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Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The purpose of the Code Enforcement Officer classification within the Building Risk and ... solid waste, recycling, and environmental codes. Conducts site inspections and investigates ...

SOLID WASTE MANAGER

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

... safety enforcement that includes two years of staff supervisory and budgetary experience; OR an ... Solid waste and recycling collection and disposal operations, materials, methods, principles ...

$35K/yr

Environmental Enforcement Officer I (New Recruits) - Selected candidates must be eligible to enter ... Performs random solid waste inspections to ensure the prohibition of hazardous and prohibited waste ...

Work with law enforcement and other County departments to address ongoing or repeat violations ... Position Solid Waste Inspector I Position Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - The following are ...

Enforcement Officer

Aiken, SC · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

Litter Enforcement - The officer generally patrols the roads daily for litter violations, but in addition takes calls from the public, especially pertaining to the illegal dumping of waste on public ...

Enforcement Officer

Aiken, SC · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

Litter Enforcement - The officer generally patrols the roads daily for litter violations, but in addition takes calls from the public, especially pertaining to the illegal dumping of waste on public ...

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Solid Waste Enforcement Officer information

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$32K

$68.6K

$122K

How much do solid waste enforcement officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for solid waste enforcement officer in the United States is $68,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solid waste enforcement officer?

Solid Waste Enforcement Officers are professionals who ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to the disposal, handling, and management of solid waste. They inspect businesses, construction sites, and residential areas to identify violations such as illegal dumping or improper storage of waste. Their responsibilities also include investigating complaints, issuing citations, educating the public about proper waste practices, and sometimes appearing in court to provide testimony. By enforcing regulations, they help protect public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by solid waste enforcement officers in the field?

Solid Waste Enforcement Officers often encounter challenges such as addressing illegal dumping, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and managing interactions with uncooperative individuals or businesses. They may need to conduct site inspections in varied environments, sometimes under adverse weather conditions. Additionally, staying updated on evolving waste management policies and balancing fieldwork with documentation and reporting responsibilities are important aspects of the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these challenges and maintain community standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solid waste enforcement officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Enforcement Officer, you need a solid understanding of environmental regulations, investigative techniques, and often an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping, inspection reporting software, and sometimes certification in hazardous materials handling is typical. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for effective community interaction and case resolution. These skills ensure compliance with waste management laws, protect public health, and promote environmental stewardship.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Enforcement Officer vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectSolid Waste Enforcement OfficerWaste Management Technician
CredentialsEnvironmental certifications, possibly state-specific licensesHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentField inspections, regulatory enforcement, outdoor and office settingsCollection routes, waste processing facilities, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, environmental departmentsPrivate waste management companies, municipal services

The Solid Waste Enforcement Officer primarily focuses on regulatory compliance, inspections, and enforcement of waste disposal laws, often working for government agencies. In contrast, Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection, processing, and disposal operations. While both roles involve working with waste, the Enforcement Officer emphasizes compliance and enforcement, whereas Technicians focus on operational tasks.

What states have the most Solid Waste Enforcement Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Enforcement Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Solid Waste Enforcement Officer jobs?

For Solid Waste Enforcement Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Enforcement Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,646 per year, or $33 per hour.

Code Enforcement Officer (Solid Waste)

Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$33.67 - $78/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED. DEFINITION Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex technical and public contact duties related to the District's residential solid waste compliance programs, including the identification, investigation, and enforcement of violations of District codes and regulations; conducts field patrols, investigates complaints, and documents violations involving cart placement, unauthorized waste removal (scavenging), residential cart contamination, and other solid waste requirements; encourages voluntary compliance through education; prepares and issues citations; and performs related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.Exercises no supervision of staff

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a full journey-level and specialized classification that performs the full range of duties related to inspection, field monitoring, outreach and education, and enforcement activities required to ensure compliance with the District's Operations Code and solid waste requirements. Responsibilities include patrolling residential service areas by District vehicle; conducting inspections and complaint investigations; investigating, identifying, and documenting violations involving cart placement, unauthorized waste removal (scavenging), and other solid waste requirements; contacting residents, property owners, and other responsible parties; providing education; issuing notices and other enforcement documents; and maintaining accurate records and reports of compliance activities. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment; knowledge of the District's solid waste programs, requirements, collection practices, and compliance procedures, and extensive contact with the public, staff, and hauler representatives.

Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from other District classes by the performance of technical and specialized duties that require application of specialized technical knowledge and skill acquired through specialized training and experience. Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Patrols geographic area in assigned vehicle to proactively and reactively monitor solid waste collection activities, identify and address potential violations of the District's solid waste programs and Operations Code, and document field observations. Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of the District's Operations Code and solid waste requirements; documents violations and other field conditions by obtaining photographs and other pertinent data; researches applicable District requirements, prior complaints, and other relevant information to establish whether a violation has occurred and the appropriate compliance response. Initiates contacts in person, by telephone, and in writing, with residents, property owners, and other parties to explain observed violations, provide education, and encourage compliance with the District's codes and regulations.

Conducts residential solid waste route reviews and vehicle-based or on-site inspections of residential areas to observe cart placement, contamination, service conditions, and compliance with District solid waste requirements; documents observations, notes potential violations, and initiates appropriate follow-up. Prepares and issues notices of violation or noncompliance, administrative citations, and other correspondence according to applicable codes and regulations. Coordinates and conducts follow-up procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and residents.

Contacts and, when appropriate, issues notices or citations to individuals engaged in unauthorized removal of materials (scavenging) from District-serviced carts. Maintains files, databases, daily inspection logs and records related to field patrols, route reviews, complaints, citations, service issues, and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. Coordinates and communicates with the District's solid waste hauler regarding collection-related violations, cart conditions, service issues, contamination, and other matters requiring follow-up.

Identifies and documents graffiti, damage, or other conditions observed on District-serviced carts and reports such conditions to the appropriate District staff or hauler for follow-up. Serves as liaison and educator to the community; provides information and outreach to residents regarding proper waste sorting, recycling, cart placement, contamination prevention, and other District solid waste requirements; and promotes voluntary and cooperative compliance through field contacts and outreach. Attends District meetings and provides written and oral reports when requested.

Prepares monthly report summarizing field patrols, route reviews, compliance activities, citations, scavenger contacts, cart violations, and other solid waste enforcement and inspection activities for presentation to the District Board. Participates in recommending and developing policies, procedures, and projects to ensure efficient and effective solid waste compliance and enforcement activities in compliance with District guidelines, standards, goals, and objectives. Operates standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications.

Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and techniques for field inspection and documentation related to code enforcement and compliance activities. Principles and practices of residential solid waste collection, recycling, and contamination prevention.

Methods and procedures used in solid waste and code compliance including citation issuance procedures. Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and following up on compliance activities. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and administrative and program policies.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary for field inspections and investigations, route reviews and code compliance. Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures. Principles and procedures of record-keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.

Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with residents, property owners, hauler representatives, contractors, and the public.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, hauler representatives, and District staff. Ability to: Explain District codes, regulations and solid waste requirements to property owners, residents, and others. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Understand and explain occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to field inspections, route reviews, code compliance, and residential solid waste activities. Conduct field inspections and route reviews and accurately document observations, violations, service issues, and other conditions. Identify and respond to issues and concerns of management, the District Board, a variety of professional groups and committees, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, in person and over the phone.

Investigate complaints and potential violations; recommend or take appropriate compliance and follow-up actions consistent with established procedures; and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner. Effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals. Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.

Effectively manage stressful, sensitive, and potentially confrontational situations while maintaining professionalism, sound judgment, and effective communication. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Maintain complete and accurate logs, records, and other documentation of field activities, route reviews, service issues, violations, and compliance actions.

Make accurate arithmetic and basic statistical computations. Work independently in the field, organize assignments, establish priorities, and meet established deadlines. Operate a motor vehicle in a safe and lawful manner.

Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing code enforcement, solid waste compliance, field inspection, regulatory enforcement, or a closely related field involving substantial field work and public contact. College-level coursework or technical training in code compliance, solid waste management, environmental services, public administration, or a related field is desirable.

Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment, and satisfactory driving record. Ability to obtain a California PC832 (Peace Officer Required Training) Certification is required within the first six (6) months of employment.

Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various sites in the District's service area, including traversing uneven terrain; to walk and stand for extended periods while conducting inspections and field patrols; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and make inspections; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office and partially a field operations classification; frequent standing and walking between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field conducting inspections, patrols, and related duties.

Field work may involve exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle traffic, vibration, odors, pests, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and other environmental conditions associated with residential solid waste. Employees may interact with upset or uncooperative members of the public or other representatives while explaining and enforcing District requirements.