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Compost Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Agriculture Sales Professional

Mason City, IA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

At least three years of sales experience in lawn and garden, horticulture, soil media, compost and/or fertilizer; five years of experience preferred. * Experience as a Sales Agronomist highly ...

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Compost information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do compost jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for compost in Iowa is $14.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compost?

A compost job typically involves managing organic waste materials to create nutrient-rich compost for soil enrichment. Responsibilities may include collecting, sorting, and processing compostable materials, maintaining compost piles, and monitoring decomposition conditions such as moisture and temperature. Workers in composting roles may be employed by farms, waste management facilities, or environmental organizations. The job often requires physical labor and knowledge of sustainable waste practices.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in compost operations?

A typical day in compost operations involves receiving and sorting organic waste, monitoring compost piles for temperature and moisture, and operating equipment such as turners and loaders. Workers routinely check for contamination, record data, and may assist with bagging or preparing finished compost for distribution. Collaboration with team members and adherence to safety and environmental standards are central to the role. The work can be physically demanding and mostly outdoors, offering a hands-on, active environment for those passionate about sustainability. Over time, individuals can advance to supervisory or facility management positions as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the compost position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a compost technician or composting facility operator role, you need a solid understanding of organic waste management, basic biology, and safety procedures, often supported by relevant on-the-job experience or environmental certifications. Familiarity with composting machinery, temperature monitoring tools, and data recording systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this job. These abilities ensure proper composting processes, regulatory compliance, and efficient operation of composting facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compost jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Compost jobs in Iowa are:
Compost jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compost job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,832 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Nutrient Management Supervisor

Summit Agricultural Group

Alden, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

General Description
Responsible for the organization and application of our internal manure application division within the company.
Key Job Responsibilities
  • Manage and train staff assigned to the manure application crew.
  • Operate manure application and pump equipment safely and properly
    • Testing and calibration of gas monitors before the start of the application season
  • Lead the application of manure by:
    • Directing overall workflow of operations based on field readiness
    • Develop Standard Operating Procedure (SOP's) for manure application.
    • Ensure proper rate of manure is applied
    • Make certain manure toolbar functions properly
    • Ensure hose is moved efficiently to keep applicator moving
    • Make sure hose is moved properly to prevent hose ruptures
    • Manage activities within approved bio-security routes and limit the transfer of disease between production sites
    • Troubleshooting equipment issues as they arise
      • Coordinate repairs services for issues beyond the teams abilities
    • Coordinate and comply with the manure management plans
      • Collect and enter data for the manure reporting system
      • Coordinate and communicate with contract manure application crews.
      • Compile, complete, and report necessary documentation for invoicing facility owners, applicators, and recipients of the manure.
    • Perform maintenance and repairs on manure equipment
      • Manage equipment maintenance schedules
    • Provide support to site operations, as needed
      • Assist in the movement of pumps and hose from pit to pit and site to site
      • Aid in troubleshooting issues as they arise
      • Troubleshoot data integration between Greenstar, Ag Leader or other data management platforms.
      • Backup operator for manure crew and other operational department as needed
    • Work internally with Summit Farm Manager and Agronomist to develop the nutrient management budget for the upcoming crop year.
      • Provide manure application rates and cost per acre to compare commercial fertilizer costs.
      • Manage 3rd party applicators and summit farms applicators as applied information in the John Deere ops, ag leader or other data management platforms.
    • Operational coordination and compliance of composting dry lot manure
      • Operating and maintenance of manure equipment
      • Work with producers to market dry lot manure
      • Taking temperature readings and manure samples to verify the quality and application rate of compost and lot manure.
      • Verifying that all the soil sample and easements are up to date for the Nutrient management plan.
    • Off season duties
      • Equipment operation
      • Washing machinery and preparing for storage
      • Machinery maintenance and repair
      • Hauling grain or bales with semi-tractor and trailer
      • Snow removal
      • Assist with ARG GIS project on swine site mapping
    • All other duties assigned by the manager

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Directly supervising those assigned to the manure application crew by planning, assigning and directing work responsibilities.
  • Provides employees, both current and new with updated training on positions that fall within the manure department.
  • Coordinates with Human Resources and/or the Environmental Operations Manager to respond to employee concerns or complaints and handles disciplinary action accordingly.
  • Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive while providing regular feedback throughout the year.

Preferred Job Requirements
  • Minimum 3+ years of manure application and experience in agricultural production with a valid, unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver's License
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record
  • This individual must have exceptional organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and present the company in a professional manner while having good customer service skills.
  • Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively and work within a team environment
  • Ability to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining positivity and an entrepreneurial and innovative mind set
  • Willingness to work within a team environment
  • Operational knowledge of agricultural equipment
  • Clear understanding of the Appendix A for the State of Iowa

Work Environment
  • This position will perform tasks in outside weather conditions.
  • The environment can be loud with exposure to fumes, gases and dust within various settings such as but limited to field, livestock site, warehouse, shop, etc.
  • This position will require some tasks to be performed within an office setting.

Physicality Requirements
  • Required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear.
  • The employee must be able to continuously repeat necessary movements such as bending, lifting and different hand movements as needed to complete tasks
  • Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 75
  • Ability to drive a vehicle for prolonged periods of
  • Ability to climb in and out of agricultural equipment.

Position Type
  • This position is full time with the availability to work weekends during Spring and Falls seasons while being available occasionally for non-season weekend work and staffing challenges.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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