Vermicompost Production Associate

Vermicompost Production Associate

The Worm Casting Company, located near Appleton, Wisconsin, is known for high quality earthworm castings and related products for horticulture and agriculture applications. Our mission is to pursue the best microbiology for soil health and productivity. This role will contribute to meeting the vision of the entire farming operation.

Job Summary

The Production Associate is responsible for attending to the daily vermicomposting process and production of worm castings, under the schedule and work direction of the Vermicompost Production Lead, as well as general maintenance and housekeeping duties to ensure a safe, clean, and orderly work environment.

The position is heavily weighted toward operating equipment in confined spaces and performing manual tasks, both skilled and unskilled, involved in managing and mixing the bedding material for the worms, harvesting worm castings, packaging, cleaning, and projects to build or repair equipment and structures.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for executing assigned duties in the daily vermicomposting process, from intake of feedstock materials to harvesting and packaging castings. 
• Assist with worm husbandry activities, including hatching and raising worms as scheduled to maintain production capacity and expansion targets. 
• Help process weekly worm orders by preparing shipping boxes, collecting and counting/weighing worms, and packaging worms for shipment. 
• Package bulk and retail finished goods to fill customer orders. Ensure that bulk and retail packaged goods are filled and batch labeled with accuracy following the specifications for the specific products. 
• Load and unload trucks for freight orders and deliveries. 
• Safely and effectively operate farm machinery and equipment in tight spaces, including skid steer, forklifts, and electric pallet jacks. 
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks. Help with repair and maintenance of farm equipment and machinery to ensure optimal functioning. 
• Safely and effectively utilize hand and power tools for various farm activities, including building and repairing vermicomposting boxes and other structures. 
• Properly handle tools, equipment, and supplies to avoid damage. Follow training and procedures to prevent accidents and damage to equipment. 
• Maintain records including but not limited to worm age and health, batch records, product inventory, equipment maintenance, and other farm activities. 
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of production areas, facility, and grounds. Ensure all trash collection/disposal are done on a daily and weekly basis. 
• Perform year-round general upkeep of farm building and grounds, including snow removal, landscaping and other grounds-keeping tasks to ensure a public-friendly and well-maintained farm. 
• Wear PPE as required. Ensure proper procedures are followed and work is productive, safe, and efficient. 
• Perform other job duties as required. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This is an indoor farming operation, and the worms need a warm temperature year-round. You must be comfortable working mostly in a warm, humid indoor environment and outside for short periods regardless of weather conditions. Stationary and moving machinery are critical components of the vermicomposting, harvesting, and packaging processes. You must be comfortable working safely around moving mechanical parts in a confined space. Good physical and mental stamina is must. The essential duties and responsibilities require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods of time with frequent walking, lifting, bending, squatting, stepping, reaching, and pulling. Steel-toes shoes or boots are required at all times. Gloves are worn during most activities. Respiratory PPE is required for certain tasks to protect against airborne particles and dust. The worms live in dirt, so there is a lot of it everywhere. Also, there are lots of worms. 

Qualifications

• Ability to master and consistently execute the vermicomposting methods and techniques that The Worm Casting Company practices. 
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate material handling equipment, including but not limited to a skid steer and forklifts, is essential. Training is provided. 
• Basic carpentry skills and safe use of power/hand tools. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Strong attention to detail, comfortable with basic math skills and unit conversions. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. 
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and competing demands. 
• Must be self-motivated and able to work both independently and cooperatively as a member of a high-function team. 
• Have solid problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 
• Effective written and verbal communication, legible handwriting is a must. 

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate or bachelor degree preferred.
•  1-2 years of related experience with equipment operation and/or working in a farm/garden/landscaping field is preferred. 
• Some mechanical knowledge for equipment maintenance is preferred. 
• Maintain a valid Driver's License and reliable transportation. 
• Own and wear steel-toe shoes or boots onsite. 
• Capable of obtaining forklift and skid steer certification.