Digester/Compost Facilities Asst Manager / Farm Assistant Manager

Working/Functional Title

Digester/Compost Facilities Asst Manager

Position Summary

This position will assist with oversight of the anaerobic digester and compost facilities on MSU’s south campus. Included in this oversight is the training, scheduling and mentoring of a staff comprised primarily of students with varying degrees of work experience and skills. Work involves regular contact with livestock manure, food waste, and restaurant grease. This position requires work on some weekends, holidays, and standby time. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, is subject to all weather conditions, and can be in noisy or dusty areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees and assists in managing the daily operations of the MSU anaerobic digester and compost facilities.
• Responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling, and mentoring of students who assist with operating the digester and compost facilities. 
• Performs duties and maintenance needed in order to facilitate smooth operations of the facilities.
• Inspects equipment and facilities and recommends needed service or repair.
• Fabricates special equipment when necessary.
• Forecasts needs and maintains supply inventories for both facilities.
• Manage the collection of delivery manifests, as well as organization, tracking, and cataloging data for invoicing purposes.
• Identify problems in operations and resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Assist with the coordination and scheduling of imported feedstocks and exported finished products.
• Assist with compiling, organizing and evaluating data to provide reports on operational status.
• Evaluates current operational performance and offers input to strategic plans for improvements.
• Ensures compliance with MSU Environmental Health and Safety standards, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Serves as liaison with clients, customers, vendors, and university departments in order to provide expertise in the area of anaerobic digester and compost topics.
• Work with researchers and graduate students to implement projects to ensure coordination and compatibility with digester daily operations.
• Provide occasional tours and overview of general plant operational activities.
• Maintains health and safety standards to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Other miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Engineering or agricultural field related to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in all areas of farm work/production related to the area of employment; experience in computer usage; and knowledge of farm equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license is required. Completion of Anaerobic Digester Operators Training and Compost Operators Training within first year of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to renewable and sustainable energy and an interest in learning more about anaerobic digesters and composting processes. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of professional judgment, independent decision making, excellent communication skills and customer service, strong organizational abilities and time management skills, and a positive attitude. Familiarity and ability to use common hand tools. Basic knowledge of animal agriculture.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Work Hours

6 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday

Website

HTTPS://WWW.CANR.MSU.EDU/NEWS/SOUTH-CAMP

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds; bending; climbing.

Summary of Health Risks

Drive university vehicle; wear a respirator; work may be in noisy or dusty environment. Work involves regular contact with livestock manure, food waste, and restaurant grease.

Bidding eligibility ends July 29, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.