How to Apply to GFL Environmental

Key Takeaways

Apply through GFL's official Workday careers portal and ensure your candidate profile is complete, accurate, and keyword-optimized for each specific role.
Safety is central to GFL's culture — prominently feature safety certifications, training, and incident-free track records on your resume and in interviews.
Tailor your resume for each application using language directly from the job posting to improve visibility within Workday's ATS filtering and search capabilities.
Quantify your achievements with specific metrics related to operational efficiency, team management, customer service, or environmental impact.
Research GFL's recent growth, acquisitions, and sustainability initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews.
For operational roles, ensure all required licenses (especially CDL) are current and clearly listed; be prepared for pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial, adaptable mindset — GFL values candidates who can thrive in a rapidly evolving organization and take ownership of their responsibilities.
Follow up on your application status through your Workday candidate portal and be responsive to recruiter outreach to keep the process moving efficiently.

About GFL Environmental

GFL Environmental Inc. is one of North America's largest diversified environmental services companies, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2007 by Patrick Dovigi, GFL has grown rapidly through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, now employing approximately 22,000 people across Canada and the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including solid waste management, liquid waste management, infrastructure and soil remediation, and recycling services to municipal, residential, and commercial customers. GFL went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange in 2020, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The company's culture is commonly described as entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and safety-focused, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and community engagement. GFL prides itself on being a people-first organization, often highlighting career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the waste management industry continues to evolve with increasing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles, GFL positions itself as an innovative leader driving positive environmental change.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Positions on GFL's Workday Careers Portal
Begin by visiting GFL Environmental's official careers page hosted on Workday (wd3.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/gflenv/Careers). Browse through the available positions, which typically span categories such as operations, fleet maintenance, sales, corporate functions, environmental services, and management. Use the search filters to narrow results by location, job category, and employment type. With approximately 15 active postings at any given time, positions may fill quickly, so it's advisable to check the portal regularly and set up job alerts if the Workday platform offers that functionality.
2
Create a Workday Candidate Profile
To apply, you'll need to create a candidate account within GFL's Workday system. This involves entering your personal information, contact details, work history, and education. Workday typically allows you to upload your resume and may auto-parse its contents into structured fields. It's important to review and correct any parsing errors, as inaccurate data could affect how your application is evaluated. Save your profile thoroughly, as it can commonly be reused for future applications within GFL's system.
3
Tailor and Submit Your Application
For each position you apply to, customize your resume and any supplementary materials to align with the specific job description. Workday applications typically include screening questions that may cover topics such as your eligibility to work, relevant certifications (e.g., CDL for driver roles), availability, and willingness to relocate. Answer these questions carefully and honestly, as they are often used as initial screening criteria. Attach a tailored cover letter when the option is available, particularly for corporate or management-level positions.
4
Initial Screening and Recruiter Contact
After submission, GFL's talent acquisition team typically reviews applications against the role requirements. Many applicants report receiving an initial phone screening from a recruiter within one to three weeks, though timelines can vary based on the urgency of the role and volume of applications. This phone screen commonly covers your background, interest in GFL, salary expectations, logistical considerations such as start date and location, and basic qualifications. Be prepared to articulate why you're interested in the waste management industry and GFL specifically.
5
Interview Rounds
Candidates who pass the initial screening are typically invited to one or more interview rounds. For operational roles (drivers, laborers, technicians), this may involve a single in-person interview with a local operations manager. For corporate, sales, or management positions, the process commonly includes two to three rounds — potentially a virtual interview followed by an in-person meeting with the hiring manager and team members. Some roles may include a panel interview format. Behavioral and situational questions are commonly reported in GFL interviews.
6
Pre-Employment Checks and Offer
Given the nature of the waste management industry, GFL typically conducts thorough pre-employment screenings. These commonly include background checks, drug testing, and verification of relevant licenses or certifications (such as Commercial Driver's Licenses for driving roles). For certain positions, a physical fitness assessment or DOT medical examination may be required. Once all checks are cleared, candidates typically receive a formal offer letter outlining compensation, benefits, and start date details. The onboarding process often includes safety training, which is a cornerstone of GFL's operational culture.

Resume Tips for GFL Environmental

critical

Emphasize Safety Certifications and Training

Safety is paramount in the waste management industry, and GFL is known for its strong safety culture. Prominently feature any safety-related certifications such as OSHA training, HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, defensive driving courses, or industry-specific safety credentials. If you have a track record of zero-incident performance or have contributed to safety programs, highlight these achievements with specific metrics where possible (e.g., 'Maintained zero safety incidents over 3 years while managing a team of 15 operators').

critical

Highlight Commercial Driving Credentials

Many of GFL's operational roles require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). If you hold a CDL (Class A or B), list it prominently near the top of your resume along with any endorsements (tanker, hazmat, air brakes). Include your driving record summary if it's clean, and mention any specialized vehicle experience such as front-load trucks, roll-off trucks, rear-load vehicles, or vacuum tankers. Even for non-driving roles, familiarity with fleet operations can be a differentiator.

critical

Use Industry-Specific Keywords from the Job Description

Since GFL uses Workday as its ATS, your resume will likely be parsed and potentially screened against keywords from the job posting. Carefully mirror the language used in the job description — terms like 'waste collection,' 'route optimization,' 'environmental compliance,' 'recycling operations,' 'landfill management,' 'soil remediation,' or 'liquid waste' should appear naturally in your experience descriptions where relevant. Avoid keyword stuffing, but ensure alignment between your resume language and the posting.

recommended

Quantify Operational Achievements

GFL values efficiency and results-driven performance. Wherever possible, quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers. Examples include: 'Managed daily collection routes serving 1,200+ residential customers,' 'Reduced fleet downtime by 18% through preventive maintenance scheduling,' 'Increased recycling diversion rates by 12% year-over-year,' or 'Supervised a team of 25 collection operators across 3 service areas.' Concrete metrics help hiring managers quickly assess your impact and capability.

recommended

Showcase Environmental and Sustainability Awareness

As an environmental services company, GFL increasingly emphasizes sustainability initiatives, recycling innovation, and environmental stewardship. If you have experience with sustainability programs, waste diversion strategies, environmental compliance (EPA, provincial regulations), or green initiatives, make sure these are clearly represented on your resume. Even for corporate roles, demonstrating awareness of environmental issues and GFL's mission can set you apart from other candidates.

critical

Keep Formatting Clean and ATS-Compatible

Workday's resume parser works best with clean, straightforward formatting. Use standard section headers (Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications), avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, or multi-column layouts that can confuse ATS parsing. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your file as a .pdf or .docx format. Ensure your contact information is clearly listed at the top and that dates of employment are consistently formatted (e.g., MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY).

nice_to_have

Include Relevant Equipment and Technology Proficiency

For operational roles, list specific equipment you're experienced with — compactors, balers, forklifts, excavators, vacuum trucks, or GPS/route management systems. For corporate roles, mention relevant software proficiency such as fleet management platforms, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), CRM tools, or data analytics software. GFL operates at scale, so familiarity with enterprise-level systems and technology-driven operations is typically valued.

ATS System: Workday

GFL Environmental uses Workday as its Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage the entire recruitment lifecycle. Workday is one of the most widely used enterprise HR platforms, handling job postings, application intake, resume parsing, candidate tracking, and communication. When you apply through GFL's Workday portal, your resume is parsed into structured data fields, and recruiters can search and filter candidates based on keywords, qualifications, location, and other criteria. Workday also typically enables candidates to track their application status through their candidate portal, providing transparency into where they stand in the process.

Complete all fields in the Workday application form manually — don't rely solely on resume parsing, as it may misinterpret formatting or omit key details from your uploaded document.
Use standard, ATS-friendly resume formatting: avoid headers/footers for critical information, skip graphics and icons, and use conventional section titles that Workday's parser can easily recognize.
Mirror exact keywords and phrases from the GFL job description in your resume and application responses, as Workday allows recruiters to search and filter candidates by specific terms.
Create a strong Workday candidate profile that can be reused across multiple GFL applications — ensure your work history, education, and certifications are complete and up-to-date.
Check your application status regularly by logging into your Workday candidate account, and ensure your email and phone number are correct so recruiters can reach you promptly.
When answering screening questions in Workday, be thorough and specific — these responses are often used as initial knockout criteria before a human reviewer sees your application.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

GFL Environmental's interview culture commonly reflects the company's broader values of entrepreneurship, safety, and operational excellence.

Many applicants report that the interview process is relatively straightforward and practical, particularly for operational roles such as drivers, laborers, and technicians. For these positions, interviews tend to focus on relevant experience, safety awareness, physical capability, and reliability. Hiring managers in the field often value a strong work ethic and dependability above all else. For corporate, sales, and management positions, the interview process is typically more structured and may involve multiple rounds. Behavioral interview questions are commonly reported, with a focus on leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork. Candidates may be asked to describe situations where they managed competing priorities, handled safety incidents, drove operational improvements, or navigated rapid organizational change — reflecting GFL's fast-growth, acquisition-driven business model. GFL's culture is often described as entrepreneurial and fast-moving, and interviewers may assess whether candidates are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where processes are still being standardized across recently acquired operations. Demonstrating flexibility, a hands-on attitude, and comfort with ambiguity can be advantageous. Safety is a recurring theme across all interview levels — candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal commitment to workplace safety and any relevant experience maintaining safe work environments. Many candidates report that GFL interviewers are personable and direct, with a genuine interest in understanding how candidates can contribute to the team. Showing authentic enthusiasm for the environmental services industry and GFL's growth story is commonly noted as a positive differentiator. Researching GFL's recent acquisitions, sustainability initiatives, and community involvement can help candidates make a strong impression during interviews.

What GFL Environmental Looks For

Strong commitment to workplace safety and demonstrated safety-conscious behavior in previous roles
Relevant industry experience in waste management, environmental services, recycling, or related fields
Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment shaped by frequent acquisitions
Valid certifications and licenses appropriate to the role, such as CDL, OSHA, or environmental compliance credentials
Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to take ownership, solve problems independently, and drive results
Team-oriented attitude with strong communication skills across diverse operational and corporate teams
Physical stamina and reliability for operational roles that involve outdoor work in varying weather conditions
Customer service orientation, particularly for roles involving residential or commercial client interactions
Environmental awareness and genuine interest in sustainability, waste diversion, and responsible resource management

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job at GFL Environmental?

You can apply through GFL's official careers portal hosted on Workday at wd3.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/gflenv/Careers. Browse available positions, create a candidate profile, upload your resume, and complete the application form including any screening questions. All applications are managed through this Workday system.

What types of jobs does GFL Environmental typically hire for?

GFL hires across a wide range of roles including CDL truck drivers (residential and commercial collection), equipment operators, laborers, mechanics and fleet technicians, route managers, sales representatives, environmental technicians, soil remediation specialists, and various corporate functions such as finance, HR, IT, marketing, and operations management.

Do I need a CDL to work at GFL Environmental?

A Commercial Driver's License is required for many of GFL's operational driving roles, including residential and commercial waste collection. However, GFL offers many positions that don't require a CDL, including laborer, helper, mechanic, corporate, and administrative roles. Some locations may also offer CDL training programs or sponsorship for qualified candidates, though availability varies.

How long does the GFL hiring process typically take?

The timeline varies by role and location. Many applicants report hearing back from a recruiter within one to three weeks of applying. For operational roles, the entire process from application to offer may take two to four weeks. Corporate and management positions may take longer due to multiple interview rounds. Pre-employment checks (background, drug testing, license verification) can add additional time.

Does GFL Environmental offer benefits?

GFL typically offers competitive compensation packages that commonly include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans, paid time off, life insurance, and employee assistance programs. Benefits may vary based on position type, location, and employment status (full-time vs. part-time). Specific benefit details are typically discussed during the offer stage.

What is the work culture like at GFL Environmental?

GFL's culture is commonly described as entrepreneurial, safety-focused, and fast-paced. As a company that has grown significantly through acquisitions, employees often note a dynamic environment with opportunities for career advancement. The company emphasizes safety as a core value, promotes diversity and inclusion, and encourages employees to take ownership of their work. The culture can vary somewhat between locations due to the company's acquisition-driven growth model.

Does GFL Environmental conduct drug testing and background checks?

Yes, GFL typically conducts pre-employment drug testing and background checks as part of the hiring process, which is standard practice in the waste management industry. For driving positions, DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing is commonly required. Background checks may include criminal history, driving record verification, and employment history confirmation. Specific requirements may vary by role and jurisdiction.

Can I apply to multiple positions at GFL at the same time?

Yes, Workday typically allows candidates to apply to multiple open positions using the same candidate profile. However, it's advisable to tailor your resume and application responses for each specific role rather than submitting identical applications. Applying to a reasonable number of well-matched positions demonstrates genuine interest, while applying indiscriminately to many unrelated roles may not create the best impression.

How can I check the status of my GFL application?

You can log into your Workday candidate account through GFL's careers portal to view the status of your application(s). Workday typically provides status updates such as 'received,' 'under review,' or 'no longer under consideration.' If you haven't heard back within a few weeks, it's generally acceptable to follow up with GFL's talent acquisition team, though specific contact methods may vary by region.

Open Positions

GFL Environmental currently has 153 open positions.

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 153 open positions at GFL Environmental

Related Resources

Similar Companies

Sources

GFL Environmental - Official Careers Page — GFL Environmental Inc.
GFL Environmental - About Us — GFL Environmental Inc.
GFL Environmental - Sustainability and ESG — GFL Environmental Inc.
Workday Recruiting - How It Works — Workday, Inc.