Lead Natural Organic Reduction Operator

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 Lead 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. This is a hands-on role with management responsibilities. 

The Lead NOR Operator is responsible for running our NOR vessels, managing our team of NOR operators, and assisting in day-to-day operations of the facility. You will be accountable for the respectful, dignified, and efficient handling of the NOR process from start to finish, and will ensure adherence to all company, local, state, and federal regulations. You will also function as a team lead for the other NOR operators at the facility, leading by example and fostering a collaborative, motivating environment.   

Responsibilities 

NOR Facility Operations

• 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.

Team Support & Guidance 

• Serve as the people manager for your fellow NOR operators, including setting goals for them, monitoring their progress, and jumping in with hands-on assistance. 
• Build a strong team culture emphasizing respect, empathy, collaboration, and professionalism amongst NOR operators.  

Family & Stakeholder Management 

• 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
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on fostering positive team dynamics and stakeholder relationships
• 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 and help prepare the Elkridge facility ahead of its 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