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Solid Waste Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Landfill /Civil Engineer III

Nashville, TN · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

You will be directly responsible for engineering and construction at solid waste disposal facilities, will communicate with senior management, and direct and mentor junior staff. You will be ...

... solid waste collection, transfer, and disposal facilities (e.g., landfills for municipal and industrial wastes). The right candidate will enrich our team of engineers and scientists and may also ...

Environmental Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$113K - $116K/yr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * 5 years of experience in landfill engineering or environmental compliance in air, water, and solid waste. Rewarding Compensation and Benefits Eligible employees can elect to ...

Environmental Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$113K - $116K/yr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * 5 years of experience in landfill engineering or environmental compliance in air, water, and solid waste. Rewarding Compensation and Benefits Eligible employees can elect to ...

... Environmental Engineer . This job is full-time permanent. GENERAL PERFORMANCE * Serves as a ... Refrigerant Compliance, Solid Waste, Title V, Stormwater. TRAINING * Leads and/or participates in ...

... Environmental Engineer . This job is full-time permanent. GENERAL PERFORMANCE * Serves as a ... Refrigerant Compliance, Solid Waste, Title V, Stormwater. TRAINING * Leads and/or participates in ...

Environmental Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$113K - $116K/yr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * 5 years of experience in landfill engineering or environmental compliance in air, water, and solid waste. Rewarding Compensation and Benefits Eligible employees can elect to ...

Showing results 21-40

Solid Waste Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$37

$43

$48

How much do solid waste engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste engineer in Tennessee is $43.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $45.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solid waste engineer?

Solid Waste Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and manage systems for the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid waste. Their work includes developing landfill sites, overseeing recycling and composting programs, and ensuring that waste management practices comply with environmental regulations. They play a key role in minimizing the environmental impact of waste and often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and the public to develop sustainable solutions. Solid Waste Engineers also conduct site assessments, monitor pollution levels, and recommend improvements to waste management systems.

What does a solid waste engineer do?

As a solid waste engineer, your responsibilities are to support the environmental work of a landfill. Your duties include creating a design for a solid waste treatment facility, improving how recycling programs function, arranging for the proper disposal of trash and garbage containers, and creating sanitation plans to ensure workers are not sickened by the content of landfills. To accomplish these tasks, you use software like AutoCAD, collect environmental samples, apply for permits from any relevant agency, and create reports detailing the goals of each project. In some areas, you must work with large amounts of hazardous waste.

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

To thrive as a Solid Waste Engineer, you need a background in environmental or civil engineering, with knowledge of waste management regulations and practices, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with design software (such as AutoCAD), GIS systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and managing projects. These skills ensure the development of safe, compliant, and sustainable waste management solutions that protect public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges solid waste engineers face when managing landfill projects?

Solid Waste Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations, addressing community concerns about odor or groundwater contamination, and optimizing landfill operations for maximum capacity and minimum environmental impact. They must also coordinate with contractors, local agencies, and other engineers to design effective waste containment and leachate management systems. Staying updated on new technologies and best practices is essential to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of waste management projects.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectSolid Waste EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) often preferredBachelor's in Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineering; PE certification common
Work EnvironmentWaste management facilities, landfills, recycling plantsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Industry UsageFocuses on waste collection, disposal, and landfill designBroader environmental issues including pollution control and sustainability

Solid Waste Engineers primarily focus on waste management systems, landfills, and recycling processes, working closely with waste facilities. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, addressing pollution, water quality, and environmental compliance. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related industries, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

What job categories do people searching Solid Waste Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Solid Waste Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,563 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Landfill /Civil Engineer III

Waste Management

Nashville, TN • On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 648 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description


I. Job Summary

Engineer for 7 Landfills and 3 Transfer Stations in TN
This position requires an engineer with significant experience in the environmental and solid waste industry. The ideal candidate will possess superior problem solving and management skills that will be applied to a diverse portfolio of technical projects. You will be directly responsible for engineering and construction at solid waste disposal facilities, will communicate with senior management, and direct and mentor junior staff. You will be continually challenged to use your knowledge and skills to advance WM's status as the leader, and innovator, in providing comprehensive waste management services to a variety of clients.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Engages, directs, and manages professional consulting firms that perform a variety of work tasks at solid waste facilities, such as preparing permit applications and construction plans, conducting site monitoring, preparing regulatory submittals, etc. Will be responsible for final work product.
  • Maintains a strong working relationship with regulators and serve as a direct line of communication on technical and permitting matters between regulatory agencies and operating sites. This will include representing WM in permit meetings, hearings, and site inspections. Act as a professional representative for WM as a community liaison, at technical conferences and other forums
  • Manages landfill construction projects from overseeing the preparation of construction plans to final approval. Tasks will include managing consultants, contractors and budgets, preparation of bid documents, bid letting, contract administration, coordinating contractors, construction quality assurance firms, and materials order and delivery.
  • Actively manages and tracks capital budgets for engineering and construction projects and report to local management and corporate using Company procedures.
  • Coordinates landfill capacity tracking to help manage this key asset. This will include developing airspace calculations and completing capacity projections; as well as working with landfill managers to develop efficient fill sequencing plans and schedules for cell construction and closure timing
  • Provides continuous evaluation of sites for adherence to construction and permit documents and for site expansion potential through regular site visits. Be proactive in pursuing and obtaining required or beneficial permits and/or permit modifications.
  • Collaborates with other professionals and subject matter experts within WM to provide innovative, cost effective engineering solutions to identified or potential operational, environmental, and compliance issues at landfills, transfer stations, hauling operations and other businesses in your area and potentially across the Company. Provide technical expertise and direction to management and other functional areas such as finance, legal and safety to present a clear path to resolution.
  • Participates in review of acquisitions and coordination and evaluation of divestitures, including proforma modeling assistance and interaction with corporate and executive management during due diligence.
  • Assists in training and provides mentorship and supervision of WM technical staff assigned to your team.


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or similar area of study
  • 5 years of related experience


B. Preferred Qualifications 
IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

WM Leaders are a critical part of our People First culture. The proud, caring and resilient members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We commit to taking care of each other, our customers, our communities and the environment. We are Leaders in Sustainability & Environmental Solutions.
WM is more than just managing waste. We're industry leaders helping people and organizations achieve their sustainability goals, and We Are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US