Manager Trainee - Landfill Operations

Position Summary

The Manager Trainee - Landfill Operations will participate in a structured development program to learn all aspects of landfill operations at Meridian Waste’s eight landfills. Based in the Raleigh, NC area, the trainee will work closely with local landfill General Managers and corporate operations staff, rotating through facilities to gain practical experience in day-to-day operations, regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, equipment and fleet coordination, safety, and budgeting. Successful completion prepares the candidate for placement in a landfill management role.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in a rotational training program across Meridian Waste's landfills to learn site operations, permitting, regulatory requirements, and environmental controls.
• Support daily landfill operations: tipping floor management, scalehouse interaction, load inspections, cover placement, landfill gas systems, leachate management, and erosion control.
• Assist General Managers with scheduling, equipment utilization, fleet coordination, and contractor oversight.
• Learn and assist with environmental monitoring and reporting (groundwater, gas, stormwater), ensuring compliance with permits and regulations.
• Support safety program implementation: daily safety briefings, OSHA compliance, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Assist with operational recordkeeping, documentation, and reporting (weigh tickets, waste types, daily logs).
• Help prepare and manage budgets, labor forecasts, and cost-control initiatives under mentor supervision.
• Build relationships with customers, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders; represent Meridian Waste professionally on site visits and inspections.
• Participate in emergency response and contingency planning as needed.
• Complete assigned coursework, certifications, and on-the-job training milestones.

Training & Development

• Structured on-the-job rotations with mentorship from General Managers and regional operations leadership.
• Company-sponsored certifications and safety training as required.
• Performance milestones and regular reviews to support advancement into landfill manager roles.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off).
• Career development and advancement opportunities within a growing company.
• Comprehensive safety and training programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Waste Management, Business, or related field; or an Associate degree plus relevant landfill or heavy-equipment experience. Equivalent experience considered.
• 0–3 years’ experience in solid waste, construction, environmental fieldwork, or heavy-equipment operations preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; clean driving record. Ability to obtain DOT/commercial endorsements if required.
• Willingness and ability to travel (regional and interstate) and stay overnight as required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort around heavy equipment and industrial environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and ability to learn operational software and reporting systems.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership potential.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work is primarily field-based at active landfill sites with exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, dust, and heavy equipment.
• Must be able to walk uneven terrain, climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs, and wear required PPE (hard hat, boots, high-visibility clothing, respirator as needed).
• Flexible schedule may be required to cover operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, or emergency response.