Fortitude is the word that first comes to mind when describing Jessica Bonstaff, Landfill Manager for the KV Landfill in Killona, Louisiana. As defined by the Oxford Dictionary, it encompasses strength of character, firmness of purpose, and steadfastness. All of these characteristics and more describe Jessica. She has always been an overachiever and can multitask; from her first job with the Shaw Group, starting off doing payroll, she quickly moved into office management and site coordination for three major construction projects throughout south Louisiana. After shuffling from location to location, Jessica hoped to find a new role with more day-to-day stability. She found what she was looking for the moment she stepped foot onto the KV Landfill.
When first hired in 2002, the landfill was family-owned by KV Enterprises and managed by the owner’s son. Jessica started as a ticket clerk and quickly moved into the role of office manager. When Waste Pro acquired the landfill in 2024, Jessica and most of the KV team transitioned to Waste Pro. With her extensive knowledge, she was asked to lead the team, with a promotion to Landfill Manager. She oversees accounts payable and payroll and leads a team of 10 employees. She has called the KV Landfill her home away from home for the last 23 years and takes tremendous pride in the facility.
She shares, “I didn’t think my career here would last long. But here we are. I like to see things through to the finish line, and if I am still learning new things, there is still more to do.” A typical day starts early for Jessica, usually around 6:30 am, arriving to set things up for the day ahead. She leads a weekly safety meeting and mixes things up to keep her team on their toes. She checks the top of the landfill pile, reviews logistics, and lays out a plan for various projects, such as building new roads or equipment repairs. She has made a point to learn to drive every piece of equipment used on the property, including bulldozers and excavators, and is eager to learn the compactor, dirt truck, and sweeper.
KV Landfill has been under the Waste Pro umbrella for a short while, but Jessica has already caught the attention of upper management. During the transition, Director of Corporate Maintenance Joe Leamont was already getting to know Jessica and her critical role. “I remember my first meeting with the site owner before Waste Pro took over, and he kept referring me to Jessica as the go-to person. He said she knew everything, and he wasn’t kidding! She had her finger on the pulse of the operation, but you could see her desire to grow. She could answer questions right down to reciting permit requirements. Details like that are not typical in any post-collection site. In post-collections, things tend to run at a different pace, and attention to detail sometimes blurs, but not here. Jessica manages her site with precision and communicates regularly with our corporate team, making her stand out. She asks questions and strives for perfection; the site is exceptionally well-kept. That shows pride.”
And her impression of Waste Pro? Jessica says, “Everything has been very smooth, and everyone has been helpful and pleasant, and I enjoy the change. The company has exceeded expectations. With Waste Pro, I have even more growth opportunities. I meet new people every day, and now, I can expand my knowledge base and contact list, learning from leaders in the industry.”
The pride, leadership, and teamwork Jessica embodies have also been witnessed by her direct manager, Ashton Noel, for KV Enterprises. “The waste industry, as we know, has been changing from the traditionally male-dominated industry as we see more women entering various positions. Jessica became DEQ level A Solid Waste certified to expand her career. She is constantly learning and growing.”
Jessica also expressed her appreciation for her role’s mission and its impact on environmental sustainability. She explained that not only is it worthwhile to help the environment by turning recyclable goods, including lumber, concrete, and metal, into new materials, but it also helps that this is another revenue stream for the company. “I get to see and feel like I make a difference.”
This is not just a job for Jessica but a career that fulfills her in many ways. “I bought my first home after working here for only three years. I want to continue to give back to a job that has given me a fantastic life.”
Outside of work, Jessica is a proud aunt with 10 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and nephews she loves spending time with. She loves spending time with extended family—as one of five children, with her mom as the family matriarch, family events are the heart of all of her weekends.
Jessica is humble when talking about her career. She doesn’t take any of it for granted: “I want to thank Regional Vice President Jesse Murphy, Ashton Noel, and Joe Leamont for this amazing opportunity and for seeing my potential. They help me continue to grow, and I thank God for making it all possible. I am right where I am supposed to be!”