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Summary

The NELA Programs Assistant supports LA Compost’s community composting and education programs across Northeast Los Angeles (NELA). This part-time role plays a key part in the daily operations of Community Compost Hubs, park-based sites, and farmers’ market food scraps drop-off locations. The NELA Programs Assistant helps build strong relationships with community members, volunteers, and partners while empowering local residents with the skills and knowledge needed to steward compost sites sustainably.

Position Overview

The NELA Programs Assistant works 12–20 hours per week, supporting compost hub and park operations throughout the NELA region. Responsibilities include leading volunteers, interns, and community members in compost operations and educational activities; supporting workdays, workshops, and special events; and providing backup coverage for Farmers’ Market and Community Compost Hub shifts as scheduling allows.

Regular weekly coverage may include:

• Santa Fe Dam Compost Hub – Tuesday mornings

• Lincoln Heights Farmers’ Market – Wednesday evenings

• Silver Lake Farmers’ Market – Saturday mornings

Key Responsibilities

Farmers’ Market & Food Recovery Support

• Drive a company vehicle to assigned markets; set up and break down market materials.

• Manage volunteers and coordinate with farmers’ market management staff.

• Engage community members about LA Compost programs, processing locations within LA Compost’s network, and available volunteer opportunities.

• Educate the public on composting practices, soil health, and the environmental benefits of composting.

• Support use of the Compostars web-based application to track individual diversion milestones and metrics.

• Collaborate with select market vendors to collect non-edible organic material for processing at local compost hubs.

Compost Hub & Site Operations

• Co-manage compost systems at assigned hub sites, including:

  • Receiving and documenting food scraps

  • Tracking and reporting metrics

  • Turning, watering, monitoring temperatures, and sifting compost

• Maintain windrows, three-bin systems, and vermicomposting systems (where applicable).

• Ensure compost systems remain healthy, organized, and functional.

• Support ongoing maintenance and upkeep across LA Compost’s Community Compost Hub network.

Community Engagement & Education

• Co-facilitate volunteer workdays and assist with tabling at special events.

• Educate community members on composting practices, soil health, and environmental benefits.

• Support ongoing educational offerings provided by LA Compost.

• Build relationships with hub members, garden managers, and volunteers to encourage long-term community stewardship.

Data, Reporting & Coordination

• Accurately capture metrics on material collected and processed, and participant engagement.

• Support ongoing use of the Compostars application to track diversion milestones.

• Submit weekly hours and required Google Forms accurately and on time.

• Communicate site needs, challenges, and resource requirements to supervisors.

• Work closely with your direct manager, NELA regional staff, and program managers to ensure smooth, consistent operations.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Ability to work independently after training while maintaining clear, timely communication with staff.

• Flexibility to cover additional weekday and/or weekend shifts as needed, including farmers’ market drop-offs, compost hub coverage, or driving.

• Commitment to following all LA Compost safety, operations, and community engagement protocols.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move 50+ lb totes repeatedly.

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to stand, bend, shovel, and perform physical labor for extended periods.

Ideal Candidate

• Confident, safety-conscious driver with a clean driving record.

• Passionate about composting, environmental justice, and community-based work.

• Comfortable facilitating groups and engaging with diverse community members.

• Reliable, organized, and able to manage multiple sites and responsibilities.

• Eager to learn and grow within a community composting program.

Compensation

• $26/hour (part-time)

Benefits

Part-time employees at LA Compost receive paid sick leave (24 hours annually), access to a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a monthly business expense stipend, and paid holidays and end-of-year organization-wide closures for eligible shifts.