Environmental Field Operations Lead

The Planet Group; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking an Environmental Field Operations Lead in Farmington Hills, MI to provide hands-on operational support during employee transitions, onboarding of Project Managers, and customer account start-ups. You will ensure continuity, train teams, and maintain accurate site documentation.

You will help identify training gaps, deliver real-time coaching, reinforce safety programs, and collaborate with regional managers to prepare detailed progress reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business or 3+ years in operations, environmental services, waste management, project management, or related field.
• Ability to train employees, support leaders, manage priorities, and maintain operational records.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn internal databases and document management platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site leadership during PM onboarding, transitions, and staffing to ensure continuity.
• Develop and execute transition plans with accurate site documentation.
• Train Project Managers and site staff on procedures, safety standards, and reporting expectations.
• Assist employees with access to company resources, systems, and documentation.
• Deliver coaching and feedback to new Project Managers.
• Promote safety programs and compliance across locations.
• Identify risks and recommend corrective actions to improve performance.
• Maintain relationships with site teams and support employee engagement.
• Conduct site visits, document observations, and track action items.

Skills

Leadership

Training & mentoring

Communication

Documentation

Operations management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business

Tools

MS Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Title: Environmental Field Operations Lead

Location: Farmington Hills MI

Direct Hire

We are seeking an Environmental Field Operations Lead to join our team located in Farmington Hills, MI. This individual will provide hands-on support to company locations during employee transitions, new Project Manager onboarding, customer account start-ups, and other operational support needs. This role serves as a trusted operational resource who helps new employees, Project Managers, Regional Managers, and customers navigate sensitive transition periods with confidence, consistency, and clear communication.

Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Provide on-site leadership and support during Project Manager onboarding, customer account transitions, and staffing vacancies to ensure operational continuity.
• Develop, manage, and execute transition plans while maintaining accurate site documentation and records.
• Train Project Managers and site employees on procedures, customer requirements, safety standards, operational best practices, and reporting expectations.
• Assist employees with access to company resources, training materials, systems, databases, and account documentation.
• Identify training gaps and implement development plans to improve employee performance and readiness.
• Deliver real-time coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to new Project Managers.
• Reinforce safety programs, support compliance initiatives, and promote safe work practices across all locations.
• Identify operational and safety risks and recommend corrective actions to improve performance and reduce exposure.
• Build positive working relationships with site teams, promote collaboration, and support employee engagement during transition periods.
• Assist in resolving onboarding, operational, and employee concerns while recognizing and encouraging strong performance.
• Conduct site visits to assess operations, document observations, track action items, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure consistent implementation of company procedures, customer expectations, and operational standards across assigned locations.
• Identify deficiencies in staffing, documentation, processes, and system access while recommending sustainable solutions.
• Support customer bid walks, contract renewals, new business opportunities, and special projects as needed.
• Maintain regular communication with Regional Managers and prepare detailed reports outlining training progress, operational risks, employee readiness, customer concerns, and next steps.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field, or a minimum of three (3) years of experience in operations, environmental services, waste management, project management, customer account support, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to provide professional, responsive, and solutions-focused customer service while supporting field-based operations and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills, with the ability to train employees, support leaders, manage multiple priorities, and maintain accurate operational records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams) and the ability to quickly learn internal databases, reporting systems, and document management platforms.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality, and effectively resolve or escape operational issues as needed.
• Willingness to travel 50% to 70% based on business needs; valid driver's license required and ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in hazardous waste, solid waste, environmental services, industrial services, automotive manufacturing support, or a similar operational environment.
• Current 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification with annual refresher preferred; training may be provided upon hire if not currently certified.
• Current Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) training preferred; training may be provided upon hire if not currently completed.
• Current Department of Transportation (DOT) training is preferred; training may be provided upon hire if not currently completed.