Director of Landfill Rail Operations

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the country! We primarily service Northern New Jersey, Southern New York State, New York City, with a rail supplied landfill located in Ohio, where we also own and operate a state-of-the-art rail-served landfill. We cater to a diverse range of residential, industrial and commercial customers. Our mission has always been to provide our customers with the highest quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while keeping focus on employees, customers and environmental safety. 

What makes our company culture unique is we have mastered the ability to balance the standards of a large corporate company while maintaining our small business family style culture. 

The Director of Landfill Rail Operations, IWS is responsible for leading all rail-related and assigned production operations and planning functions; making key operational decisions and setting strategic goals to consistently meet or exceed production targets. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day rail operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance while supervising staff and providing constructive feedback. Accountability includes managing the Rail yard, Gondola operation, and Rail ADT supervision. Reporting to the VP, Landfill Operations, the Director will also play a crucial role in optimizing and developing the Rail Yard to support future growth.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development for Rail Operations and Service Planning, with a focus on infrastructure, logistics, and operational efficiency.
• Provide strategic oversight and technical expertise for planning, engineering, and construction projects related to transit and freight rail.
• Represent IWS in engagements with Federal, State, and Local agencies, clients, subcontractors, and industry groups.
• Contribute to proposals, project scopes, pricing, budgeting, and performance metrics.

Operational Oversight

• Manage daily operations of the landfill railyard, ensuring efficient movement of waste from railcars to landfill working face.
• Oversee railcar switching, coupling, and movement to ensure safety and productivity.
• Inspect and evaluate rail infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.
• Provide input on equipment procurement and major repairs.

Staff Management & Development

• Partner with HR to recruit, onboard, and train staff, fostering growth and development.
• Set clear job expectations, monitor performance, and provide coaching and feedback.
• Lead safety meetings and ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, FRA, and company safety programs.

Performance & Compliance

• Track and report key performance indicators related to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize proprietary software to monitor railcar movements and operational data.

Project Execution & Technical Support

• Lead technical aspects of rail-related projects, including presentations, meetings, and contractor coordination.
• Provide freight rail operations and strategic planning expertise to initiatives such as state rail plans.
• Stay current with industry best practices in rail operations, planning, and safety.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a planning, transportation, business, or other related discipline preferred
• 10 + years’ experience in railroad operations, including operations planning, operations management, service development, and safety.
• Knowledge of FRA-regulated railroad operations, or a combination of education and/or relevant experience to meet the job requirements.
• Knowledge in strategic rail planning.
• Proficiency in office productivity software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Experience in the Landfill industry with supporting waste by Rail operations is encouraged
• Knowledge of locomotive operation rail yard operation, and conducting is required
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation is strongly preferred
• Basic mechanical and technology skills
• Must have demonstrated leadership, problem solving and organizational skills and ability to maintain and promote a teamwork environment
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Must be able to walk around the facility and be on his, or her feet throughout the day

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.