 days paid time off, 10 paid holidays, health insurance, 401k plan, commuter and phone benefits, gear stipend)

How to Apply: Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to operationjobs@earthmatter.org with the subject line: ‘Compost Operator’. Please include where you found out about this opportunity. For more information about Earth Matter NY visit www.earthmatter.org.

Earth Matter NY is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as other underrepresented groups to apply for this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based on Governors Island and requires travel by ferry to the work location. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works outdoors and is exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and humidity. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and machinery, including front-end loaders, skid steers, chippers, trommel screens, grinders, dump trucks, and other composting equipment. The employee may frequently be exposed to dust, dirt, odors, fumes, and airborne particles generated by composting operations and the processing of organic materials. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, uneven or slippery surfaces, vibration, loud noise, and cleaning products or other chemicals used in equipment maintenance. The employee may also work at elevated heights or around equipment and materials that present potential fall or other physical hazards. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud, particularly when operating or working near heavy machinery and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must regularly perform physically strenuous work, including standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, shoveling, sweeping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or manipulate materials weighing up to 50 pounds and manipulate wheeled collection bins weighing up to 300 pounds. The position requires the ability to work for extended periods outdoors and to safely enter, exit, and operate various vehicles and equipment.

Benefits: 5 paid sick days, 15 days paid time off, 10 paid holidays, health insurance, 401k plan, commuter and phone benefits, gear stipend

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