Position Overview:

Compost Coordinator

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ABOUT US:

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The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) was established to ensure
that Detroit's African American population plays a significant role in the local food movement.
Given that African Americans constitute most of Detroit's population, DBCFSN aims to position
them in leadership roles within this movement. Our commitment to Black food sovereignty and
environmental and climate justice has expanded nationally and globally. Through our initiatives,
we strive to create sustainable, equitable food systems and advocate for policies that address the
unique challenges faced by Black communities in Detroit and beyond.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

 

The Detroit Food Commons Compost Coordinator is a new position in the DBCFSN team that
will coordinate the compost operations with the Detroit Food Commons (DFC), local Detroit based
farms, and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. The coordinator will be responsible for the
proper handling of diverting food waste, managing the Mega Reencle Machine feeding and
extraction events, and transporting amendments to D-Town Farm.

The Compost Coordinator is expected to lead and coordinate all aspects of compost operations at
DFC and D-Town Farm to ensure productivity, sustainability, financial accountability, and
integrity. This role involves designing and implementing food waste diversion systems that
promotes food sovereignty, leadership development, and community engagement. The Compost
Coordinator will collaborate with DBCFSN staff, community partners, and participants to create
an empowering environment that nurtures learning, cultural pride, and personal growth. It is
understood that the Compost Coordinator will uphold the mission, values, and vision of the
DBCFSN.

The Compost Coordinator is a full-time employee of the DBCFSN. The Compost Coordinator is
paid an annual salary of $46,000 and will be paid bi-weekly. All applicable local, state and
federal taxes will be deducted from the gross amount they earn. As a full-time salaried employee,
the Compost Coordinator is eligible for the complete DBCFSN benefits package. The Compost
Coordinator reports to the Co-Executive Directors.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Define clear goals, objectives and metrics for the Detroit Food Commons food waste

       diversion systems,

• Work with all relevant community and institutional partners in planning and

       implementing the systems,

• Work with the DBCFSN staff, and the Kitchen and Events team, more

     specifically on food waste diversion from the Kujichagulia Kitchens and Mama Imani Humphrey
     Banquet Hall on the second floor of the building,

• Supporting the Detroit People’s Food Co-op (DPFC) with food waste diversion on the first floor

              of the building. More specifically, capturing produce and food from the North End Deli,

• Work with the Detroit Office of Sustainability on Mega Reencle operations.

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• Cultivate meaningful partnerships with other urban agriculture, food systems and Black

       liberation-centric organizations,

• Coordinate resource mobilization, educational materials (signage, manuals, fact sheets,

      etc.) and assessment tools aligned with program goals,

• Work closely with the D-Town Farm Manager, DPFC General Manager and Fresh

• Department Manager, and DBCFSN Co-Executive Directors to ensure that goals and

• Facilitate community trainings on food waste diversion systems on institutional levels,

• Undergo relevant trainings on a continuous basis to remain effective and efficient in

       position,

• Participate in media interviews about compost systems operations,

• Foster an environment that has a deep commitment to African-centered values and Black

       food sovereignty

 

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• Ability to lift and move upwards of 50 lbs.; lifting and lowering of heavy materials,

       the physical manipulation of compost materials,

• Ability to be in the presence of material with a rather peculiar smell for extended

       periods of time,

• Ability to stand for long periods of time,

• A valid Driver’s License

• Experience working in farm and/or food waste diversion or recycling settings,

• Demonstrated dedication to Black Liberation and Black Food Sovereignty ideals,

• Commitment and demonstrated practice to racial, gender, economic, and climate

       justice. Demonstrated understanding and passion for how race, gender, class, and

      intersectionality impact social change,

• Deep commitment to the education and empowerment of all urban agriculture actors.

• Skills in conflict resolution and restorative justice practices, with willingness to

       undergo relevant training,

• Knowledge of agricultural practices, food systems, and Black food sovereignty

       principles, and a willingness to deepen understanding in these areas,

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills,

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders,

 

• Willingness to adhere to organizational policies and complete the required background

       checks.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

● Passion for community development and cultural engagement
● Cultural competency and sensitivity related to African-centered programming
● Flexibility and adaptability to meet program needs
● Tractor driving skills

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BENEFITS:

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● Medical, dental and vision benefits,
● Opportunity for growth and advancement within the organization,
● Access to training and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge,
● Positive and collaborative work environment with a supportive team.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send a cover letter and resume by Friday, February 27, 2026 to: 
 

shakara tyler saba, phd 

Co-Executive Director 

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN)
8324 Woodward, Detroit, Michigan 48202
or
styler@dbcfsn.org

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization
whose mission is to build food sovereignty and food justice in Detroit's Black community. View our full website to learn more.
 

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Click here to download description.

 

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