Zero Waste Operator

CookUnity • New York, NY

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Sustainability Operator plays a key role in ensuring that daily waste‑management procedures are executed correctly across the NEW YORK facility. This role supports the operational execution of recycling, compost, waste audits, and donation processes, helping maintain clean, compliant, and efficient waste‑diversion systems. The Zero Waste Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs, completing waste‑audit forms, preparing and coordinating donations, and ensuring correct sorting and disposal of materials in all kitchens and work areas. This role provides essential operational support to the facility by monitoring compliance, identifying contamination, and reinforcing correct waste‑handling behaviors among staff. The role ensures that Zero Waste procedures are followed consistently and effectively, contributing to CookUnity’s environmental goals and operational priorities.

Requirements

• Previous experience in warehouse, food production, cleaning, or other hands‑on operational roles.
• Comfortable working in kitchens, warehouse areas, and food production spaces.
• Ability to safely lift and move 20 lbs or more throughout the shift.
• Ability to complete daily trackers and simple audit forms.
• Ability to give clear feedback to staff and communicate deviations or contamination findings.
• Genuine interest in recycling, composting, waste diversion, or environmental practices (no prior experience required).
• Basic English required; Spanish is a strong plus.
• Bilingual – Spanish and English (mainly spoken).
• Basic knowledge of Google Docs.
• Experience operating both: Forklift and Pallet Jack.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily trash audits across workstations and document findings.
• Ensure proper waste disposal procedures are followed in all kitchens.
• Classify, weigh, and dispose of food waste, including donations, compost, garbage, and family meals.
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens, green stations, fulfillment, and market areas; complete the DAILY AUDIT BIN FORM to identify contamination.
• Check recycling and compost streams to ensure they are free of incorrect materials.
• Separate and move recyclable and compostable materials according to facility standards.
• Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations; receive partners and hand off prepared products.
• Condition and prepare food waste for donation or internal reuse (back to market).
• Coordinate donation pick‑ups with partnered non‑profit organizations.
• Complete daily trackers for recycling, compost, and donation volumes.
• Follow all safety, cleanliness, and Zero Waste process standards.
• Provide daily feedback to staff to reinforce correct waste‑sorting behaviors.
• Support team members as a Green Leader, promoting “Go Green” practices.
• Ensure stations have the correct supplies (stickers, posters, bins) for proper waste diversion.
• Coordinate with the cleaning team to keep the Green Stations clean and in order.

Benefits

• CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed