Compost Technician

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is looking for a Compost Technician to support its Research Farms. This role involves managing composting operations and ensuring environmental compliance while participating in crop production and farm maintenance activities. The position offers excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable with long periods of sitting in farm equipment.
• Experience with large composting facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for composting operation at North Farm.
• Conduct soil sampling for nutrient compliance.
• Assist in maintenance and repair of farm equipment.

Skills

Experience in maintenance and repair of equipment

Safe operation of farm equipment

Basic computer skills

Knowledge of composting operations

Education

KY State Compost Operator Certificate

CDL license preferred

Driver's license preferred

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift, push or pull objects up to 50 lbs. Requires some sitting for long periods of time especially when sitting in the cab of farm equipment.

Shift

Days, Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week (Typically 8:00am-5:00pm), occasional overtime weekdays and possible weekends.

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking a Compost Technician to join the Research Farms division. The Research Farms provide a dynamic environment for teaching, research, and extension opportunities, serving faculty, staff, and students across the college. The Compost Technician role is a vital part of the team, supporting crop production, general operation, and maintenance of the North Farm operations.

Key Responsibilities
The Research Farm Compost Technician is responsible for the composting operation at North Farm, located in Lexington, KY. Further, this person monitors nutrient applications and conducts soil sampling to assure environmental compliance of soil nutrient levels. The Technician assists with all aspects of the field crops and the tobacco production program, and provides support for research programs and projects. This position also performs duties related to the general operation and maintenance of the North Farm to include assisting with the repair and maintenance of vehicles, tractors, and farm equipment.

Benefits & Professional Development

This position offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment fosters a welcoming work environment, offering professional development opportunities such as:

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

KY State Compost Operator Certificate, CDL license preferred. Driver’s license preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 07/01/2025

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate your amount of experience in the maintenance and repair of equipment.
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * How many years of experience do you have safely operating and providing routine maintenance for farm equipment?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 2 years
  • More than 2 years, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years
• * Do you have experience operating and maintaining field equipment (i.e. tractors, planters, combines, and spray equipment)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have or will you be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicators License?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Which best represents your computer skills?
  • Basic - ability to use email and internet
  • Intermediate - ability to use multiple computer programs including microsoft office products as well as basic skills listed above
  • Advanced - ability to manipulate documents and spreadsheets, create spreadsheets as well as basic and intermediate skills listed above
• * Do you have a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License), or are you eligible and willing to obtain a CDL within your first year of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is your experience level driving commercial type vehicles?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * How much experience and knowledge do you have with the operations of a large composting facility?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years