Compost Crew Member

Compost Power builds sustainable community compost sites across NYC; with an emphasis on 'underserved and marginalized' communities, and creates educational media content. Compost power currently supports several small scale compost sites at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments and operates a medium scale site in Williamsburg, NY. The goal is to expand throughout New York City. 

The Crew Member is co-employed by Green City Force with a reporting line to Compost Power. This position is primarily responsible for accepting household food scraps at our food scrap drop-off locations, processing them at our sites throughout the city, and deploying the finished compost product for community greening projects. 

DUTIES, TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintain various (i.e., different days, times, and locations) food scrap drop-off opportunities for residents underserved by existing NYC composting programs. 

• Collect household food scraps from NYCHA residents and process by hand at designated facilities; act as an overall ambassador of the project to NYC residents. 

• Increase resident program participation through outreach activities using Compost Power branded materials 

• Instruct and model best practices in urban composting operations at all sites so as to expand the quantity of NYC organics that can be processed locally and to produce high-quality finished material for community greening projects. 

• Assist Crew Leader with the collection of data for monthly reports about food scrap drop-off sites, including locations, community participation, and quantity of scraps collected. 

• Provide Crew Leader with required data for monthly reports about the composting process, including temperatures, date of aeration, and work days/ volunteer days 

• Attend and participate in Compost Power team meetings as needed 

• Assist with resident outreach and engagement events 

QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES 

• High school degree or equivalent ; an alumnus of Green City Force strongly encouraged

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting heavy bins and supplies (often up to 50 lbs or more) and maneuvering large rolling carts 

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Experience with or ability to learn how to use basic tools for compost processing, OSHA & SST Certifications required within 30 days of temporary employment 

• Ability to work weekends 

• Fluency in languages commonly spoken in NYC is often preferred to better serve the diverse resident population, but not required 

• Valid Drivers’ License  with ability to drive a recreational vehicle in New York City preferred, but not required

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Strong knowledge base of environmental stewardship and sustainable practice

• Experience with diverse computer applications (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint, Access, MS Outlook) Excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal and motivational skills, excellent collaborative and teamwork skills

• Solid work ethic with a sense of focus and urgency in goal achievement

• Enthusiasm for outdoor physical work 

• Commitment to learning and observing high standards for environmental stewardship, even when such standards require detailed menial work like sweeping or picking up litter 

• Demonstrated interest/skill in improving one’s performance, learning and applying operational standards of working productively with colleagues/volunteers, and getting the job done well

About Green City Force

Green City Force’s AmeriCorps program prepares young adults aged 18-24 who reside in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) or low-income housing in NYC and have a high school diploma or equivalency for careers through green service. Being part of the Service Corps is a full-time commitment encompassing service, training, and skills-building experiences related to healthier buildings and communities. GCF is committed to the ongoing success of our alumni.

GCF’s programs are rooted in the belief that these young NYC residents are uniquely positioned through leadership, training, and service to drive change in public housing communities while building skills, earning certifications, and gaining experience to help achieve economic prosperity. Partnerships with residents, local and city-wide organizations and agencies, funders, and employers are essential for the holistic approach required to realize the change we envision.

Benefits: paid safe and sick leave, paid holidays

TO APPLY: Please submit your resume and a cover letter through TriNet. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We are looking to fill this position immediately.