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Solid Waste Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: 1871 Description Dane County Waste & Renewables in Madison, WI has a current vacancy for a Limited Term Employee (LTE) Solid Waste Engineer. Limited Term Employees (LTEs ...

Description Dane County Waste & Renewables in Madison, WI has a current vacancy for a Limited Term Employee (LTE) Solid Waste Engineer. Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a ...

You will lead engineering and consulting projects in the municipal solid waste sector. This role will involve managing multidisciplinary engineering projects associated with landfills, landfill gas ...

You will lead engineering and consulting projects in the municipal solid waste sector. This role will involve managing multidisciplinary engineering projects associated with landfills, landfill gas ...

You will lead engineering and consulting projects in the municipal solid waste sector. This role will involve managing multidisciplinary engineering projects associated with landfills, landfill gas ...

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Solid Waste Engineer information

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How much do solid waste engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste engineer in the United States is $47.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.47 and $50.48 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.
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Solid Waste Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Engineer jobs include:
Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist

Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Chesterfield, MO • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Overview

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

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist to join our geoenvironmental and geotechnical practice, based out of our Grand Rapids, MI, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee, WI, or any of our Midwest based offices, with the opportunity for remote or hybrid-work scheduling. Our solid waste and landfill services practice engages in complex projects related to landfill, transfer station, surface impoundment design and permitting, geologic and hydrogeologic investigations, solid waste planning, and other solid waste management systems for our diverse client base throughout the Midwest. As a Principal level Engineer or Geologist you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a dedicated staff of industry professionals, contribute to challenging technical work, and engage in business development efforts to expand our market share in the solid waste 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.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  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

Collaboration and mentoring are cornerstones of Geosyntec's culture. You should expect to work closely with experienced professionals who will help integrate you into Geosyntec's culture as you advance to this next stage of your career.

We operate under a sell-manage-do culture, and so we expect all employees work on challenging technical projects while leveraging your existing knowledge and experience to help Geosyntec expand its current practices and capabilities.  As a Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist, you will have the opportunity to take on a mix of technical expertise, leadership, client relationship management, sales and business development, and mentoring roles.

Some of the key responsibilities for this senior level position include:

  • Engage in sales, business development, marketing, and client relationship management to expand solid waste and landfill market presence; 
  • Landfill engineering design, including liner and final cover system design, landfill gas system design, site closure and financial assurance;
  • Civil design, transfer station design, stormwater design, and site layout;
  • Engineering analyses such as slope stability, hydrologic and landfill gas modeling, seismic, and seepage;
  • Small project/task management and proposal preparation support;
  • Understanding of local, state and federal regulations related to solid waste;
  • Preparation of permit applications, design calculations, drawings, technical specifications, and permit applications; and
  • Fieldwork associated with investigation, design and construction services.
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.
Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, geology or environmental science. (required)
  • Advanced degree in the same. (preferred)
  • Professional certification (P.E., P.G. or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 2 years. (required)
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 10 years (15+ preferred) of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Demonstrated interest and experience direclty related to solid waste. (required)
  • Strong oral and technical writing skills. (required)
  • Experience with modeling/design tools such as AUTOCAD, KYpipe, fate transport modeling, Slope/W, Vadose/W, Sigma/W, FLAC and ARCGIS. (preferred)
  • Regular fieldwork up to 30% and overnight travel up to 30%. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME