1

Solid Waste Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solid Waste Manager

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$84K - $134K/yr

Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience ...

Oversees the development, revision, and countywide implementation of operating plans including the Solid Waste Management Plan, Disaster Debris Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, and Capital ...

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

The Solid Waste Engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing waste management ... Develop and implement waste management plans to meet environmental standards and regulations.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Solid Waste Management information

See salary details

$31.5K

$61.9K

$100K

How much do solid waste management jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for solid waste management in the United States is $61,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In solid waste management, roles such as experienced waste management supervisors or private sanitation business owners can earn around $10,000 per month, often requiring industry experience, strong operational skills, and sometimes certifications. These positions typically involve managing operations, logistics, or owning and running waste disposal businesses, which can generate high income without formal college degrees.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Management vs Waste Collection Worker?

AspectSolid Waste ManagementWaste Collection Worker
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, CDL often preferredCDL or commercial driving licenses typically required
Work EnvironmentIncludes collection, processing, disposal, and recycling facilitiesPrimarily on-route collection from residential or commercial sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, waste management companiesWaste collection services, sanitation departments

Solid Waste Management encompasses a broad range of activities including collection, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste. Waste Collection Workers focus specifically on collecting waste from designated locations. While both roles involve working with waste and often require similar certifications like CDL licenses, Solid Waste Management professionals may work in various settings beyond collection, such as recycling centers and landfills. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the waste management industry.

What is solid waste management?

Solid waste management refers to the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid materials that are discarded by the public. The process involves activities such as waste collection, transportation, recycling, composting, incineration, and landfill disposal. Its main goal is to reduce the adverse effects of waste on human health, the environment, and aesthetics. Efficient solid waste management is critical for maintaining clean and sustainable communities.

What is the highest paying job in waste management?

The highest paying job in waste management is typically a Waste Management Director or Senior Executive role, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations and operations management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in solid waste management, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in solid waste management often encounter challenges such as managing increasing waste volumes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives. These challenges are typically addressed through the adoption of new technologies, continuous staff training, and close collaboration with local governments and community organizations. Effective communication skills and adaptability are crucial, as roles often involve working with diverse teams, educating the public, and responding to regulatory changes.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs in solid waste management typically do not pay $2,000 a day; high earnings in this field are usually associated with executive or consulting roles, which may require extensive experience, certifications, and specialized skills. Most standard positions, such as waste collectors or technicians, have lower daily wages. High-paying opportunities are often found in management, environmental consulting, or specialized contracting roles.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In solid waste management, roles such as manual waste collectors may decline as automation and robotics increasingly handle waste collection and sorting. Jobs involving manual sorting or basic collection are at risk of being replaced by advanced machinery, while roles requiring technical skills in operating and maintaining automated systems are expected to grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Solid Waste Management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solid Waste Management, you need knowledge of waste collection, disposal regulations, environmental science, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with waste management software, recycling technologies, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals manage teams, coordinate logistics, and engage with the community. These skills ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability in waste management services.
More about Solid Waste Management jobs
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Management jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Management job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste Management jobs? The most popular types of Solid Waste Management jobs are:
What states have the most Solid Waste Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Management jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solid Waste Management jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solid Waste Management jobs are:
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Management job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,893 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

$84K - $134K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description The Solid Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department in the City of Roanoke, Virginia is seeking an energetic team-player with strong communication skills to lead the City's customer-focused solid waste management programs serving approximately 42,000 households and small businesses. The successful candidate will manage a robust, fully-automated collection process for its solid waste and recycling programs as well as an innovative downtown collection system. The Solid Waste Manager oversees a diverse division of fifty-five employees with an annual operating budget of $3 million plus.

This position directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities entail accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division. Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems.

Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities.

Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry.

Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community. This is an exempt position.

Examples of Duties SUMMARY Directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities include customer service, contract management, budget preparation, public meetings, council presentations, training, accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Other duties may be assigned. Plans, coordinates, and directs all facets of solid waste management for the City Oversees projects in process and evaluates completed projects for compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems Assists in the development of specifications for purchase of solid waste vehicles and equipment Contract, development, management with oversight from the Purchasing Division to ensure that the contract meet the legal requirements of the City of Roanoke & the Commonwealth of Virginia. Determines standards and equipment necessary to ensure operational efficiency Conducts cost/benefit analysis of current and proposed solid waste collection systems Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services Advises/communicate with the public on issues concerning solid waste programs Prepares division budget and administers same Prepares reports, investigates complaints and assists with media relations as needed Develops and implements policies on matters pertaining to solid waste activities and safety Monitors the work of staff for conformance with city and division policies and practices and provides assistance when problems arise Attends meetings and provides technical assistance covering solid waste programs Prepares long-range plans for the division that include financial analysis and project review Administers City refuse collection, bulk collection, brush collection, commercial collection, compactor program, call center, code inspections and recycling programs Prepares ordinance revisions SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervises a total of 50-60 employees in the Residential/Commercial/Bulk and Recycling Units.

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities. Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education.

Supplemental Information LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This is a job description and not an individualized position description.

A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.