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Compost Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JAVA'S COMPOST

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Compost Pickup Driver

Orange, NJ · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Compost Pickup Driver Location: Orange, NJ Rate: $20 per/hour Schedule: Mondays to Fridays 7am-2pm ... and operating procedures Duties include, but not limited to: - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs ...

JAVA'S COMPOST

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Compost Pickup Driver

Orange, NJ · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Compost Pickup Driver Location: Orange, NJ Rate: $20 per/hour Schedule: Mondays to Fridays 7am-2pm ... and operating procedures Duties include, but not limited to: - Ability to lift up to 50 lbs ...

NewTerra Compost

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Compost Collection Driver- CDL B

Wildwood, GA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Experience operating farm and construction equipment. * Knowledgeable about composting and the benefits of compost to our community. Hours: * 5x 8 hour days; increasing with company growth; potential ...

NewTerra Compost

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Compost Collection Driver- CDL B

Wildwood, GA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Experience operating farm and construction equipment. * Knowledgeable about composting and the benefits of compost to our community. Hours: * 5x 8 hour days; increasing with company growth; potential ...

Kreher Family Farms

Compost Attendant I

Wolcott, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Compost Attendant/ Equipment Operator Starting Pay: $20/ hour Do you enjoy operating heavy equipment? Do you have experience working on a farm? Do you like working with machinery? If yes, read on!

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How much do compost operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for compost operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compost Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compost Operator, you need knowledge of composting processes, basic equipment operation, and an understanding of safety and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery such as front-end loaders, temperature probes, and possibly compost management software is often required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These abilities are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible compost production.

What are some common challenges a Compost Operator faces, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Compost Operators often encounter challenges such as managing odors, maintaining optimal moisture and temperature levels, and dealing with varying feedstock quality. Addressing these issues requires consistent monitoring, timely adjustments to aeration and watering, and thorough record keeping. Collaborating closely with other team members, such as equipment operators and quality control personnel, helps to quickly identify problems and implement effective solutions, ensuring the composting process runs smoothly and meets environmental standards.

What are Compost Operators?

Compost Operators are professionals responsible for managing the process of turning organic waste materials into compost. They oversee the collection, sorting, and processing of biodegradable materials such as food scraps, yard waste, and agricultural residues. Their job involves monitoring compost piles for temperature, moisture, and aeration to ensure effective decomposition. Compost Operators also use specialized machinery and adhere to environmental regulations to produce high-quality compost for agricultural or landscaping use.

What is the difference between Compost Operator vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectCompost OperatorWaste Management Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operationOSHA safety training, waste handling certifications
Work EnvironmentComposting facilities, outdoorLandfills, recycling centers, outdoor/indoor
Industry UsageComposting plants, organic waste facilitiesWaste collection, recycling, disposal services

While both roles involve waste management and safety certifications, a Compost Operator specializes in managing composting processes at organic waste facilities, focusing on compost production. A Waste Management Technician handles broader waste collection and disposal tasks across various waste facilities. The roles overlap in safety training and outdoor work environments but differ in specific responsibilities and industry focus.

More about Compost Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Compost Operator jobs? Cities with the most Compost Operator job openings:
What states have the most Compost Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Compost Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Compost Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Compost Operator jobs are:
Compost Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compost Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Temporary, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Field Maintenance & Compost Operator

Field Maintenance & Compost Operator

Kalsec, Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Field Maintenance & Compost Operator supports daily compost and field maintenance operations to ensure efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible processes. This role works independently and as part of a team to maintain high productivity standards while minimizing impact on the local community.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
  • Perform composting as described in the Kalsec Composting Operations Manual to reduce impact on the local community and optimize composting productivity.
  • Record daily data as required by compost permit.
  • Haul finished compost to local area farms.
  • Assure compost pad and road are well maintained with gravel and grading and assure it stays plowed throughout the winter.
  • Operate and maintain composting equipment to ensure reliability. Perform minor repairs of farm tractors and implements: PM and operate end loader, tractor and compost turner.
  • Provide backup support for the Spent Hauler including maintaining spent silo levels, loading trucks, general PM (preventative maintenance) on semis, trailers, daily cleaning of silo loading area and spent hauling equipment after use.
  • Support Environmental/Sustainability Department with recycling, transfers and various tasks as requested.
  • Identify quality improvements that will lead to compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations 1.) SQF Food Safety for Manufacturing at Kalsec 2.) Achieve compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act
  • Collaborate with the Facilities & Grounds Departments on various tasks as requested. Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Maintain compliance with State and Federal DOT Regulations.
  • Demonstrate foresight by strategizing weekly and monthly plans & goals. With minimal supervisory oversight, be able to prioritize and make decisions around day-to-day operations of spent and waste handling.
  • Communicate regularly with team.

Qualifications:
Associate's degree or 1-3 years related experience, or 0-2 years related experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.
Required
  • Holds valid CDL-A license
  • Must be able to work independently 75% of the time and willing to work collaboratively with team members

Desired
  • Basic computer skills to be effective with email and daily data entry
  • Experience driving lead dump trailer
  • Willing to solve problems and employ continuous improvement mindset
  • Passionate about recycling, diverting waste from landfills and sustainable waste handling practices

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions; the majority of work is performed outdoors
  • Requires daily operation of heavy equipment and the ability to perform heavy lifting, including handling compost window covers

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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About Kalsec

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Kalamazoo, MI, US

Year founded

1958

Social media

Twitter

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