[USCC] Professional Credentials Committee

Thu Feb 15 19:12:57 CST 2007

My input would be to put several composters on the committee.
I believe there is a role for some certification but to develop requirements for states to impose this training seems to me to be
the full employment for consultants initiative!

I believe the formal issuance of credits for attending seminars, trade shows, equipment demonstrations would be a far better use of the council's time.  I believe there are many accomplished composters throughout the nation that have been composting now for many years.  To believe that some consultants are now going to devise a system for these facilities to certify their operators seems oh well I will not say it.
Is their a need to have training?    Yes
Is their a need to share best management practices? Yes
Is their a need to have a individuals receive a license to Compost?  No
Am I against Training ? No
I believe a national training and certification program by the USCC could be a good idea mostly for new operators.
If someone has a facility that is operating and needs to provide assurance to regulators, elected officials and citizens that their  facilities are operated properly, safely, and with minimal impact to the environment it might be to late.
Work on education credits, conference credits and/or seminar points and develop this system before we give full employment to consultants.
Do I like consultants?      Yes
Might I need a consultant in the future?    Yes
That is why I attend the USCC Conferences and Biocycle to stay current and know what is happening in the Industry.
Do I want one to certify me?    NO

Oh well you asked

----- Original Message ----
From: Craig Coker <craigcoker at cox.net>
To: US Composting Council Compost Discussion List <compost at composter.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 11:47:14 AM
Subject: [USCC] Professional Credentials Committee seeks input and help

Participate in the Annual Compost Awareness Week May 6, 2007 to May 12, 2007

This year's theme is "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!"

For more info, go to: http://compostingcouncil.org/section.cfm?id=25

Or Call the USCC at 631-737-4931
Colleagues:

I have agreed to serve as the new chairman of the Professional Credentials
Committee (attempting to fill big shoes left behind by Oley Sheremeta) and I
invite your input and assistance as we move this important initiative
forward.  As you may know, I have been (and am) involved in compost operator
training with the Carolinas Composting Council since 2001.  PCC is charged
with the mission of developing a  national training and certification program
for the USCC as a benefit to our industry.  This program is intended to
raise professional competence and quality, to provide assurance to
regulators, elected officials and citizens that our facilities are operated
properly, safely, and with minimal impact to the environment; and to move
the USCC in the direction of becoming a training organization.

The PCC is seeking volunteers to help with planning this program (with the
assistance of a contractor/consultant yet to be hired).  Help will involve:
brainstorming (via conference calls); developing the contractor Request For
Proposal (one draft currently exists); developing a work plan for USCC staff
to work with State governments to encourage/require one USCC-certified
professional at each permitted composting facility; and developing a series
of continuing education training programs for ongoing professional
development.  Current PCC members are: myself, Dr. Monica Ozores-Hampton
(Univ. of FL), and Holly Westcott (Washington Dept. of Ecology).  Committee
meetings will be held in association with other conferences (i.e. Biocycle
West Coast in April, USCC Annual Conference in Oakland, etc.).

Even if you don't have time to help, I'd sure appreciate your thoughts and
advice on several key issues:

*         Do we have separate certifications for compost operators & compost
facility managers, and if so, how should they differ?

*         How do we, as the USCC, recognize and credit existing State &
university training programs towards USCC certification (i.e. Carolinas
Composting Council, WORC, LSU, Maine Cooperative Extension, UMD Better
Composting School)?

*         How can we encourage private industry to recognize that
USCC-certified professionals are a worthwhile employment investment?

*         Can we get States to require certified professionals at composting
facilities (like landfill and WWTP operators)?  Should we push this issue?

*         What should be included in a 5-day "Foundations" training course
as a minimum training for eligibility to take a certification exam? 

*         What topics should be taught in shorter, more advanced courses for
CEUs?

*         What is/are the most effective mechanisms for conducting training
programs? 

Thank you for your time and for your input.

Regards,

Craig

Craig Coker

Coker Composting & Consulting

3331 Glade Creek Blvd.  Ste. 7

Roanoke, VA  24012

(540) 904-2698  Fax: (540) 904-6732

Cell: (540) 874-5168

<mailto:craigcoker at cox.net> craigcoker at cox.net

<http://www.cokercompost.com> www.cokercompost.com

Join us at the US Composting Council's 16th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
February 8 - 12th, 2008 at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland,
California. Check it out at www.compostingcouncil.org
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