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Compost Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Return

Equipment Operator

Kasson, 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 ...

Return

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 ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

This role supports the operational execution of recycling, compost, waste audits, and donation ... The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs, completing waste ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$18 - $19/hr

This role supports the operational execution of recycling, compost, waste audits, and donation ... The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs, completing ...

St. Louis Composting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Belton, MO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

By operating our equipment with precision and care, you'll contribute to the continuous production of rich compost that blends with our mulch and topsoil, enriching the earth and supporting our ...

St. Louis Composting

Heavy Equipment Operator

MO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

By operating our equipment with precision and care, you'll contribute to the continuous production of rich compost that blends with our mulch and topsoil, enriching the earth and supporting our ...

CLP Circular Services

Equipment Operator I

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Experience in the compost industry preferred * Basic awareness of federal, state, and local job ... Ability to sit for extended periods while operating heavy equipment, as well as enter and exit ...

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Compost Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do compost operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.
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:
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Compost Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compost Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Return

Kasson, MN • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 and trucks used for fertilizer application, compost production, storage, management and maintenance. May operate a variety of hand and power tools to maintain Return equipment, Return facilities, and job sites.
ABOUT RETURN
We're a leader in Good-for-the-Earth Growing Supplies that cares deeply about our people, planet, and soil. We provide a viable alternative to synthetic growing products that encourage soil regeneration to help grow healthier food, people, and planet. Be part of a team transforming agriculture with regenerative, good-for-the-earth growing solutions
YOUR SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday schedule with 40-50 hours/week. Opportunity for paid overtime and potential weekend shifts.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Hourly pay rate is based on experience, between $18.00 and $24.00 per hour. After 60 days of employment, you are eligible for company health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401k, paid time off, and paid company holidays.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Equipment Operator, you'll play a vital part in our production of high-quality, regenerative fertilizer and compost. Your responsibilities include:
  • Operates equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Operates conveyors, skid steers, mowers, compost turners, tractors, floaters, trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, grapple, dump truck, snow-plow, front-end loader, and other equipment and tools to maintain company property and equipment.
  • Operates welders, gas torches, chop saws, grinders, drills, drill presses, impact wrenches, presses and other small equipment and tools to maintain equipment and operations.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
  • Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
  • Cuts trees and brush, and remove trees and weeds.
  • Controls traffic at work sites by flagging to guide traffic through work areas, as required or assigned.
  • Plows snow. Fixes Driveways and roads.
  • Performs a variety of tasks involving strenuous manual labor.
  • Maintains a clean job site: picks up all tools and equipment and secures job site each day to eliminate potential hazards.
  • Performs materials handling and storage.
  • Assists in training lower-level employees performing the maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.
  • Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
  • Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Ensures that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed. Brings problems to the attention of the supervisor, manager or HR manager.
  • Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
  • Two to four years of experience involving the use of medium and heavy equipment, two of which must have been related to construction, agricultural or fertilizer application.
  • Valid Minnesota Driver's License; CDL License preferred.
  • Proficient with iPhone and or Android email, messaging and navigation applications.

REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Two to four years of experience involving the use of medium and heavy equipment, two of which must have been related to construction, agricultural or fertilizer application.
Valid Minnesota Driver's License; CDL License preferred.
Proficient with iPhone and or Android email, messaging and navigation applications.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, and risks of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, balancing, crawling, and climbing all day.
The employee must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
EEO Statement
Return is an equal opportunity employer. We dig in to cultivate a healthy environment, at work and beyond, where all people can bloom-regardless of similarities, differences, or what's growing in their garden. We're rooted in the idea that a diverse workforce, made up of various perspectives, will help us grow as individuals, and as a team. We hope you'll share your unique variety to help breathe new life into our selves, soil, food and planet.

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