Operations Shift Supervisor - Refineries

GFL Environmental Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 3 weeks

Medical, dental, vision

HSA with employer contribution

401(k) with employer match

Boot reimbursement

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

GFL Environmental Services is seeking a front-line leader to ensure safe shift execution in a continuous-process refinery environment. You will coordinate operators, handle abnormal conditions, and lead a safety-forward team on 12-hour rotations as part of a 24/7 operation.

The role emphasizes maintaining process safety, environmental compliance, and effective communication during handovers and emergencies, with opportunities for career growth within a safety-focused organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; further education preferred.
• Experience leading refinery/chemical operations is ideal.
• Familiarity with CMMS and safe work permitting systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shift turnover and communicate operating status clearly.
• Coordinate unit operations, alarms response, and field rounds.
• Enforce permit-to-work, LOTO, and safe work practices.
• Initiate notifications and escalation during upsets or emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910, PSM, MOC, and environmental programs.

Skills

Shift leadership

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Team leadership

Attention to procedure

Education

High school diploma/GED

Post-secondary preferred

Tools

CMMS

Permit-to-work systems

DCS/SCADA knowledge

Job description

Front-line leader responsible for safe shift execution in a continuous-process refinery environment, coordinating operators and responding to abnormal conditions. Front-line leader responsible for safe shift execution in a continuous-process refinery environment, coordinating operators and responding to abnormal conditions. At GFL our goal is to invest in our people and provide opportunities to grow for life! Our employees are affectionately known as team green, a name that unites us all under our shared purpose of providing sustainable solutions to enable our customers and communities to be GREEN FOR LIFE!

3 weeks PTO annually 4 medical plan options including an HSA with employer contribution, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) with an employer match Work boot reimbursement Paid holidays Employee Assistance Program with free counseling services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct shift turnover and ensure clear communication of operating status.
• Coordinate unit operations, alarms response, and field rounds.
• Enforce permit-to-work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and safe work practices.
• Initiate notifications and escalation during process upsets/emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 standards, Process Safety Management (PSM) (29 CFR 1910.119), Management of Change (MOC), and environmental compliance programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of continuous-process refinery operations and unit controls (DCS/SCADA knowledge is applicable).
• Expertise in safe work practices (permit-to-work, LOTO) and emergency response protocols.
• Familiarity with CMMS and safe work permitting systems (Preferred).

Behavioral Competencies

• Safety mindset
• Strong communication (especially during shift handover and emergencies)
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting in abnormal situations
• Teamwork and leadership
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education / Degree / Licensing / Certifications (as required): High school diploma/GED required; post‑secondary preferred.
• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: Typically 3–7 years refinery/chemical operations experience with lead/supervisory experience.
• Specific Requirements (e.g. Training, Systems or Technology): None explicitly listed.
• Other or Preferred (as applicable): Prior refinery, chemical, terminal, or continuous‑process manufacturing experience.

Success Criteria / Key Metrics

• Shift Safety Performance / Incident Rate
• Effective Emergency Response
• Direct Report and Leadership Scope (if applicable)

Direct and Indirect Reports

• Operators (Direct supervision during assigned shift)
• Indirect reports (positions reporting through another leader within this role’s broader scope of responsibility). None

Key Internal and External Partners

• Internal: Operators, Maintenance, Operations Manager.
• External: None explicitly listed.

Physical Demands

• Ability to climb stairs/tanks, work at heights, read gauges/displays, respond to alarms, and work safely in PPE. Extended standing/walking and occasional lifting are typical.

Working Conditions & Travel

• Industrial refinery environment with exposure to noise, heat, weather, and chemicals; office work as applicable.
• This role supports 24/7 coverage and requires rotating shifts (often 12-hour day/night rotation), weekends/holidays, overtime, and call-out response during upsets or emergencies. Minimal Travel; occasional travel for training or meetings may be required.

#GFLTalent About GFL Environmental Services GFL Environmental Services is your true one‑stop provider across North America, specializing in liquid waste and soil remediation services. We focus on delivering specialized environmental solutions across a broad range of industries. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to safety, we aspire to become North America’s leading Environmental Services provider. Our vision is to be Green For Life—it’s at the core of our business strategy and central to every service we provide. We bring this vision to life by offering accessible, sustainable environmental solutions for our customers and the communities we serve. To learn more about GFL Environmental Services, visit: gesi.gflenv.com GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date. This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.