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Compost Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Burrtec

Heavy Equipment Operator (LF)

Salton City, CA · On-site

$33.90 - $37.20/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator (Landfill) Operates a variety of heavy equipment in a safe and efficient ... Will be working in and around non-hazardous solid waste, food waste compost, WWTP biosolids and may ...

Atlas Disposal

Front Load Driver -CDL

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Operate heavy-duty front load trucks to collect waste, recycling, and compost containers along ... At least 1 year of recent experience operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or equivalent military ...

Gotham Greens

Greenhouse Production Assistant

Davis, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Tier 1 * Seeding duties, including operating seeding machine(s). * Transplant seedlings based on ... Compost unused plants as instructed and in accord with production schedule. * Assist with daily ...

Gotham Greens

Greenhouse Production Assistant

Davis, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Tier 1 * Seeding duties, including operating seeding machine(s). * Transplant seedlings based on ... Compost unused plants as instructed and in accord with production schedule. * Assist with daily ...

Hog Island Oyster Co

Shucker

Marshall, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Set up work station with rubber mat, trash can and compost can * Check oyster inventory; put new ... Minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals;

Hog Island Oyster Company Inc

Shucker

Marshall, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Set up work station with rubber mat, trash can and compost can * Check oyster inventory; put new ... Minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals;

Hog Island Oyster Company Inc

Shucker

Marshall, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Set up work station with rubber mat, trash can and compost can * Check oyster inventory; put new ... Minimal exposure to physical risks such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals;

NORTHERN RECYCLING

Be Seen First

Spotter / Scale House Attendant

Woodland, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Company Description Northern Recycling has been operating in Yolo County for over a decade and now ... compost, mulch, and biomass fuel.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCompost Operator JobsCompost Operator Jobs in California

Compost Operator information

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 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.

What is a compost operator?

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 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 popular job titles related to Compost Operator jobs in California? For Compost Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compost Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compost Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Compost Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Compost Operator job openings:
Compost Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compost Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Heavy Equipment Operator (LF)

Burrtec

Salton City, CA • On-site

$33.90 - $37.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Burrtec is a well-established refuse and recycling collection company serving over 15 municipalities throughout Southern California and employing more than 1,200 full-time employees. Burrtec continues to grow through company acquisitions and successful bid proposals. Burrtec is a family-owned company that firmly believes the key element to our success is knowing how important each employee is in the organization. We are currently seeking the following position at our Salton Division.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Landfill)

Operates a variety of heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner, while utilizing best and accepted operating methods to process incoming non-hazardous municipal solid waste.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Be able to assist in placement, covering, and compaction of trash.
  • Operate compactor, dozer, scraper, motor grader, loader, and water truck in a proficient manner.
  • Operate each piece of equipment with safety as the first priority.
  • Inspect assigned equipment and prepare pre and post-trips as required.
  • Assist with maintenance and construction of landfill roads.
  • Maintain required slope levels, deck levels and tipping area.
  • Comply with all safety procedures, and aware of emergency contracts.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the Lead HEO and Landfill Site Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Must be able to read and understand safety rules, operating manuals and procedures manuals.
  • Must have a valid California driver’s license, Class B license is a plus.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A minimum of 1-year experience operating heavy equipment in dirt or trash, required.
  • All candidates, which include internal employees or external applicants, must successfully complete an on-site operating skills test on all landfill site equipment and must demonstrate proficiency on all equipment types while exhibiting safe tipping table management, waste fill construction, waste slope shaping and grading, efficient waste compaction and cover soil application on a variety of slope configurations.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and follow directions.
  • HAZWOPER training not required but is preferred.

PHYSICAL:

  • This position requires that the individual walk on level and slippery surfaces, sit, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, climb and lift objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties.
  • Requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment.
  • Requires independent body mobility to stand and climb into different pieces of heavy equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Must be able to work effectively outdoors and under extreme seasonal weather conditions, including heat, rain and wind.
  • Will be working in and around non-hazardous solid waste, food waste compost, WWTP biosolids and may be exposed to airborne dust, sharp objects and noisy equipment.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

  • Must have steel-toe work boots with puncture-proof soles and wear company-provided PPE, including a hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses/goggles, earplugs, dust mask, and gloves.

We provide a competitive salary commensurate with experience, and an EXCELLENT benefits package including 401K and 100% paid medical/dental/life insurance and holidays/vacations/PSLs.