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Compost Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compost Crew- VP of Operations

Rockville, MD · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Developing and managing operating budgets, financial plans, and key performance indicators ... Compost Crew service discounts * Free CSA produce during seasonal months * Team gatherings ...

Compost Crew- VP of Operations

Rockville, MD · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Developing and managing operating budgets, financial plans, and key performance indicators ... Compost Crew service discounts * Free CSA produce during seasonal months * Team gatherings ...

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Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Job Summary Aguinaga Green is seeking machine operators and yard labor to work at our compost and mulch production site. We provide on the job training for those looking to learn more about the ...

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Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Job Summary Aguinaga Green is seeking machine operators and yard labor to work at our compost and mulch production site. We provide on the job training for those looking to learn more about the ...

Equipment Operator

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Equipment Operator is a critical position in Return's fertilizer and compost production operations. The Equipment Operator operates a variety of medium to heavy duty equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Equipment Operator is a critical position in Return's fertilizer and compost production operations. The Equipment Operator operates a variety of medium to heavy duty equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Hayfield, MN · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Equipment Operator is a critical position in Return's fertilizer and compost production operations. The Equipment Operator operates a variety of medium to heavy duty equipment ...

Equipment Operator

Hayfield, MN · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Equipment Operator is a critical position in Return's fertilizer and compost production operations. The Equipment Operator operates a variety of medium to heavy duty equipment ...

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How much do compost operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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:
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.

Compost Crew- VP of Operations

Sandbox

Rockville, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

A little bit about us...

Compost Crew is a high-growth organics recycling business based near Washington, D.C., dedicated to eliminating food waste and revitalizing soil health through convenient and affordable composting services.

Today, we serve thousands of homes, businesses, communities, and government organizations across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, diverting tens of millions of pounds of food waste from landfills each year. Compost Crew is entering an exciting new phase of growth as we continue building a more sustainable future and scaling our impact across the region.

At Compost Crew, operational excellence and environmental impact go hand in hand. Every route completed, every customer served, and every process improved contributes directly to creating healthier communities and reducing waste.

A little bit about the role!

We're looking for a hands-on, results-driven, and entrepreneurial operations leader to build and scale the operational foundation that supports Compost Crew's next phase of growth. This is not a maintenance role. We're looking for someone who enjoys building systems, solving operational complexity, and creating repeatable playbooks that can support future growth and scalability.

This role balances strategic leadership with day-to-day operational ownership. You'll be responsible for managing multiple locations, driving operational efficiency, maintaining a strong safety culture, and ensuring the organization can continue scaling while delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will be responsible for:

Operations Leadership, Execution & Strategy
  • Lead daily operations across collections, hauling, facilities, inventory, and fleet management
  • Ensure operations consistently meet customer demand while driving efficiency, service quality, and scalability
  • Partner with the CEO and CRO to develop operational strategy that supports long-term growth and future expansion
  • Build scalable systems, processes, and operational playbooks that can support growth and future acquisitions
  • Lead long-term operational planning, including fleet strategy, technology infrastructure, and capacity planning
  • Evaluate and implement technology solutions that improve routing, fleet performance, operational visibility, and efficiency
  • Conduct root-cause analysis on operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions that improve performance over time
Team Leadership & Development
  • Managing 5-10 direct reports with responsibility for a growing team across multiple locations
  • Providing leadership, coaching, and accountability to route supervisors, operational leaders, and support staff
  • Establishing clear expectations and building a culture centered around ownership, accountability, and collaboration
  • Supporting team development while maintaining strong communication across functions
Fleet, Facilities & Safety Management
  • Supervising fleet operations to maintain a high-performing and safe truck fleet
  • Developing and implementing best-in-class safety practices and training programs
  • Maintaining safe, secure, organized, and efficient facilities and operational spaces
  • Ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and safety standards
Financial Management & Strategic Planning
  • Developing and managing operating budgets, financial plans, and key performance indicators
  • Ensuring financial goals and divisional profitability targets are achieved
  • Supporting the CEO with strategic planning initiatives and long-term operational growth efforts
  • Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and maximize operational performance
  • Own operational gross margin performance by identifying opportunities across labor efficiency, fuel utilization, fleet performance, and route optimization
  • Connect operational decisions directly to financial outcomes and P&L performance
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Experience
  • Partnering closely with sales and marketing teams around pricing, service levels, and territory planning
  • Supporting customer service teams and resolving priority customer issues when necessary
  • Building alignment across departments to ensure operational decisions support company goals
  • Coordinating effectively across functions to support growth and maintain a strong customer experience
We are excited about you because...
  • You bring experience leading operationally complex environments such as logistics, delivery, transportation, supply chain, or other high-volume field operations
  • You understand how daily operational decisions impact financial outcomes and overall business performance
  • You have built teams and developed frontline leaders rather than carrying every responsibility yourself
  • You are comfortable operating in environments where processes are still evolving and structure is being built
  • You naturally connect frontline work to larger company goals and mission
  • You are tech-forward and comfortable evaluating systems, tools, and emerging technologies that improve operations
  • You bring curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset to solving challenges
Bonus points if...
  • You bring experience from logistics, transportation, fleet, delivery, or route-based businesses (UPS, Penske, Amazon Logistics, FedEx, etc.)
  • You have experience in high-growth or scaling organizations
  • You have implemented new technology or operational systems
  • You have built and developed frontline leadership teams
To be successful at Compost Crew, you must be:

Builder + Entrepreneurial - You enjoy creating systems, improving processes, and building something bigger than yourself.

Accountable + Urgent - You create ownership and move quickly without sacrificing quality.

Curious + Tech-Forward - You continuously look for better ways of operating and embrace new tools and technologies.

Leader + Delegator - You build strong teams and develop supervisors rather than carrying operational weight alone.

Mission-Driven + Practical - You understand how daily operational work contributes to larger environmental impact.

Reasons it pays to work for Compost Crew (in addition to the pay itself)...
  • Medical coverage with multiple plan options and significant employer contributions for employees and dependents
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options
  • Generous PTO and paid holiday schedule
  • Compost Crew service discounts
  • Free CSA produce during seasonal months
  • Team gatherings, barbecues, quarterly meetings, and holiday events
  • The opportunity to play a critical leadership role during an exciting period of company growth and expansion

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every. single. qualification. At Compost Crew, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. Our hiring philosophy looks to weed people into our process, not out of it. Who knows - you may be exactly who we're looking for.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME