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Full Time Composting Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Composting information

See Portland, OR salary details

$59.4K

$118.8K

$160.7K

How much do full time composting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time composting in Portland, OR is $118,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is full time composting?

Full time composting jobs involve managing and processing organic waste materials to create compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Workers in these roles may collect and sort organic waste, operate composting equipment, monitor compost piles for temperature and moisture, and ensure proper decomposition. These jobs can be found at composting facilities, farms, municipal waste management departments, and environmental organizations. Full time composting positions are ideal for individuals interested in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time composting specialist?

To thrive as a Full Time Composting Specialist, you need knowledge of organic waste management, composting processes, and environmental regulations, often supported by experience in agriculture, horticulture, or environmental sciences. Familiarity with tools such as compost turners, moisture meters, and data tracking systems, as well as relevant certifications like the USCC Certified Compost Operations Manager, is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient compost production, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering sustainable waste management practices.

What are some typical challenges faced by full time composting professionals and how can they be managed?

Full-time composting professionals often encounter challenges such as managing odor control, maintaining optimal moisture and temperature levels, and preventing contamination of compost materials. Effective communication with team members and adherence to established protocols are key to addressing these issues. Many organizations use monitoring equipment and detailed record-keeping to ensure consistency and quality, while ongoing training helps staff stay informed about best practices. Team collaboration is crucial, especially when troubleshooting mechanical issues or coordinating with waste collection departments.

What is the difference between Full Time Composting vs Full Time Waste Management Technician?

AspectFull Time CompostingFull Time Waste Management Technician
CredentialsEnvironmental certifications, composting trainingEnvironmental certifications, waste management training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor compost sites, farms, community gardensLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilities
Industry UsageOrganic waste processing, sustainable agricultureWaste collection, disposal, recycling services

Full Time Composting focuses on organic waste decomposition and sustainable practices, often in outdoor settings. In contrast, Full Time Waste Management Technicians handle broader waste collection and disposal tasks across various facilities. Both roles require environmental certifications and share similar industry environments, but their specific focus and work settings differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Composting jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Composting jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Composting jobs in Portland, OR?

For Full Time Composting jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Composting jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Composting jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Composting job openings in Portland, OR 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 $118,813 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

$14.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The OHSU Catering Cook 2 produces high-quality meals, coordinates catering menu production, and oversees best practices in accordance with SERV Safe certification and safe food handling according to State and County health codes. This position also takes corrective action for any out of compliance occurrence. Responsible for working with catering clients in creating catering menus and writing up event information.

Cook 2's are responsible for enforcing standards of cleaning kitchen area and equipment and helps to coordinate/direct efficient waste control and encourage composting program.

This role is expected to be mission oriented and be flexible to adjust to business demands and mission requirements. As the Catering Lead Cook, this position will require delegation of duties to other Cook 2's, Cook 1's, and Catering Specialists. Working together with the catering manager and office specialist for event planning and efficient catering systems. Recordkeeping of catering orders on shared x-drive and superior customer service and accountability to ensure the success of the catering program. 

Function/Duties of Position

Preparation & Cooking:

  • Prepare food items for Retail Outlet according to standardized recipes and menus or by verbal instruction given by higher-level cooks or supervisors. Perform functions according to following procedures as listed:
    • mise-emplace (put in place) all ingredients and supplies; 
    •  perform all required preparation;
    • prepare ingredients using prescribed best method;
    • follows recipes and plating guides for all items served;
    • serves at proper safe temperature;
    • chills as appropriate using correct food safety procedures;
    • properly label and date products to be stored in the various stages of production.
  • Any potential hazardous foods verified to be out of the time and temperature safety zone will be discarded and supervisor notified of corrective action 100% of the time.
  • Visually inspects, selects and uses only food items of the highest quality in preparation of all assigned menu items. Reads and employs math skills to appropriately prepare items according to recipes. 
  • Checks and controls the proper storage of products and utilizes portion control. 
  • Must be cross trained in all stations for Retail Production.

Planning, Requisitioning and Preparation:

  • This position must be able to maintain adequate products and supplies for retail food service operation, especially being prepared for the next days and coming events. 
  • Requests needed products and supplies to be ordered; check supplies or food products delivered to insure they meet type, quantity, and quality specified, and checked for proper temperature safety standards. Assists in the production schedule and helps to oversee its completion.
  • Keep records of amounts of foods prepared and leftovers to adjust production schedules

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications
  • An OR food handlers card or equivalent; AND
  • Food Protection Manager Certification with 6 months of hire; AND
  • Three years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals OR
  • An associate's degree in food service management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly related field.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets.
  • Skill in checking trays to ensure diets have been accurately followed.
  • Ability to participate in menu planning, recipe development, and testing.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Additional Culinary classes taught by an Executive Chef.
  • Advanced knife skills
  • Advanced cooking methods
  • Garde Manger preparation skills class or another approved program
  • 1 year of on-demand/line cooking experience 
  • Sustainable information class as taught by registered dietitian or other approved program Basic Culinary math class to provide conversion for recipes or other approved culinary math program Customer Service Training or another approved program
Additional Details

Employee will be subject to equipment noise and in a very active environment, will also be exposed to bleach and other sanitizing agents and cleaning chemicals occasionally, see msds sheets for specifics requirements. You will be exposed to smoke, steam vapors, and deep fryer exhaust.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887