Landfill Operations Manager

GFL Environmental Inc. • $85K — $100K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of operational experience in waste management or landfill industry.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven ability to operate heavy equipment safely (dump truck, bulldozer, compactor, etc.).
  • SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
  • Strong communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.
  • Working knowledge of non-hazardous solid waste regulations and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

  • Direct daily landfill operations to maximize efficiency and resource usage.
  • Work hands-on with operators, operating heavy equipment as needed.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings and enforce compliance with safety standards.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance and respond to operational changes promptly.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate site personnel to foster a productive workplace.
  • Establish productivity benchmarks and track operational KPIs.
  • Investigate safety incidents and ensure proper documentation and corrective actions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life insurance and retirement savings options.
  • Paid time off and a bonus structure based on performance metrics.
Full Job Description
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.

About GFL Environmental Inc.

GFL Environmental Inc. is a Canadian waste management company that provides a wide range of environmental services to customers in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario. GFL Environmental Inc. operates a fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles and employs over 17,000 people. The company's services include solid waste collection, recycling, soil remediation, and liquid waste management. GFL Environmental Inc. is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about GFL Environmental Inc.
Size
18,000 employees
Market Cap
$12.8 billion
Industry
5 Year Trend
+42.7%
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at GFL Environmental Inc.

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Landfill Operations Manager jobs: