Landfill Operations Manager

Company: GFL Environmental Inc.

Location: Brownfield Landfill, 2600 Brownfield Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

Department: Post-Collection / Landfill Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Responsible for safely planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all day-to-day activities at our Construction & Demolition (C&D) landfill facility. This is a hands-on, field-tested leadership role that balances active oversight on the working face ("on the hill") with regulatory compliance, asset management, budgeting, and team development. You will ensure the facility operates at peak efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to GFL safety standards and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) regulations.

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.

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 [email protected]

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.