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Compost Operator Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Compost Operator information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$15

$25

$36

How much do compost operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for compost operator in Goleta, CA is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $29.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Compost Operator jobs? Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Compost Operator job openings:
Compost Operator jobs near you
Sustainability Projects CCAC Fellow

Sustainability Projects CCAC Fellow

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Goleta, CA • On-site

$130K - $148K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Job Title: Sustainability Projects CCAC Fellow

Reports to: Director of Community Engagement

Status: Full-time, non-exempt; employed by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) Center through California Climate Action Corps program

Hours:Monday - Friday (approximately 40 hours), occasional weekends/after-hour events

Location: Foodbanks South County Sharehouse, 82 Coromar Drive, Goleta

Salary: Please sign up to attend a CCAC Info Session for more information.

Time Commitment: This is a one-year, full time position (September 2026 - August 2027).


About California Climate Action Corps

The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellowship is an AmeriCorps service program thats part of a California statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. Annually, they match 400+ Fellows with public agencies, Tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across California for an 11-month Fellowship to mobilize community members to take direct climate action through education, volunteer mobilization, and assessment focused on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.


About the Organization

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County (Foodbank) is committed to being on the forefront in community leadership, by inviting members of our community into our organization and giving them significant responsibility and involvement in running programs, committees and organizational activities. By doing so, we can scale our activities to a degree sufficient to end hunger and transform the health of the community through good nutrition.

About the Position

As food insecurity continues to increase in the community, the Foodbank is expanding our Sustainability Program to ensure food is effectively redistributed to low-income populations throughout Santa Barbara County, while educating the community on how our work aligns with sustainability and climate change.

This is ahands-on position that requires daily work in both warehouse and orchard settings. Fellows will engage directly with the physical aspects of food recovery and distribution, including harvesting produce from backyards and orchards, sorting and handling food in the warehouse, and preparing items for immediate redistribution.

Fellows will work cross-departmentally to support the four key initiatives under our Sustainability Program:

  • Backyard Bounty and Grocery Rescue:Volunteer-powered food rescue and edible food recovery programs where fresh produce and non-perishable food are rescued from backyards, orchards, and grocery stores, then rapidly redirected through our distribution networks.
  • Gardening Education Program:A hands-on educational initiative introducing local youth to sustainability, soil health, and crop production through direct gardening experience.
  • Compost Program: Operating industrial composters at each location to minimize food waste and promote environmental stewardship.


Each of these programs offers significant growth potential as both food rescue efforts and community educational resources. Our goal is to increase awareness and participation in food recovery and expand the volume of fresh produce and non-perishables distributed to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead the Backyard Bounty (BYB) program: manage gleaning events, recruit and train new volunteers, work with current donors and identify new properties to glean. Educate the community on backyard harvesting, donating to the Foodbank, and sustainable garden/orchard maintenance.
  • Lead the Grocery Rescue program: manage, recruit, and train new volunteers for daily Grocery Rescue shifts; work with Operations team to improve processes; train volunteers on donor relationships and the program's health and environmental benefits.
  • Support the HarvestHub Garden: manage garden volunteers and oversee garden operations, including pest control, inventory, soil health, growing kid-friendly crops, and more.
  • Support Compost Operations: manage, recruit and train new volunteers; support daily operations
  • Develop an education plan and outreach materials to highlight the benefits of sustainability programs, SB 1383, and food rescue. Educate partners, donors, volunteers, and the community through events like Earth Day, school fairs, and more.
  • Track and analyze program data to measure climate impact.


Education & Experience

  • Customer service, volunteer management, or nonprofit experience
  • Knowledge about Organic Waste & Edible Food Recovery
  • Knowledge of volunteer recruitment, supervision, training and retention practices a plus


Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability and willingness to actively assist (hands-on) in volunteer activities
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team and across departments
  • Ability to project enthusiasm and positivity about the Foodbank and its work in the community
  • Proficient and effective in verbal communication skills, including speaking in front of groups and engaging with individuals one-on-one
  • Ability to self-direct and complete tasks with minimal oversight
  • General computer, tech, and software proficiency

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing
  • Comfortable working in a warehouse environment


Additional Requirements

  • California Drivers License
  • Ability to work nights and weekends as needed
  • Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks and requests
  • Able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen


Why Join Us?

At the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, we believe in taking care of our team members.

  • Professional Development: Access ongoing professional training opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Utilize our Employee Assistance Program for personal and work-related counseling and support, ensuring you have the resources you need to thrive.


Program Benefits Provided by BACR:

Please sign up to attend aCCAC Info Sessionfor more information.


Our Hiring Process

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated confirmation. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to respond within 1 week of submitting your application. We strive to have an inclusive hiring process that includes opportunities for us to get to know you and vice versa.

  • Our process includes:
    • Application review
    • An initial virtual video interview with members of the team and/or collaborators with this position
    • CCAC steps (see below)
    • A second round virtual video interview with members of the team and/or collaborators with this position
  • CCAC process includes:
    • Applicant must attendCCAC Info Session
    • Applicants fill outCCAC Fellowship Application
  • Combined final process:
    • Reference checks
    • Offer
    • Pre-Employment processes (i.e. standard background check)


We have been granted 2 CCAC positions at our site.

Click here to apply to learn about program benefits and to apply!