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Solid Waste Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Landfill Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท 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 ...

Senior Landfill Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

... solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and ...

... solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and ...

Showing results 21-40

Solid Waste Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40

$47

$52

How much do solid waste engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,833 per year, or $47 per hour.

Senior Civil Engineer

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Overview

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?ย 

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Geoenvironmental Engineer to join and continue to build our geoenvironmental practice in one of our Columbia, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Virginia; Pennington, New Jersey; or Bloomfield, New Jerseyย offices. You must have an entrepreneurial attitude and an enthusiasm for leading business development and technical efforts to expand Geosyntec's market share. You will apply your extensive engineering and consulting experience to projects involving landfills, remediation sites, transfer stations, surface impoundments, solid waste planning, litigation support, and related geoenvironmental systems. We are looking for someone with proven business development and client engagement abilities, paired with strong technical expertise to further build our practice. The position involves leading and delivering technically challenging projects, supporting client development and proposal efforts, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams through planning, design, permitting, construction, and ongoing performance evaluation. This role offers the opportunity to help expand a high-impact practice while working alongside recognized leaders in the industry.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.ย  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.ย  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position is a senior-level role involving technical leadership, project delivery, client service, and practice growth responsibilities across geoenvironmental engineering and consulting assignments, including:

  • Lead and manage complex solid waste and remediation engineering and consulting projects involving landfills, remediation sites, transfer stations, surface impoundments, and related geoenvironmental systems.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by providing strategic technical guidance, responsive consulting support, and practical solutions to challenging geoenvironmental engineering, operational, permitting, and compliance issues.
  • Support practice growth through business development, client relationship management, networking, marketing activities, and preparation of technical and commercial proposals for new and existing solid waste clients.
  • Oversee project execution from investigation and planning through permitting, design, construction, operations support, closure, and post-closure monitoring, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and coordination of subcontractors and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Provide senior technical input and quality review for engineering evaluations, design documents, calculations, reports, permit applications, specifications, construction documents, and compliance-related submittals associated with solid waste facilities.
  • Lead or support geologic and hydrogeologic investigations, site evaluations, monitoring programs, and interpretation of subsurface and environmental data to inform design, permitting, and operational decision-making.
  • Support solid waste and remediation planning efforts, regulatory strategy, due diligence, and litigation support assignments by preparing or reviewing technical analyses, expert materials, and defensible engineering documentation.
  • Mentor and support staff in technical problem-solving, project execution, client interaction, and professional development within the solid waste engineering practice.
  • Travel to client, project, and office locations as needed to support field investigations, design reviews, client meetings, and business development activities.
Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, or a related engineering discipline (required)
  • Advanced degree in the same (preferred)
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration (required)ย 
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 8 years (10+ years preferred) of relevant consulting or design experience focused on geoenvironmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, civil infrastructure, or heavy civil projects; experience with landfills, remediation sites, coal combustion residuals, sediment management, or similar earthwork-intensive projects; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Strong technical foundation in civil/environmental engineering and civil design, including experience with site characterization, earthwork, slope stability, seepage, foundation design, retaining systems, sediment containment, and related infrastructure analyses. (required)
  • Demonstrated success in either business development, marketing, and client relationship management, or recognized technical expertise that strengthens project delivery and elevates practice capabilities. (required)
  • Working knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and industry standards relevant to infrastructure, mining, solid waste, water resources, or civil works projects. (required)
  • Excellent technical leadership and ability to guide multidisciplinary teams on complex design, analysis, construction, and performance evaluation assignments. (required)
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment, including client demands, project deadlines, field assignments, and travel as needed. (required)
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical deliverables and engage effectively with clients and internal teams. (required)
  • Regional visibility, industry involvement, or an established professional network that can support client development and market growth. (preferred)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required for field-based project work.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec's total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum Salary: $117,370/year / Maximum Salary: $190,055 /year (Richmond, VA)
  • Minimum Salary: $123,235/year / Maximum Salary: $199,555 /year (Columbia, MD)
  • Minimum Salary: $129,105/year / Maximum Salary: $209,060 /year (Pennington, NJ, Washington, D.C)
  • Minimum Salary: $134,970/year / Maximum Salary: $218,560 /year (Bloomfield, NJ)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME