Emily Smith
New Brockton,USA
Summary
Confident, experienced, and deeply rooted in southern grit—a bold leader in landfill management with over 15 years of progressive experience. Proven ability to lead large-scale municipal solid waste operations with integrity, precision, and a deep respect for environmental stewardship. Well-versed in Subtitle D regulations, landfill gas systems, heavy equipment oversight, and crew leadership. Seeking to bring operational excellence and a results-driven mindset to the Operations Manager position at American Environmental Landfill.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Landfill Manager
Coffee County Environmental Services
10.2018 - Current
- Manage daily operations at a Subtitle D landfill averaging 1,150 tons/day, currently operating in Cell 8, roughly 15 acres.
- Lead a team of 33 staff including landfill operators, gas technicians, mechanics, roll-off and residential drivers, and an onsite Weighmaster.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance with ADEM and EPA guidelines, including Solid Waste Permit (Subtitle D), NPDES stormwater discharge permit, Major Source Operating Permit, and Title V air permitting.
- Collaborate with engineers and state officials for C&D and MSW cell construction, design, and long-term site planning. Actively contributing to Coffee County's research and planning for an onsite wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to treat leachate through biological treatment and advanced PFAS destruction technologies.
- Independently prepared FY26 operating budget; assist Director in multi-year capital planning and cost analysis.
- Coordinates all aspects of gas wellfield operations, pump maintenance, and flare performance.
- Maintain long-standing relationships with landfill gas product manufacturers, provide strategic insight for system expansions, and oversee the operations and maintenance contractor to ensure Coffee County's wellfield integrity.
- Serve as liaison between landfill and third-party RNG facility; provide field-level coordination on gas flow, quality, and vacuum adjustments. Supported system commissioning and field operations as the facility began selling pipeline-quality renewable natural gas in March 2025.
- Added two LFG technicians to team structure to support expanded RNG system demands.
- Write equipment and services specifications, oversee procurement, and direct vendors and contractors on-site. Maintain strong working relationships with heavy equipment dealers and repair shops to ensure proper procurement and service continuity. Collaborate closely with leachate specialists and licensed electricians to support infrastructure performance and compliance.
- Conduct staff hiring, training, scheduling, performance reviews, and disciplinary action with a consistent, leadership-first approach.
- Uphold community relationships with neighboring landowners, industries, and municipalities with respect and professionalism.
Environmental Specialist
Coffee County Environmental Services
04.2009 - 12.2012
- Performed daily operations and maintenance of landfill gas collection system and flare station from initial setup through system expansion.
- Led field repairs and pump maintenance, working directly with engineering firms on remediation and regulatory compliance.
- Conducted leachate and stormwater sampling, explosive gas monitoring, and quarterly environmental reporting to ADEM.
- Oversaw the Material Recovery Program and sale of recyclables.
- Note: Briefly relocated to Panama City Beach, FL, from 2012–2016 following the passing of my Mother, then Father. Returned with renewed commitment to public service and environmental stewardship.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Troy University
Troy, AL12.2009
Certification
- Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
- - MOLO – Manager of Landfill Operations – SWANA Faculty Member in Training
- - Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems
- - Landfill Gas Systems Operations & Maintenance
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management
- - Certified Operator
Affiliations
- - Member, Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
- - SWANA Faculty Member in Training (MOLO)
- - Currently attending SWANA training courses on PFAS
- - Member, SWANA Landfill Liquids Management Group
- - Board Member, First Annual Alabama SWANA RoadEO (2025)
- - Judge, 2024 SWANA International RoadEO
Timeline
Landfill Manager
Coffee County Environmental Services
10.2018 - Current
Environmental Specialist
Coffee County Environmental Services
04.2009 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Troy University