Compost Facility Superintendent

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.

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

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.