Zero-Waste & Donation Operations Specialist

Energy Jobline ZR; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

CookUnity in Austin is seeking a hands-on Waste Operations Associate to perform daily waste audits, manage recycling and compost streams, and ensure correct disposal across kitchens. You will weigh and document results, support donation programs, and help maintain Zero Waste standards in a fast-paced food facility.

The role requires bilingual Spanish and English, physical ability to lift 20 lbs, and comfort working in kitchen and warehouse environments.

Qualifications

• Operational experience in warehouse or food production roles.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs or more safely.
• Ability to complete daily trackers and simple audit forms.
• Bilingual Spanish and English (basic English; Spanish strong plus).
• Genuine interest in recycling, composting or environmental practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily waste bin audits and document results.
• Ensure proper waste disposal in all kitchens.
• Classify, weigh and process overproduced food for donation, compost or reuse.
• Classify, weigh and dispose of food waste including donations, compost, garbage and family meals.
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens and stations to spot contamination.
• Check recycling and compost streams for incorrect materials.
• Sort recyclable and compostable materials according to standards.
• Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations and coordinate with donation partners.
• Coordinate donation pickups with partner non-profits.
• Support weekly walk-in raw ingredient collection and logging.
• Coordinate sale of surplus meals through Too Good To Go and log close-out.
• Coordinate logistics for returned packaging materials sanitation.
• Complete daily trackers for recycling, compost, and donation volumes.
• Follow Zero Waste safety and cleanliness standards.
• Provide daily feedback to staff on waste-sorting practices.
• Support Green Leader initiatives and promote Go Green practices.
• Maintain waste diversion stations with supplies.
• Coordinate with cleaning team to keep Green Stations tidy.

Skills

Operational experience

Physical ability

Reporting skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Waste reduction interest

Tools

Google Docs

Sheets

Job description

CookUnity in Austin is seeking a hands-on Waste Operations Associate to perform daily waste audits, manage recycling and compost streams, and ensure correct disposal across kitchens. You will weigh and document results, support donation programs, and help maintain Zero Waste standards in a fast-paced food facility.

The role requires bilingual Spanish and English, physical ability to lift 20 lbs, and comfort working in kitchen and warehouse environments.