Landfill Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist 

Modern Disposal – Western New York

Position Summary

Modern Disposal is seeking a motivated Environmental Specialist to support our landfill and waste management operations. This role is integral to maintaining compliance, efficiency, and environmental performance across our facilities, with a focus on waste profiling, approvals, and environmental compliance.

The successful candidate should have an understanding of landfill operations, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to manage environmental data and processes using Microsoft-based tools.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the position may include, but not limited to, the following:

• Develop, review, and manage waste profiles for incoming materials
• Conduct waste characterization and approval in accordance with facility permits and regulatory requirements
• Assess waste streams through detailed review of analytical reports, SDS information, and generator documentation to determine compliance with MSW landfill acceptance criteria and to identify when special handling or alternative disposal methods are required
• Ensure compliance with federal (EPA/RCRA) and state (NYSDEC) regulatory requirements, permits, and operating plans
• Support and oversee environmental control systems, including: 
  • Stormwater management and SWPPP compliance
  • Petroleum Bulk Storage and SPCC Plan compliance
  • Leachate collection, handling, and disposal systems
  • Landfill gas collection and control systems (GCCS)
• Assist with sampling, monitoring, and reporting for stormwater, leachate, and landfill gas programs
• Maintain accurate records and tracking systems using Microsoft tools (Excel, SharePoint, Teams, etc.)
• Analyze environmental and waste data to support compliance reporting and operational improvements
• Coordinate with operations staff, customers, transporters, and regulators to ensure proper waste handling and documentation
• Support inspections, audits, and regulatory reporting activities
• Provide technical guidance to operations on waste acceptance and environmental compliance
• Identify and implement improvements to waste approval workflows and environmental monitoring programs

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in waste management, landfill operations, or environmental compliance preferred

Technical Skills

• Experience with waste profiling, approvals, and characterization
• Knowledge of stormwater, leachate, and landfill gas systems and monitoring requirements
• Strong understanding of federal (EPA/RCRA) and New York State (NYSDEC) regulations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially: 
  • Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, tracking systems)
  • SharePoint / Teams (document management and collaboration)
  • Word / Outlook / PowerPoint (communication and reporting)
• Experience with environmental data tracking and reporting systems
• AutoCAD (ACAD) experience is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT), or the ability to obtain
• Experience at landfills (MSW landfills in particular), transfer stations, or waste processing facilities
• Familiarity with NYSDEC Part 360 regulations and landfill permitting requirements
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs and compliance reporting
• HAZWOPER (40-hour) certification preferred

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and regulatory compliance mindset
• Excellent data management and analytical skills
• Ability to balance field responsibilities with office-based reporting and documentation
• Effective communication with operations teams, regulators, and customers
• Ability to leverage Microsoft tools to drive efficiency and organization
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills

Work Environment

• Combination of office and field work at active landfill and waste management facilities
• Exposure to outdoor conditions and operational environments
• Interaction with site personnel, customers, and regulatory agencies
• Required use of PPE and adherence to all safety protocols

Benefits at Modern:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match
• Health Savings Accounts
• Voluntary Insurance Products
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Paystubs
• Discount Memberships
• Company-Sponsored Events

Modern Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing all applicants and employees the right to equal employment opportunities with regards to all aspects of the employment relationship. The Company will not engage in discriminatory practices against any applicant for employment or employee of the Company because of race, color, religion, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, ancestry, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, genetic information, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, or any other legally protected class or status.