Landfill operations manager

Select, supervise and train employees in their respective positions. Safely plan, organize, control and direct the activities of the landfill operations to accomplish the desired objectives. Provide leadership, which results in positive employee/employer relations. Project a professional corporate image, effective resource management, a sound risk management program and high production standards.

About the Role

Are you a hands-on leader who thrives both in the cab/on the hill and managing operations in the office? We are looking for a Landfill Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day site operations, drive a strong safety culture, and manage our site resources efficiently. This role is ideal for a field-tested leader who balances operational execution—working directly alongside operators on the hill—with administrative, financial, and regulatory management in the office.

Key Responsibilities

Field & Operations Leadership (~70-80% On-Site)

• Daily Site Management: Direct daily landfill operations to maximize compaction, soil usage, airspace efficiency, and equipment utilization.
• Hands-On Leadership: Work directly on the hill alongside operators; operate heavy equipment (compactor, bulldozer, excavator, haul truck, loader) as necessary to maintain pace and train team members.
• Safety & Compliance: Conduct regular operator observations, lead safety meetings, enforce PPE standards, and ensure full compliance with environmental permits, local, state, and federal waste regulations.
• Asset Protection: Oversee equipment maintenance routines, track site conditions, and respond promptly to operational changes or weather-related issues.

Administrative & People Management (~20-30% Office)

• Team Leadership: Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate site personnel. Practice progressive discipline and foster an engaging, productive workplace.
• Performance & Productivity: Establish productivity benchmarks, track operational KPIs, and conduct annual employee performance evaluations.
• Incidents & Documentation: Investigate any accidents or safety incidents promptly, completing all required reporting and corrective action plans.
• Regulatory & Administrative Compliance: Review construction/permit drawings, keep operating records up to date, and communicate regularly with regional leadership.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years of operational experience in the waste management or landfill industry.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of industry experience and education.
• Equipment Proficiency: Proven ability to operate heavy equipment safely (dump truck, bulldozer, compactor, track hoe, loader, backhoe).
• Certifications: SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) certification (or ability to acquire upon hire).
• Leadership Skills: Strong communication, conflict resolution, and team-building capabilities.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of non-hazardous solid waste regulations, site safety standards, and environmental compliance.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work Environment: Expect 70–80% of your time outdoors on the hill, exposed to varying weather conditions, dust, noise, and rugged terrain.
• Physical Demands: Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 20 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $85,000 – $100,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
• Bonus: 20% Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) annual target bonus based on site safety, operational efficiency, and performance metrics.
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings options, and paid time off.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact myworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com.

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.