1

Compost Operator Jobs in Gulfport, MS (NOW HIRING)

... City, operating the greenhouse, supervising personnel, assisting with designing, installing ... Prepares fields, garden beds or lawn areas by cultivating soil and adding fertilizers and compost.

Compost Operator information

See Gulfport, MS salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do compost operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for compost operator in Gulfport, MS is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $26.78 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 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.

Beautification Coordinator

City of Gulfport

Gulfport, MS • On-site

$33K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Beautification Coordinator

Department - Leisure Services

FLSA Status - Non-Exempt

Annual Salary - $33,259.84

Position Overview
The Beautification Coordinator will assist the Landscape Manager in overseeing the beautification program of the City, operating the greenhouse, supervising personnel, assisting with designing, installing landscaping, and maintaining irrigation systems.
Essential Job Functions

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, May include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Assist Landscape Manager in designing healthy and well-maintained gardens, and grounds to create a positive first impression.
Responsible for providing supervision to crew.
Responsible for implementing daily maintenance operations.
Assist with installation and maintenance of landscaped areas such as grade property; install lighting or irrigation systems, and build walkways, terraces and fountains.
Supervision of transporting and planting new vegetation.
Oversee the transplant of mulch, providing fertilization, and water flowering plants, trees, and shrubs.
Responsible for investigating work orders, citizen complaints/requests and determining a solution to correct any problems that may arise.
Assist and conduct quarterly and annual employee performance evaluation.
Schedule work for crew according to weather conditions, availability of equipment, and seasonal limitations.
Monitor and inspect work of crew to determine quality of work.
Responsible for overseeing mixing of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides and apply them through sprays, dusts, vapors into the soil, or onto trees, shrubs, turf or botanical crops.
Prepares fields, garden beds or lawn areas by cultivating soil and adding fertilizers and compost.
Coordinate and ensure completion of projects assigned by Landscape Manager to team members.
Maintain detailed reports regarding all work scheduled and completed.
Conduct meetings with citizens, business owners, or other community organizations, convey project design and solicit information for design development.
Other duties as requested by Landscape Manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Ability to apply basic professional knowledge to design of simple or complex landscaping construction management.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to review project work performed by beautification crew.
Ability to assist other personnel in reviewing quantities, costs, accuracy of specifications, completeness, constructability, and coordinates with other professions.
Ability to effectively present information one-on-one or in a small group setting to other city employees.
Ability to communicate effectively with all City employees, public officials, and citizens.
Ability to technically supervise crew(s) performing contracted work assigned, along with providing special services-testing, inspections, as well as temporary personnel.
Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred, or six to eight years related experience and/or training in horticulture or landscape architecture, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five to seven years' supervisory experience.
Required Licenses or Certificates

Must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 50+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are both indoors and outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.