Black Dirt Farm 

Route Operations Manager  Job Description 

Farm Description

Black Dirt Farm is an integrated and diversified agroecological family farm in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom designed to mimic the carbon cycle. We operate a year-round food scrap collection route to collect organic discards from our community. We strive to put this “waste” to as much positive use as we can by maximizing the number of positive outcomes we can with each carbon molecule while mitigating ecological and social disruption in the process.  We blend the food scraps into a compost mix which provides forage for our laying hens, then make compost and  worm castings with the excess food and manure, and finally, we sell and use the resulting  products to nourish soils and crops.  Our farm is firmly based in regenerative  agricultural and social practices, and the creation of an ecologically-thriving and socially-just community food system. As of 2021, we  diverted 13.6 million pounds of food scraps from the landfill, reducing greenhouse gas  emissions by the equivalent of not burning 603,598 gallons of gasoline and capturing  enough nitrogen to fertilize over 1,000 acres of mixed vegetable crops. 

Being a part of Black Dirt Farm means working in an environment that is both caring and efficient. The farm requires creative and driven individuals who can work as part of a dynamic and, often, fast-paced team, while also being individually responsible for managing one’s own tasks with professionalism and quality. 

At Black Dirt Farm we strive to create and support a thriving work environment.  We believe our time together as a crew should be fundamentally uplifting to each person as an individual, and that this in turn will contribute to a farm that is constantly learning, updating, growing and producing great products that serve our customers and community, and which we take pride in as a group.  For us, a thriving farm culture is diverse, inclusive, and equitable, where all Crew  Members, volunteers, and customers of all genders and gender identities, races,  ethnicities, religions, class, national origins, ages, sexual orientations, educations, or abilities feel valued and respected. We believe the farm is at its best when we have a diversity of people and experiences that inform what we do and how we do it. We respect and value diverse life  experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. To foster this in our community, Black Dirt Farm aspires to be a place where we all grow and feel at ease to be ourselves, but does not tolerate marginalizing behavior. 

Position Overview 

The Route Operations Manager will run our compost collection route operations, including operating collection routes one to two days per week, and the necessary oversight and management in order to ensure route operations are staffed, equipment is operating well, and customers’ needs are met.  This includes overseeing our equipment maintenance, repair and purchasing, route staffing and schedules, logistics, hiring and training, updating Standard Operating Procedures, and operator support.  In addition to the tasks specific to the Collection Route, the Route Operations Manager will contribute to the overall success of the farm by performing other tasks as needed and as  time allows, and helping to embody the positive, constructive, quality-focused, outcome-oriented culture of the farm. 

Job Tasks

Food Scrap Collection Operations  (Estimated 8-20hrs/week): 

1. Safely and efficiently operating the collection route two days per week.  2. Operating a 2 ton-truck with dump trailer, hydraulic tote tipper, generator,  hot water pressure washer, and the fresh water pump. 

3. Attending to as-needed equipment repairs that can be done easily on the  route, such as changing a pull cord or replacing spark plugs. 

4. Handling 48-gallon wheeled containers, visually inspecting containers for  contaminants, and removing them when necessary. 

5. Recording and reporting data. 

6. Friendly customer service as needed while on customer premises.

Collection Operations Management (estimated 8-12):

1.  Oversee preventative maintenance program and seasonal schedule
2.  Manage equipment repairs, in house and 3rd party
3.  Equipment research and purchasing
4.  Manage tote (collection container) inventory, repair and warranty claims
5.  Manage collection drivers and schedule.  Cover for other drivers as needed.
6.  Ensure quality of BDF service 
7.  Collection route-related product and supplies procurement

Qualifications 

• Five years driving experience; ideally, at least one year of commercial/heavy  truck driving experience. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication, listening, and stress  management. 

• Willingness to follow protocols; appreciation for operational efficiency. 

• Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage time and tasks, and problem-solve. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage logistics, operations and employees with professionalism and care

• Ability and desire to perform basic repairs. 

• This job requires the operator to: 

o Handle containers up to 350 pounds (on wheels), typically 150-200 lbs. 

o Lift 50 pounds safely. 

o Climb in and out of the truck bed routinely with comfort. 

o Execute semi-repetitive tasks over time. 

o Operate outdoors, in variable weather and temperatures. 

o Bend, stoop, and climb stairs. 

• Excitement about compost, farming and the food system. 

• All candidates must possess a valid Driver’s License and pass a criminal background check.  

• Willingness to engage in dismantling systemic supremacies and participate in a  vibrant, inspired work culture. 

Starting Date: ASAP

For more info, see our website