Become a Master Composter

Description

Master Composter training includes ten classes, two field trips and practical education through class projects and volunteering. In class, trained Master Composters and local experts provide in-depth instruction about a variety of compost topics and the importance of composting in waste management. Additionally, trainees receive instruction on how to be effective teachers for a variety of age groups and in a range of settings.

The Volunteer Job Description provides additional details about the program, including qualifications for trainees, descriptions of the components of the program and volunteer activities. The job description is also available as a PDF (344kb). Contact us if you would like us to mail you a copy.

Training Dates

2025 Master Composter volunteer training will be held every Thursday evening, 6:00 to 8:00pm, from February 13 to May 1. To accommodate school breaks, class will not be held on March 20 or April 3. There are a total of ten 2-hour training classes.

Classes will be held in person unless it becomes necessary to hold a class via Zoom. Unless otherwise noted, in-person classes will be held at CCETC, 615 Willow Ave in Ithaca.

In addition to the class sessions, two weekday field trips will be held during the training period. In between classes, there will be additional volunteer and learning opportunities.

How to Apply

To become a Master Composter, please review the Volunteer Job Description (links above) and then:

1. Complete the online application

- or -

2. a. Fill out and send a PDF version of the application (3 pages, 306kb)

*Note: you will need to have a PDF reader installed on your device to open a PDF

If you do not have one, Acrobat Reader is available for free through Adobe

b. Make sure you *SAVE* your filled-out PDF file*!

c. Email your completed application to Adam Michaelides at acm1@cornell.edu

- or -

3. Obtain a hard copy of the Application form by:

a. Downloading and printing the PDF version of the application (3 pages, 306kb)

*Note: you will need to have a PDF reader installed on your device to open a PDF

If you do not have one, Acrobat Reader is available for free through Adobe

b. Call Cooperative Extension at (607) 272-2292 to request a printed application

c. Pick up a copy at CCE-Tompkins, 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca (M-F, 8am-4pm)

Complete the hard copy of the application (3 pages total), scan and email it to Adam at acm1@cornell.edu. You may also drop off your completed, hard copy of the application (or mail it): Compost Education Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850

When to Apply

Please complete the online application, or return your completed PDF/hard copy by end of day (11:59pm) on Monday, January 27, 2025 to be considered for the 2025 training program.

What to Expect After the Application Deadline

There are a limited number of spots available each year for the training class. There is also a limit on how many candidates the Program Manager can interview. So, depending on the number of applications received, and the quality/completeness of each application, you may or may not be invited to a short interview.

Interviews will be conducted from Wednesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 2. (Ithaca College Students looking to train as part of an off-campus internship with CCETC will be interviewed early in order to submit the paperwork before the deadline.)

From the pool of candidates interviewed, the Program Manager will select the Master Composter Training class of 2025. Since the application process can be competitive, applicants are encouraged to put their best efforts into filling the application, communicating with Program staff, and sitting for the interview.