Environmental Compliance Manager

GFL is one of the largest diversified environmental services companies in North America, providing comprehensive solid waste management services from its platform of facilities throughout Canada and 18 U.S. states. Recognized by our signature fleet of bright green trucks and equipment, we offer a wide range of environmental and industrial services to businesses, communities, and households, delivering a consolidated and sophisticated approach to meeting our customers’ needs. We believe in encouraging greater environmental responsibility through safe, accessible, and cost-effective solutions, allowing our customers and the communities we serve to be Green For Life.

About the role

The Regional Environmental Compliance Manager is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the proper management of all aspects of facility environmental compliance as it relates to policies, procedures, and guidelines set forth by GFL and in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory authorities. This role covers Indiana and Michigan and requires approximately 60% local and overnight travel between the two states, overseeing around 40 site locations.

This dynamic role involves coordination with facility operations and leadership teams to support and provide direction on regulatory and permit requirements, drive full facility compliance using GFL compliance tracking tools, communicate risks, and implement necessary corrective actions. The manager will oversee relationships with regulatory agencies, ensure timely reporting, respond to agency inquiries, and review regulations for changes that may impact the business. Additionally, the role includes training operations on permit and regulatory requirements, GFL programs, and policies, as well as engaging with third parties and regional corporate team members to support compliance activities.

The manager will actively participate in supporting multiple business functions, including training, project management, contract negotiation, planning, budgeting, legal and regulatory interaction, general operations, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of environmental compliance tasks for regulated facilities through SEMS by coordinating and supporting all permitting, sampling, reporting, and recordkeeping functions for operations, including but not limited to:
  • Solid waste programs: Maintain local and state regulatory compliance with required permits and related requirements, including special waste/non-conforming waste issues.
  • Water programs: Coordinate required sampling, analysis, and reporting through qualified third parties for stormwater (including SPCC and SWPPP Plans/No-exposure certifications), groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater (including permitting/POTW relations), and follow up on any compliance issues.
  • Air programs: Support air permitting and compliance programs, including odor, emissions, and methane compliance programs.
• Routinely inspect facilities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, permit conditions, and GFL programs and policies, including coordination of follow-up corrective action planning and training for the operations team.
• Manage permitting activities, including coordination between operations, third-party consultants/laboratories, and regulatory agencies for new permits, permit renewals, and required modifications. Activities may include attending regulatory meetings, public hearings, and community engagement.
• Work through closure/post-closure activities as needed with operations, legal, risk management, and third-party consultants.
• Maintain all required permits, records, compliance tasks, and environmental events through the Safety Environmental Management System (SEMS) and provide operations updates on overall key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Engage with corporate support partners to assist in the improvement of compliance program development, best management practices, standard work instructions, and overall enhancement of company policies and programs.
• Support new acquisition integration as it relates to environmental compliance and permit functions.
• Manage non-compliance events, including compliance communications, notices of violation, follow-up reporting, and communication to leadership. Mitigate ongoing risk and manage follow-up corrective action planning. Lead compliance-related written and oral communications with external agencies.
• Provide technical information and training to the operations team, complete special projects/assignments as required by leadership, and provide expertise on key projects as needed.
• Act as a subject matter expert for the region related to environmental compliance and permitting. Work with third-party consultants, associations, and government agencies, and communicate to leadership on regulatory, guidance, or policy changes that may impact operations. Provide technical support in related internal and external meetings.
• Identify compliance risks and strategically utilize internal controls to ensure operational, legal, and EHS & Compliance risks are effectively managed and minimized, reporting any issues to leadership.
• Provide technical review of projects, including recommendations on improvements to safety, design, construction, quality, regulatory compliance, and fiscal responsibility.

Requirements

• 4-year degree in natural sciences, environmental management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive field experience in environmental management, compliance, and permitting in a multi-facility environment.
• Expertise and extensive knowledge of federal and applicable state regulations, laws, and policies, including but not limited to: RCRA, CERCLA, CWA/NPDES, CAA/TITLE V, SPCC, NSPS, EPCRA, and UST. Established agency relationships are preferred, and general working knowledge of safety is beneficial.
• Deadline-driven with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to work with environmental management software systems (Safety Environmental Management System). Exposure to Google working systems is beneficial.
• Capability to handle multiple tasks and competing demands to meet deadlines.
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, opportunity-filled work environment.
• Ability to develop processes and procedures as well as initiate tasks related to job requirements.
• A quick learner with solid work habits who works well under pressure with constant re-prioritization of duties.
• Maintains the highest levels of integrity and confidentiality regarding company information.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication as well as presentation skills, with the ability to communicate to all levels within the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and accomplish goals and objectives.

Work Environment

• Work in an indoor environment (office or home office) 40% of the time. The remainder of the time will be spent outdoors at hauling companies, transfer stations, recycling facilities, landfills, or other physical locations.
• Environmental noise level is usually moderate to loud.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noise, humidity, hot and cold weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, vibration, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles.
• Early morning start times are occasional to frequent.
• Travel (including overnight) is required.

Benefits

• Health: 4 medical plan options, including an HSA with employer contribution and match program, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness: Employee Assistance Program with free counseling services and paid time off.
• Financial: 401(k) with an employer match and competitive wages.
• Culture: Growth opportunities and continuous learning.