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Solid Waste Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TEEMA

Senior Landfill Engineer/Solid Waste-PE

Richmond, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/hr

The Waste & Recycling Division is focused on providing solid waste engineering, environmental, and construction services to our solid waste clients. The Senior Engineer is principally responsible for ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Landfill Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

The Waste & Recycling Division is focused on providing solid waste engineering, environmental, and construction services to our solid waste clients. The Senior Engineer is principally responsible for ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Landfill Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

The Waste & Recycling Division is focused on providing solid waste engineering, environmental, and construction services to our solid waste clients. The Senior Engineer is principally responsible for ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Landfill Engineer

Richmond, VA

$103K - $142K/yr

The Waste & Recycling Division is focused on providing solid waste engineering, environmental, and construction services to our solid waste clients. The Senior Engineer is principally responsible for ...

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$40

$47

$52

How much do solid waste engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste engineer in Virginia is $47.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.09 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Solid Waste Engineers?

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.
More about Solid Waste Engineer jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Solid Waste Engineer jobs in VA? For Solid Waste Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Solid Waste Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,833 per year, or $47 per hour.

Project Engineer - Solid Waste Engineer

LaBella Associates

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

LaBella Associates rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 438 rated engineering

Job description

The Project Engineer / Solid Waste Engineer will work with other engineers and CAD technicians on various civil, solid waste, and environmental related projects in our Richmond, VA office. The projects are challenging and provide unique design opportunities. You will be responsible for designing solid waste facilities that will enable LaBella to create sustainable, cost-effective solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients. The projects are intricate and incorporate both civil and environmental engineering skills, including land development (grading and stormwater management); leachate collection, treatment, and management; renewable energy designs; and organic waste management. Brand new, already operational, and closed solid waste facilities face many different types of challenges - there is never a dull moment, nor is there a cookie-cutter solution that fits every similar situation.
Duties:
  • Projects will include solid-waste related site development projects: develop master plans, design drawings, design of stormwater management and erosion control systems, technical specifications, and cost estimate
  • Prepare various types of related reports and studies to secure permitting for projects
  • Draft work for scoping/conceptual work/engineering packages
  • Assist with oversight and guidance of projects from initial concept through construction
  • Assist in the preparation of project proposals
  • Collaborate, mentor, and lead as appropriate
  • Prepare preliminary engineering reports
  • Perform and review detailed calculations: stormwater management, leachate generation and pipe sizing, slope stability, and compaction density
  • Produce effective and high-quality project documents (including reports, drawings, and specifications)
  • Assist clients with construction procurement
  • Provide bidding and construction administration services
  • Manage project budgets and schedules

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering
  • 5-10 years experience
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer preferred or E.I.T. on track to become PE
  • Project management experience
  • Minimum 4 years of civil engineering experience, including solid waste, land development, or closely related projects
  • Effective communication skills using oral, graphic, and written forms.
  • Ability to relate well to project team, clients, regulators, and contractors
  • Ability to perform assigned tasks with minimal supervision
  • Ability to travel to project sites and work remotely as needed
  • Ability to manage workload and budgets as allocated
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil3D
  • Team player who is enthusiastic about all aspects of engineering and project management and can lead projects from planning and preliminary engineering through design and construction

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Solid waste engineering experience
  • Land development project experience

Benefits
Body, mind, and wallet-LaBella's benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401k Plan with Employer Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Leadership Development Program
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Team Building Events
  • Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.
LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.

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