Job Purpose:

The Landfill Operations Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Crook County Landfill.  This includes solid waste disposal, recycling programs, and maintenance of landfill infrastructure. Under the direction of the Solid Waste Director, the Operations Manager ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The role emphasizes efficient operations, safety compliance, environmental stewardship, and quality customer service to the public and internal stakeholders.

            Number of Employees Reporting to This Position:     8

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    Operational Management

• Manage the daily operations of the county’s landfill ensuring compliance with established solid waste management policies and procedures. Core functions include waste collection and disposal, scale operations and site access protocols, cell construction and maintenance, and slope stabilization design, leachate control, heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• Oversee all cash handling and customer service operations ensuring adherence to audit and accountability standards.
• Establish and monitor operational goals, performance metrics, and service delivery standards to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of landfill and recycling operations.
• Conduct regular assessments of waste management practices to identify opportunities for improvement. Research and recommend innovative technologies, equipment needs, and operation updates in collaboration with the Solid Waste Director.

Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Oversight

• Ensure landfill operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations including those from Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and OSHA.
• Ensure full compliance with DEQ Solid Waste permit and RCRA Subtitle D requirements.
• Implement and promote waste diversion initiatives aimed at reducing landfill gas emissions and environmental impact in alignment with local and state regulations.
• Manage control system for leachate collection. Maintain daily logs for regulatory reporting.
• Conduct internal audits and regulatory self-inspections to ensure environmental and OSHA safety compliance.

• Manage the landfills septic treatment facility operations. Ensure permit regulations are enforced, and environmental health standards are met. Ensure septic haulers and trucks are licensed and compliant. Coordinate with third-party hauler and City of Prineville on wastewater disposal efforts.

Waste Reduction Oversight         

• Ensure compliance with DEQ’s Opportunity to Recycle requirements, maintaining records for annual regulatory reporting.
• Lead implementation of programs under Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), PRO Materials Recovery, and other recyclable material programs. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, and engagement with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO’s) for materials recovery performance.
• Manage logistics and vendor coordination for recyclable materials collection, processing, and transportation in accordance with contamination thresholds.
• Plan and execute public facing environmental events such as fire risk reduction initiatives, household hazardous waste collections, and other public waste reduction initiatives in cooperation with vendors and stakeholders.

    Strategic Planning & Budgetary Oversight

• Assist the Solid Waste Director in developing and managing the department’s annual budget, including revenue forecasts, capital planning for equipment and infrastructure, and expense tracking.
• Prepare technical specifications and bid documents in compliance with Oregon public procurement laws, evaluate vendor proposals, and recommend purchases for equipment, systems, and service to the Solid Waste Director.
• Review scale data to monitor tonnage and revenue; manage fee schedules and test system updates with software vendor.
• Identify and implement cost-saving strategies and revenue generation opportunities within landfill and recycling operations.
• Approve all purchase orders, credit applications, and invoices for the department.

    Personnel Management & Workforce Development

• Supervise landfill personnel including Equipment Operators, Scale Attendants, Preventative Maintenance Technicians, and administrative personnel.
• Workforce management including technical and safety training, shift scheduling, task assignments, performance evaluations, and implementing performance improvement plans or corrective action if needed.
• Provide staff training on equipment operations, scale systems, safety procedures and other essential skills.
• Establish employee schedules to ensure adequate labor coverage including weekends and holidays.
• Mentor staff and promote a positive and productive work environment, promoting teamwork and professional development.

Public Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a representative of the Solid Waste Department at public meetings, community events, and stakeholder forums.
• Respond promptly to public inquiries, complaints, and service requests from the public and other entities in a courteous and professional manner.
• Support educational outreach related to waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal practices across various platforms and events.

Infrastructure, Maintenance & Equipment Oversight

• Oversee inspection, repair, and preventative maintenance for all landfill infrastructure including haul roads, leachate and gas collection systems, and storm water controls.
• Manage the fleet of landfill equipment ensuring maintenance schedules are followed, equipment is safe and functional, repairs required by outside vendors are scheduled and performed, and future replacement needs are identified.
• Maintain GPS systems in landfill equipment to ensure proper cell design is achieved.
• Prepare specifications and procurement documentation for infrastructure improvements and equipment acquisition in accordance with government purchasing regulations.
• Ensure staff are trained in safe and effective operation of all landfill equipment. 

Professional Development

• Continuous Learning: The Landfill Operations Manager is expected to actively pursue professional growth opportunities through relevant certifications, workshops, and industry conferences. Maintaining a current understanding of emerging trends and innovations in solid waste management is essential for the role.  Must complete SWANA’s Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) training course.
• Skill Enhancement: Participate in technical, regulatory, and leadership training to enhance operational and strategic capabilities.
• Team Development: Encourage and facilitate professional development for staff by facilitating access to training, certifications, and educational opportunities that support career advancement and department goals.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide operational coverage and support for key roles during staff absences including Scale Attendant, Administrative Assistant, and Equipment Operator. (Please see job descriptions for Administrative Assistant, Landfill Attendant, and Equipment Operator Senior).
• Maintain proficiency in operating landfill equipment including dozers, loaders, compactors, excavators, scrapers, and roll-off trucks.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and help perform the duties of an equipment operator and recycling technician.
• Lead emergency response efforts related to landfill fires, hazardous spills, equipment failure, or severe weather events.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of the public and employees at the landfill.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business and operational requirements.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of County organizational structure, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to supervise and motivate a team to meet the operational goals of the Crook County Landfill.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to effectively collaborate with county administration, outside vendors, regulatory agencies, engineers, and the public.
• Thorough understanding of landfill operations, including current environmental regulations and compliance requirements set by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
• Working knowledge of landfill gas management systems and leachate control systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, topographic maps, and survey data. Familiarity with GPS systems and equipment.
• Experience in automated scale systems and scale software programs.
• Knowledge of financial applications including budgeting and interpreting financial reports.
• Knowledge and experience in government procurement processes.
• Proficient in reading and applying technical information from a variety of sources including trade journals, financial statements, and regulatory correspondence.
• Well-versed in job-related safety hazards and trained in the application of safety procedures in accordance with Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
• Skilled in the safe operation of heavy equipment and the ability to oversee the use of heavy equipment within a landfill environment.

Qualifications:

• Must maintain an Oregon Driver’s License. CDL required.
• Must obtain Hepatitis B vaccination in the required time for health standards.
• Must obtain CPR/AED Certification within first year of employment.

Education or Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science Construction Management, Business, or related field experience preferred.

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in landfill operations or related public works environmental services field required.
• Supervisory experience required, with demonstrated leadership in a team environment.
• General knowledge of heavy equipment operations and maintenance required.
• Prior to or on date of hire:
  • Able to complete a thorough employment and/or criminal history check.
  • Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test (not required for all positions).
  • Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions). 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This position works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Outdoor work is conducted in landfill environments where employees may be exposed to unsanitary and potentially hazardous materials including but not limited to: biosolids, sharps, asbestos-containing materials, etc.
• Frequent exposure to loud noise, dust, and dirt, and other environmental hazards is expected.
• Outdoor duties require the ability to walk long distances over steep slopes, uneven terrain, and slippery surfaces sometimes in the proximity of heavy equipment operations and moving parts.
• Indoor responsibilities are typically performed in an office environment, requiring intermittent periods of sitting or standing at a desk or workstation.
• Physical demands include the ability to lift or push objects weighing 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.

Position Details:

• This is an on-call position and required to respond during emergencies.

• The duties outlined in this job description are not all-inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required. 
• Work location is Crook County Landfill  
• Fair Labor Standards Classification:  Exempt
• Crook County is an equal opportunity employer

• This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.