Natural Organic Reduction Operator
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
About Earth
At Earth, we believe how we say farewell matters. Our mission is to transform the end-of-life experience by offering families a beautiful, sustainable alternative to cremation and burial.
Instead of traditional methods that harm the environment, our gentle, natural process transforms a body into nutrient-rich soil in just 45 days—returning life to the earth and leaving a meaningful legacy. Families can choose to receive the soil to scatter, plant, or share, while the remainder is thoughtfully donated to conservation projects that restore and heal our planet.
This process—sometimes called soil transformation or natural organic reduction (NOR)—is powered by our proprietary vessel technology, which carefully recreates the conditions found in nature. By balancing carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water—while precisely controlling temperature and moisture—we’re able to transform bodies gently and naturally.
First legalized in Washington State in 2019, this practice is rapidly gaining popularity nationwide. Earth is the national leader in soil transformation, backed by major investors, and growing fast.
The Role
We’re looking for a Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Operator in Elkridge, Maryland. Following successful launches in Seattle and Las Vegas, we’re expanding to the East Coast with our new Elkridge facility, opening in March.
The NOR Operator is responsible for running our NOR vessels. You will be accountable for the respectful, dignified, and efficient handling of the NOR process from start to finish.
Responsibilities
- Handle the NOR disposition process respectfully and efficiently from acceptance of a new case into the facility through soil donation.
- Assist with day-to-day operations of the NOR facility, including soil testing and vessel troubleshooting.
- Partner with facility technician(s) as needed for more complex vessel maintenance requirements to minimize vessel downtime.
- Maintain a clean and orderly facility.
- Monitor inventory and supplies levels and work with the NOR Facility Manager to maintain adequate levels.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including funeral law, environmental regulations, zoning, fire code requirements, and OSHA/EHS.
- Implement a continuous improvement mindset, staying current with industry trends, technologies, and research to improve the NOR process efficiency and efficacy.
- Collaborate with members of the Care and Sales teams to ensure all families receive an outstanding customer experience from start to finish.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree or higher
- 3+ years working at a funeral home or crematory
- Outstanding problem-solving skills
- Experience using IT systems (workflow management software, inventory management software, CRMs, etc.)
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends on occasion
- Excitement about developing a sustainable deathcare alternative
Great to Haves
Crematory operator or similar experience is a plus
Embalmer experience and certification is a plus
Active Maryland funeral director license is a plus
Current forklift operation certification is not required to apply but will be necessary for the role (we will provide funding and support for obtaining this certification)
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand, climb ladders, and work on equipment in tight or elevated spaces
- Ability to wear required PPE (respirator, gloves, etc.)
- Ability to work in warm or cold environments
Timing
Ideally, we’d love you to start by mid-February (or earlier) to start training ahead of the Elkridge facility’s March launch.
Why Earth
Mission-driven work that makes a lasting impact
Competitive salary and equity package
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan
Paid time off
About Earth
US funeral home providing Natural Organic Reduction (human composting) as an alternative to burial and cremation.
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