Compost Facility Operator I-III (DOQ)

Compost Facility Operator I-III (DOQ)

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is seeking a motivated and safety-focused professional to join the team as Compost Facility Operator I-III (DOQ), supporting the daily operations of the Agency's state-of-the-art indoor composting facility. Reporting to a Compost Facility Supervisor, these roles are essential to ensuring the efficient, compliant, and high-quality production of compost while maintaining a safe and well-functioning facility.

In this hands-on position, you will play a key role in operating and maintaining a wide range of equipment and systems used throughout the composting process. Responsibilities include monitoring and moving materials through various stages of production, performing routine inspections and minor equipment maintenance, and supporting facility cleanliness and operational readiness. As you progress through the series, you will take on increasingly complex duties, including operating heavy equipment, utilizing SCADA systems to monitor and control processes, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop technical skills in equipment operation, process control, and environmental compliance while contributing to sustainable resource recovery efforts. IEUA is committed to fostering employee growth, offering clear pathways for advancement, and promoting a culture centered on safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Education, training, and experience requirements vary by level:

• Compost Facility Operator I: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. At least one year of progressively responsible experience in the operation of construction-related tools and equipment; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
• Compost Facility Operator II: At least two years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of construction-related tools and equipment including a front loader; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
• Compost Facility Operator III: A Compost Facility Operator II may be considered for advancement to Compost Facility Operator III after completing a minimum twenty-four (24) months as a Compost Facility Operator II at the Agency and demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class; obtaining the specified licenses, certificates and special requirements of the Compost Facility Operator III.

Licenses, certificates, and special requirements include:

• Compost Facility Operator I: A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program. Within 6 months of appointment and during the course of employment obtain and maintain the following: CPR and First Aid Certification, Confined Space Certification, Approved and qualified use of Respirator, Forklift Certification.
• Compost Facility Operator II: A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program. Within six (6) months of appointment or promotion and during the course of employment obtain and maintain the following: CPR and First Aid Certification, Confined Space Certification, Approved and qualified use of Respirator, Forklift Certification. Within twenty-four (24) months of hire, promotion, or advancement, and during the course of employment, obtain and maintain two of the following: Certified Composting Professional (CCP) Certification from the US Composting Council (USCC), Certified Compost Operations Manager (CCOM) Certification from the US Composting Council (USCC), Machinery Lubrication Technician I Certification, California Water Environment Association Mechanical Technologist Grade 1, 2, 3, or 4, Certified Maintenance Reliability Technician (CMRT) Certification.
• Compost Facility Operator III: A valid California Class A or B driver's license with air brakes and tanker endorsement. Machinery Lubrication Technician I Certification or higher, Certified Maintenance Reliability Technician (CMRT) Certification. Within six (6) months of appointment or promotion and during the course of employment obtain and maintain the following: CPR and First Aid Certification, Confined Space Certification, Approved and qualified use of Respirator, Forklift Certification. At time of hire, promotion, or advancement, and during the course of employment, obtain and maintain two of the following: Vibration Analyst I Certification, Machinery Lubrication Technician 2 Certification, Certified Compost Operations Manager (CCOM) Certification from the US Composting Council (USCC), California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Mechanical Technologist Grade 2, 3 or 4, Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP) Certification, Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) Certification, Heavy Equipment II Certification, Infrared Thermography 1 Certification, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan training, Ultrasound Certification 1, Water Supply Technology AA Certificate.

Skills and abilities include:

• Ability to work safely in an indoor composting facility environment, following established safety practices such as confined space procedures, lockout/tagout, and use of personal protective equipment to support a safe and compliant workplace.
• Basic knowledge of, or ability to learn, the operation of equipment such as loaders, conveyors, blowers, and other tools used in composting operations; desirable experience includes operating light to heavy equipment and familiarity with process monitoring systems such as SCADA.
• Ability to perform routine cleaning, inspections, and minor maintenance tasks on facility equipment, with a willingness to develop skills in troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and equipment operation.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing work assignments, learn new processes, and respond to operational needs; desirable ability to assist with equipment issues or process adjustments to help maintain continuous operations.

Salary Ranges:

• Compost Facility Operator I GU 172 ($36.2520 - $44.1693)
• Compost Facility Operator II GU 174 ($39.9630 - $48.6909)
• Compost Facility Operator III GU 176 ($44.0549 - $53.6775)

About Us:

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water to approximately 950,000 people across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. Under the leadership of a directly elected five-member Board of Directors, the Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through significant investments in a diverse water supply portfolio, reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner.

As a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), IEUA provides supplemental water supplies, primarily via the State Water Project (SWP) for distribution among nine retail agencies. IEUA also replenishes local groundwater supplies with captured stormwater and recycled water produced by IEUA that is later extracted by local water agencies for use as a drinking water supply.

At IEUA, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that promotes growth, accountability, and collaboration. Our eight organizational attributes are the foundations of our success and guide us in our daily operations.

• Safety
• Continuous Learning and Improvement
• Efficiency
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Coaching for Performance
• Respect
• Employee Engagement

Click the links to learn more about our Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, including our Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader).