Sr. Compost Engineer

Synagro is North America’s premier, award-winning, biosolids management firm offering a competitive salary for highly motivated, self-starter with strong work ethic, in a supportive work environment. Synagro partners with stakeholders to clean our water, protect our environment and serve our communities by generating worth from what others call waste. We work to protect the health of our water, our Earth, and those who depend on them now and in the future.

What good is a job without great benefits to reward your hard work? Here are some highlights of what Synagro has to offer:

• 15 days paid time off
• 10 holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision (within 30 days of hire)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match, (fully vested upon hire)
• Career growth and promotional opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bonus Incentive Program

JOB SUMMARY
This position functions as the primary technical resource on all aspects of the composting process. Position ensures the composting facility operates efficiently (microbially, mechanically, and economically), to process organic residuals into market-grade compost in compliance with best industry practices. Position will use its extensive knowledge, skills & ability (KSA) in the composting field to design new and refurbish existing facilities as well as to trouble-shoot operation(s), ensure productivity, and generate quality compost. As needed assist efforts to increase compost use and marketing (agricultural/horticultural).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using composting KSA’s lead the engineering team’s design of new facilities and major capital projects that retrofit existing composting facilities.
• Lead the composting portion of due diligence efforts in Company M&A projects of existing composting companies.
• Design, develop, modify and maintain efficient operating systems for the Company’s new large-scale aerated static pile composting system (ASP) located in the Mid-Atlantic.
• Serve as the overall technical resource to the Company’s existing compost facilities (Windrow, ASP and Turned Aerated (BDP))
• Ensure the compost facility and compost products meet and maintain regulatory compliance. Adjust strategy and operational activities to meet objective(s).
• Serve as the Company’s primary technical resource on all aspects of composting and compost use (internal/external clients).   Collect, and maintain a database of scientific research, regulatory issues, and general information that impact composting and compost use.  Regularly assess and make reports on emerging items. 
• Use KSA to develop initial standard composting operating procedures (start-up & commissioning). On an on-going basis, continually monitor & modify production based on site specific conditions (feedstock, technology, equipment status, seasonality and market needs). 
• Evaluate organic waste management technologies, equipment and methods for operational and economic feasibility in company large-scale composting projects. Develop and conduct feasibility studies and produce business models/justifications.    
• Ensure compost facility maintains productivity (volumes and budgets), and generates finished compost products that meet company/client specifications.
• Coordinate with subcontractors for project support and maintenance activities.
• Ensure that the facility operates consistently to meet internal and external client expectations (regulatory compliance, production capacity, equipment operations, maintenance, and grounds)
• Staff training. Develop materials and present information to staff on the composting process with emphasis on how tasks impact production and productivity. 
• Develop protocols (methods and equipment) to collect and record multiple biological, physical and chemical data of the feedstocks, composting process and end-product(s). Including temperature, bulk density, % solids, respiration, stability etc...  Train staff on the operation and maintenance of instruments and tools needed to support these tasks 
• Maintain professional appearance, and use personal protection equipment (PPE) when required

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to effectively communicate with all levels of personnel including executive management.
• Ability to work in dispersed, fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to travel up to 50%
• Demonstrated ability to effectively delegate and build a culture of accountability for results.
• Technology savvy; knowledgeable about modern technology, proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to obtain any necessary state certifications and licenses that are required.
• Ability to create and work within budgets for tasks and entire facilities.
• Technical expertise requires the party to be detail oriented, computer literate, and understand the importance of accurate data management.
• Flexibility and dependability required.
• Willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of parties.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline/engineering/business management REQUIRED, MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of increasing management responsibility, experience in industrial services, manufacturing or engineering industries.
• Minimum of five years in a Profit/Loss leadership role managing multiple sites.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Talking, Hearing, and Seeing. Sitting, Standing, Walking.
• The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• The worker is subject atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
• The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to bio-solids.
• This position requires travel and overtime.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential job functions, knowledge, skills, abilities, efforts, and physical or working conditions associated with a position.