Landfill Foreman - Solid Waste

MAJOR FUNCTION

Supervises and performs hands-on landfill operations involving the processing, spreading, and compaction of commercial and residential solid waste. Oversees daily operations of an active landfill site and remote closed sites, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, productivity, and cost-effective operations in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Oversees day-to-day landfill operations and provides daily support to landfill operators, environmental workers, and staff.

• Monitors landfill cycle times, operating metrics, and productivity; identifies and implements process improvements.
• Ensures compliance with Solid Waste standards, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations, OSHA requirements, and safety protocols.
• Provides daily “tailgate” briefings including safety topics/training. Conducts and supports root cause investigations for injuries and incidents; recommends corrective actions, retraining, and discipline.
• Supervises personnel including selection, coaching, training, and performance evaluation of staff.
• Motivates employees and provides regular performance feedback.

• Assists in developing and implementing short- and long-term operational goals and action plans.

• Recommends and implements programs to optimize equipment utilization, maintenance, labor, and material costs.
• Interacts with customers and county agencies to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Documents daily activities including equipment usage, materials moved, staffing, sequencing, and site conditions.

• Operates landfill equipment on a regular basis.

• Serves as liaison between staff and management to ensure work is completed according to plan.

• Other duties may be assigned as needed.
  

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of landfill operations, equipment operation, and waste handling procedures.

• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards.

• Knowledge of environmental compliance requirements (FDEP) and the ability to identify and correct potential problem areas.

• Ability to operate heavy landfill and excavation equipment.

• Ability to manage high-volume and high-traffic operational environments.

• Ability to supervise, motivate, and train employees effectively.

• Ability to diagnose operational issues and implement corrective actions.

• Ability to resolve employee and labor relations issues.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, management, customers, and regulatory agencies.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possession of an equivalent diploma.
• Five (5) years of hands-on experience in construction or solid waste operations.

• TREEO certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• A valid driver’s license is required; a Florida driver’s license must be obtained upon employment. The employee must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.

• A comparable combination of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications, except where licensure is required.
  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires exposure to environmental conditions including dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, and occupational risks.

• Requires physical effort, equipment operation, and motor coordination throughout the workday.

• This full-time position is based in Polk County, Florida. Flexibility may be required to support emergency repairs outside of regular business hours.