Description

The Operations Manager oversees all daily activities of a mulch and compost production facilities, including grinding, screening, composting, and material logistics. This role is responsible for managing personnel, equipment, production flow, and site conditions to ensure safe, efficient operations and high-quality finished products. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities 

Operations & Production 

Manage daily operations including inbound material receiving, grinding, stockpiling, composting, screening, coloring (if applicable), and loadout  

Coordinate production schedules for mulch, soil and compost products based on demand and inventory levels  

Monitor feedstock (brush, logs, yard waste, organics) and ensure proper blending and processing  

Oversee tub grinders, horizontal grinders, trommel screens, and stacking/loading operations  

Maintain clean, organized yard layout for efficient material flow  

Team Leadership 

Supervise operators, laborers, and drivers  

Assign daily workloads and manage shift schedules  

Train staff on equipment operation, safety procedures, and production standards  

Hold team accountable for productivity, housekeeping, and safety  

Equipment & Maintenance 

Coordinate preventative maintenance and repairs for grinders, screeners, loaders, and support equipment  

Work closely with mechanics to minimize downtime  

Ensure operators perform daily inspections, basic maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping  

Environmental Compliance 

Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to composting and wood waste processing  

Manage stormwater, leachate, dust, and odor control measures  

Ensure proper stockpile management to prevent fire risks and runoff issues  

Maintain required logs and documentation  

Work with Safety & Compliance Department on inspections and reporting 

Health & Safety 

Enforce safety policies and OSHA compliance  

Lead safety meetings and conduct site inspections  

Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions  

Quality Control 

Monitor compost process (temperature, moisture, turning frequency)  

Ensure mulch sizing, grind consistency, and finished product quality meet specifications  

Adjust processes based on weather, feedstock, and production goals  

Logistics & Customer Coordination 

Coordinate inbound deliveries and outbound shipments  

Work with dispatch, customers, and haulers to ensure smooth scheduling  

Manage inventory levels of raw materials and finished products

Qualifications 

Required: 

3+ years of operations or site management experience  

Experience managing crews and heavy equipment operations  

Strong understanding of heavy equipment and material handling  

Knowledge of safety practices and regulatory compliance  

Ability to work well with customers and deal with customer concerns 

Preferred: 

Experience with tub or horizontal grinders and trommel/star screens  

Familiarity with composting processes and biology  

Experience managing large outdoor industrial yards  

Key Skills 

Leadership in a hands-on, outdoor environment  

Strong operational planning and problem-solving  

Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting  

Ability to manage multiple production streams (mulch, soil and compost)  

Communication and team coordination  

Work Environment 

Outdoor, year-round operation in varying weather conditions  

Exposure to dust, noise, and heavy equipment  

Fast-paced production environment with seasonal demand swings