Landfill Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Airspace Management

• Plan, coordinate, and direct daily C&D disposal operations, including waste screening, working face management, compaction, grading, and daily/intermediate cover placement to maximize airspace utilization.
• Monitor incoming waste streams to ensure only permitted Construction & Demolition debris is accepted and prohibited/hazardous materials are properly screened and rejected.
• Establish productivity benchmarks, track operational KPIs (compaction density, fuel consumption, equipment hours, tonnage), and adjust workflows to meet volume and budget targets.
• Manage site infrastructure, including haul roads, tipping pads, stormwater/sedimentation controls, and perimeter security.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Champion GFL’s "Safe for Life" culture; schedule, lead, and document regular safety briefings, tailgate talks, and operator observations.
• Ensure proper supply, distribution, and mandatory compliance with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and site traffic control protocols.
• Promptly investigate all incidents, accidents, injuries, and near-misses, completing root-cause analyses, required documentation, and corrective action plans.

Environmental & NCDEQ Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws, specifically NCDEQ Division of Waste Management Solid Waste Rules (15A NCAC 13B .0531+) and facility permit conditions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date operating records, scale logs, waste screening logs, and inspection reports required for NCDEQ audits and annual reporting.
• Read and interpret engineering plans, construction/permit drawings, and erosion/sedimentation control plans to guide cell development and closure activities.

Team Leadership & Administration

• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and evaluate site personnel, including heavy equipment operators and scale house staff.
• Foster positive employee relations through coaching, clear communication, conflict resolution, and fair application of progressive discipline when necessary.
• Adhere to wage and hour laws, manage crew schedules, and conduct annual performance reviews.

Fleet & Asset Protection

• Oversee preventative maintenance programs for heavy landfill equipment to minimize downtime and control repair costs.
• Operate heavy equipment (compactors, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, dump trucks) as needed to support daily operations or cover absences.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Business Management, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and proven operational leadership experience in solid waste/heavy civil construction.
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of experience in landfill operations, solid waste management, or heavy earthmoving/construction, including at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Certifications: Ability to obtain and maintain SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) certification and North Carolina Certified Landfill Operator credentials (per NCGS 130A-309.25) within the required timeframe.
• Equipment Proficiency: Working knowledge of and hands-on ability to operate heavy equipment (bulldozers, compactors, track hoes/excavators, front-end loaders, and articulated dump trucks).
• Regulatory Literacy: Solid understanding of non-hazardous solid waste regulations, OSHA safety standards, and stormwater/erosion control practices.
• Technical & Communication Skills: Ability to read engineering/permit drawings, use operational software and Google Workspace, and communicate effectively with regulators, contractors, customers, and regional leadership.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Preferred

• Direct experience managing a Construction & Demolition (C&D) or Subtitle D landfill in North Carolina.
• Existing NCDEQ-approved Landfill Operator certification and active SWANA MOLO certification.
• Experience with P&L management and tonnage/airspace forecasting.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Environment: Expect to spend 70%–80% of your time outdoors on the working face and across the site, exposed to varying North Carolina weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, vibration, and moderate-to-loud equipment noise.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk on rugged surfaces, climb onto heavy machinery, stoop, kneel, crouch, and occasionally lift or move up to 20–50 lbs.