Compost Operator

Compost operators work in the office, field, and laboratory. In each setting, they perform various duties.

The office:

• Ensure composting operations adhere to environmental regulations and standards.
• Maintain records of compost input materials, processing data, and output quality for reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate with suppliers of compostable materials and clients purchasing compost, negotiate terms, and coordinate deliveries and pickups.
• Develop and update composting operation plans, including material intake, processing phases, and finished compost distribution schedules.
• Oversee staff schedules, training, and duties to ensure efficient operation of the compost facility.
• Manage budgets, financial records, and invoices related to compost operations, including materials costs, equipment maintenance, and sales of finished compost.

The field:

• Inspect incoming materials for suitability for composting, rejecting contaminated or non-compostable items.
• Oversee the composting process, including turning, watering, and temperature monitoring to ensure optimal decomposition.
• Operate machinery such as front loaders, turners, and screeners used in composting.
• Maintain cleanliness and order at the composting site, including managing runoff, leachate, and odour control.
• Perform visual and physical inspections of compost to assess maturity and quality before it is sold or distributed.
• Identify and address any issues in the composting process, such as temperature imbalances, odour problems, or material contamination.

The laboratory:

• Collect compost samples at various stages of the composting process for analysis.
• Determine the moisture content of compost samples to ensure it is within optimal ranges for composting.
• Measure the pH levels of compost samples to monitor acidity or alkalinity, adjusting the composting process as needed.
• Analyze compost samples for nutrient content (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) to assess their suitability for various applications.
• Test compost samples for the presence of pathogens or weed seeds to ensure the compost is safe for use.
• Analyze data from laboratory tests to monitor and improve compost quality, document findings, and make recommendations for process adjustments.