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Entry Level Waste Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Water Technician I

Dolton, IL

$21 - $25.50/hr

... reimagine waste management for a smarter, more sustainable world. All that we're missing is you. Apply today! About the role The Wastewater Technician I is an entry level position ...

Waste Water Technician I

Dolton, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $25.50/hr

... waste management for a smarter, more sustainable world. All that we're missing is you. Apply today! About the role The Wastewater Technician I is an entry level position responsible for safely ...

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Entry Level Waste Management information

See salary details

$25K

$47.8K

$68.5K

How much do entry level waste management jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level waste management in the United States is $47,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is experience needed for waste management?

Entry level waste management positions typically do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, having a basic understanding of safety procedures, physical fitness, and relevant certifications can be beneficial for success in the role.

Is it hard to get hired at waste management?

Entry level waste management jobs typically have moderate competition and often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Hiring processes may include background checks and physical assessments, but many positions are accessible to those with basic skills and a willingness to work outdoors or in a physical environment.

How to get into the waste management industry?

Entry level waste management jobs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve on-the-job training. Relevant skills include physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and basic knowledge of waste handling procedures. Certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve job prospects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone in an entry-level waste management position?

In an entry-level waste management role, your daily tasks often include collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials according to company protocols and safety standards. You may also be responsible for operating basic equipment, ensuring that recycling guidelines are followed, and maintaining cleanliness in assigned areas. Teamwork is essential, as you'll frequently collaborate with supervisors and other crew members to complete routes efficiently. Over time, you'll gain exposure to various waste management processes, which can open up opportunities for advancement within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Waste Management Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Waste Management Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection equipment, basic vehicle operation, and adherence to OSHA regulations are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe waste handling and contribute to a clean, compliant environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Waste Management vs Entry Level Recycling Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Waste ManagementEntry Level Recycling Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications (e.g., OSHA)High school diploma, environmental awareness certifications
Work EnvironmentWaste facilities, landfills, collection sitesRecycling centers, community outreach events
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal waste departments, private waste companiesEnvironmental organizations, municipal recycling programs

Entry Level Waste Management roles focus on waste collection, disposal, and site operations, often requiring safety certifications. Entry Level Recycling Coordinators primarily handle recycling program promotion, community education, and coordination at recycling centers. Both roles serve environmental sustainability but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are entry level waste management jobs?

Entry level waste management jobs involve collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials such as trash, recyclables, and hazardous items. Employees in these positions typically work for municipalities, private companies, or recycling centers, and may operate vehicles, use machinery, or perform manual labor. These roles provide valuable experience in environmental services and often offer on-the-job training, making them suitable for individuals new to the industry. Responsibilities may include following safety protocols, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring proper disposal methods are used.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Entry level waste management jobs typically do not pay $250 an hour; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles like environmental consultants, hazardous waste specialists, or senior management positions that require extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills. These roles often involve complex regulatory knowledge, safety protocols, and sometimes consulting or project management responsibilities.
More about Entry Level Waste Management jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Waste Management jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Waste Management job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Waste Management jobs? The most popular types of Waste Management jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Waste Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Waste Management jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Waste Management job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,831 per year, or $23 per hour.
Entry-Level Civil/Environmental Engineer - Solid Waste

Entry-Level Civil/Environmental Engineer - Solid Waste

Trilon Group

Maumee, OH โ€ข On-site

$29 - $43/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Entry-Level Civil/Environmental Engineer - Solid Waste
Department: Geoenvironmental
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Maumee, OH
Compensation: $29.00 - $43.00 / hour
Description
The Mannik & Smith Group (MSG) is a people-focused, award-winning, full-service consulting firm offering civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, planning, landscape architecture, agriculture, surveying, and construction support. Our talented team of 650+ professionals delivers integrated planning, design, engineering, and construction solutions.
Start With the Fundamentals. Grow Into a Specialist Almost No One Else Is.
MSG is looking for a Landfill Engineer to join our team in Maumee, OH. You don't need to walk in already knowing landfill gas management or Ohio's air pollution rules - almost no one does at this stage of their career, and that's exactly the point. Start with the civil, environmental, and geotechnical fundamentals you already have, and we'll train you into one of the relatively few engineers in the region who can speak fluently on solid waste design and permitting - a specialty that's genuinely hard to find and genuinely valuable to have on your resume.
And we back that investment with more than on-the-job mentorship: this role comes with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint, our new early career leadership program for engineers looking to grow beyond the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, you'll take part in a hands-on curriculum covering professional development, business acumen, and project delivery - including case studies, simulations, and role-play exercises - covering topics like project economics, communication, and leadership fundamentals. It all wraps up with an in-person capstone event where you'll present your work and map out your goals for the year ahead. Your Future Starts With A Plan.
The Nuts and Bolts (What You'll Do Day One)

  • Support solid waste management design and permitting, learning the fundamentals of how landfills are designed, built, and regulated
  • Contribute to solid waste construction oversight as projects move into the field
  • Take on project assignments primarily across Ohio, with occasional out-of-state opportunities as you grow

What You Bring on Day One
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; coursework in geotechnical engineering (soil mechanics), hydrology/water resources, or environmental engineering is highly valued
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with an eye for detail
  • Genuine curiosity and motivation to grow into a technical specialty - more important to us than a checklist of prior experience

Where You'll Grow (What We'll Train You On)
  • Landfill gas management design and permitting - a specialized skill set most engineers never get exposure to, and one you'll build directly on this team
  • Ohio Air Pollution Rules as they apply to landfill gas and emissions - the regulatory side that pairs with the technical design work
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D, if you're not already proficient - we'll get you there
  • A path toward EIT certification and, eventually, PE licensure, if that's a goal of yours

Why MSG?
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health insurance with HSA option, Vision, Dental, Life
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Catalytic Coaching - a personalized development plan built to grow your contributions today and your opportunities tomorrow. At MSG, bringing out the best in our people isn't a slogan - it's how we operate.

It is the policy of our company to follow equal employment opportunity procedures in compliance with federal, state and local criteria. We will provide all applicants for employment, and all employees, with equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, arrest record, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other protected classes covered by any local, state and federal laws. The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.
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