Compost and Farm Assistant

About Victory Garden Initiative

Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization in Milwaukee, WI that builds communities that grow their own food, creating a community-led, socially just, environmentally sustainable, nutritious food system for all.

We recruit and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Schedule and Compensation

• Position: Part-time, non-exempt
• Pay: $20 per hour (20 hours a week)
• Regular Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Weekend Requirement: Weekend work is required as part of the regular schedule
• Occasionally, employees may be asked to work extra hours for farm events, programs, or seasonal needs

Victory Garden Initiative seeks a knowledgeable and motivated individual with composting and growing experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to sustainable food systems to carry out compost operations and assist with farm work. This role is critical to daily farm operations and requires flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. It is best suited for someone who enjoys physical labor, clear expectations, and doing what needs to be done to keep a farm running. The primary responsibility is managing compost operations, with additional support for general farm tasks as needed.

Essential Duties

Compost Operations (Primary Responsibility)

• Collect and transport compostable materials and coffee grounds from designated partners
• Sort, layer, turn, and manage compost inputs to ensure proper decomposition
• Operate and assist with skid steer and other compost-related equipment
• Monitor and record compost pile conditions, including temperature and moisture levels
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized compost site
• Prepare finished compost for on-farm use, sales, or community distribution
• Perform routine equipment upkeep and report maintenance or repair needs

Farm Operations and General Support

• Assist with planting, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, and irrigation as directed
• Help maintain healthy crop production in alignment with no-till and organic practices
• Maintain tools, equipment, work areas, and indoor facilities
• Assist with volunteer groups by providing clear task instruction and support
• Complete additional farm-related tasks as assigned to support daily operations

Qualifications

Core Skills & Experience

• Valid drivers license required*
• Knowledge of composting systems and basic urban farming or gardening practices
• Ability to safely operate trucks, skid steer, and other farm or compost-related equipment
• Strong attention to safety, site cleanliness, and proper equipment use
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Comfortable collaborating as part of a team when needed

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry at least 70 lbs repeatedly
• Physical stamina to bend, stoop, reach, shovel, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and wind etc
• Frequent exposure to dust, noise, and odors common to urban farm and composting environments

Personal Attributes

• Flexible and adaptable to changing tasks and priorities
• Takes direction well and completes assigned work thoroughly
• Resilient, dependable, and motivated to do hands-on, physical work
• Able to work respectfully with people of all backgrounds and identities