Compost Facility Superintendent

JOB POSTING

Join the Sanitation Districts as a Compost Facility Superintendent at Tulare Lake Compost and lead the way in innovative environmental management! This pivotal role offers the unique opportunity to oversee and enhance the operations of a state-of-the-art composting facility in the heart of California’s renowned agricultural region. Tulare Lake Compost, a clean, publicly owned facility, ensures high-quality control of organic materials, setting it apart from privately run compost facilities. As a Superintendent, you will ensure compliance with EPA standards, manage a dedicated team, and coordinate with engineering experts to optimize facility performance. Enjoy a supportive work environment that values professional growth through tuition reimbursement, professional development, scheduled salary increases, and a coveted 9/80 schedule. With a focus on safety, cleanliness, and community relations, you will be instrumental in maintaining high standards and positive local engagement. Embrace this dynamic position to advance your career while contributing to sustainable waste management and community well-being.

THE TULARE LAKE COMPOSTING FACILITY

Tulare Lake Compost (TLC) is located in California's Central Valley, renowned for its high-quality agricultural output. It sits approximately 7 miles southwest of Kettleman City on a 14,500-acre property owned by the Sanitation Districts. TLC combines agricultural and woodwaste with biosolids from Los Angeles County to produce compost utilized on our property or sold to local farmers. Using covered aerated static pile (ASP) composting, TLC reduces odors and emissions while creating EPA-certified Class A Exceptional Quality compost. This compost enriches soil and enhances water retention, benefiting agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Owned by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, TLC processes approximately 50,000 wet tons of biosolids annually, supporting sustainable waste management and improved agricultural practices.

JOB SUMMARY

General

Under the general direction of an offsite manager, the Superintendent will manage, direct, and coordinate the operation and maintenance of the composting facility. The Superintendent will exercise direct supervision and technical guidance over facility staff, currently 10 employees, and oversee, direct, and coordinate contracted services. The Superintendent will be expected to develop a foundation in Sanitation Districts’ practices in order to manage a remote facility in a manner consistent with the Districts’ standards in regard to health and safety, supervisory and management practices, maintenance of a clean and attractive site, adherence to all regulatory requirements, maintenance of positive relations with the local community, and coordination and cooperation with Districts’ personnel located at offsite facilities.

The new Compost Facility Superintendent at TLC can expect a dynamic role overseeing all compost operations in a renowned agricultural region. Reporting to the Districts' property near Kettleman City, the Superintendent will manage the entire compost process, ensuring compliance with EPA standards and efficient operations. A typical day involves early site inspections, coordinating schedules, and overseeing operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. The Superintendent works closely with the engineering team, handles administrative duties, and ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines and permits. Challenges may include equipment breakdowns, weather impacts, and managing stormwater basins. The Superintendent's role is crucial to the District's mission of integrity, leadership, and service, contributing to the community's well-being through environmentally conscious composting practices. Positive relations with the local community are essential, maintained through a focus on safety, cleanliness, and odor control. Collaboration with engineering staff is key to meeting facility goals, ensuring maximum production with rate payers in mind. Some ideal qualities for the new Superintendent include commitment, motivation, flexibility, and a strong knowledge of composting processes.

Facility Operation

The Compost Facility Superintendent will primarily manage onsite operations to ensure efficient and effective facility performance. This role involves:

• Overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth workflow.
  
• Collaborating with engineering teams to address challenges and optimize processes.
  
• Securing a consistent supply of amendment and bulking agents.
  
• Coordinating with regulatory agencies to maintain compliance and standards.
  
• Leading the implementation of facility upgrades and improvements.
  
  

Typical Duties

The major job duties are listed below. For a detailed list, please see the job description.

• Managing, directing and coordinating all operations and maintenance activities at a composting facility
• Establishing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with required health and safety, preventive maintenance, equipment repair, and training programs
• Establishing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with standard and emergency operations and maintenance procedures for the site
• Ensuring full compliance with all local, state and federal regulatory guidelines and permits
• Utilizing a computerized asset management system to requisition equipment, tools, parts, services and supplies, and to manage a variety of equipment including blowers, mixers, conveyors, pumps, chlorination systems, trucks, gantry cranes, piping systems and appurtenances
• Ensuring the continuous supply of needed materials including biosolids, composting feedstocks, potable water and fuel
• Coordinating with engineering staff to secure a supply of biosolids from external entities and the sourcing of amendment, bulking agents and other related materials
• Utilizing a computerized asset management system
• Coordinating the delivery and unloading of biosolids and feedstocks, as well as the loading and hauling of compost
• Scheduling, directing, and monitoring all onsite labor, including the work of equipment operators, technicians, laborers, mechanics, electricians, clerical staff, and truck drivers
• Monitoring and evaluating all aspects of the facility to determine operations and maintenance needs, and evaluating completed and in progress work
• Optimizing the composting process in regard to efficient material handling, effective curing practices, and production of the highest quality compost in a manner that is cost effective and in compliance with all regulations
• Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of all recordkeeping
• Identifying and communicating the scope, estimated cost, and criticality of facility improvements for both capital and operations and maintenance projects
• Providing and coordinating emergency response
• Driving around the facility to monitor activities and driving to other locations as necessary for meetings and training
• Conducting site tours for the public, regulators, and other sanitation sector agencies
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license or equivalent in their state of residence at time of application and must be able to obtain a California Class C license at the time of appointment
• A California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Biosolids Land Application Management Certification is required within two (2) years of appointment
• A Solid Waste Association of North America/U.S. Composting Council Composting Programs Certification is required within 30 months of employment
• Two (2) years of experience performing supervisory level duties in the operation and/or maintenance of a large composting facility handling a minimum annual volume of 25,000 wet tons of biosolids

Experience operating heavy equipment or supervising large equipment spreads is desirable.

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision and management
• Functions and operating and maintenance requirements of loaders, forklifts, sweepers, cover winders, mixers, blowers, pumps, various types of trucks and other composting equipment
• Composting principles, methods, techniques, and materials; aerated static pile composting (ASP)
• Methods of report writing and record-keeping
• Methods of organizing the work of subordinate staff and contract services
• Preventive maintenance programs
• Asset management principles and reliability centered maintenance practices
• Purchasing practices and principles
• Safety principles of equipment and compost operations

Ability to:

• Manage, direct, and coordinate the operation and maintenance of a composting facility
• Identify and recommend improvements to the site
• Develop scopes of work for facility improvements, special projects, and needed services
• Prepare operational summary reports
• Read site plans, blueprints, and technical manuals
• Perform elementary math, algebra, and geometry
• Interpret composting instrumentation and analyze laboratory data to recommend or make process adjustments
• Complete and maintain operations and maintenance records
• Train and evaluate the work of subordinates
• Utilize various computer software programs for operational, financial, inventory and employee records
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Work independently with minimal review of activities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Districts staff, contractors, and the public
• Coordinate contracted services
• Establish site priorities and ensure the completion of work by established deadlines

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The selection process consists of an interview. To be considered, please complete an LACSD Employment Application at www.lacsd.org . You may attach your résumé to your online application, but not in lieu of a completed application.

Applicants deemed the most qualified will be invited to the interview. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show all of your relevant background and specialized skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Site tours may be arranged by contacting Sareen Baghikian at SBaghikian@lacsd.org

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Please apply online as soon as possible.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage qualified minorities, women and disabled persons to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 23/24). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP: For Management Unit employees, the Districts contributes 3% of the employee's CalPERS salary to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2024, the Districts contribute $2,202.87 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

HOLIDAYS

13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
The Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 29, 2023

• 

• Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

• 562-699-7411

Show more