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Waste Management Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Environmental Engineer owns day-to-day environmental program execution, including inspections ... Manages hourly personnel tasked with waste activities and stormwater best management practices.

Environmental Engineer

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$40.40 - $69.25/hr

The Environmental Engineer owns day-to-day environmental program execution, including inspections ... Manages hourly personnel tasked with waste activities and stormwater best management practices.

The Environmental Engineer owns day-to-day environmental program execution, including inspections ... Manages hourly personnel tasked with waste activities and stormwater best management practices.

New

EHS Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Manage environmental permits, reporting, and regulatory inspections.Oversee hazardous waste ...

EHS Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Manage environmental permits, reporting, and regulatory inspections. * Oversee hazardous waste ...

Painter- Powder

Boyden, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

To follow procedures for all regulatory programs including Demco's hazardous waste management program * Able to find, print and understand shop orders, customer orders and engineer drawings

Painter- Powder

Boyden, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

To follow procedures for all regulatory programs including Demco's hazardous waste management program * Able to find, print and understand shop orders, customer orders and engineer drawings

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$65K - $100K/yr

As a Project Engineer, you will manage projects and work on a team to provide engineering support to our existing solid waste practice focused on landfill and landfill gas system permitting and ...

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$65K - $100K/yr

As a Project Engineer, you will manage projects and work on a team to provide engineering support to our existing solid waste practice focused on landfill and landfill gas system permitting and ...

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

As a Project Engineer, you will manage projects and work on a team to provide engineering support to our existing solid waste practice focused on landfill and landfill gas system permitting and ...

Mgr, Environmental

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$114K - $118K/yr

... management solutions that reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine waste for the benefit of society and the environment. Our Business Reworld partners with businesses by offering cutting-edge engineering ...

EH&S Manager - 1st shift

Decorah, IA

$76K - $104K/yr

... fate, waste management, industrial hygiene, health & safety issues, air pollution control ... engineering consultants that are under contract with the company. Providing technical review of ...

EH&S Manager - 1st shift

Decorah, IA · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

... fate, waste management, industrial hygiene, health & safety issues, air pollution control ... engineering consultants that are under contract with the company. Providing technical review of ...

Industrial Engineer

Cresco, IA · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Identify process improvements to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase efficiency. Manage, coach, and develop the Industrial Engineering team. Standardize and improve manufacturing processes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Waste Management Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$29.1K

$96.7K

$155.4K

How much do waste management engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management engineer in Iowa is $96,650.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Waste Management Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental engineering, waste treatment processes, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with waste management software, GIS tools, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant environmental credentials are often required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable waste handling and compliance with environmental standards.

What is a waste management engineer?

Waste Management Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and oversee systems for handling, processing, and disposing of waste materials safely and efficiently. Their work helps minimize the environmental impact of waste and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. They may work with solid waste, hazardous materials, recycling processes, and landfill management, often collaborating with other engineers, environmental scientists, and government agencies.

What are some common challenges waste management engineers face when implementing new waste reduction initiatives?

Waste Management Engineers often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from stakeholders, budget constraints, and navigating complex regulatory requirements when introducing new waste reduction strategies. They must balance environmental goals with operational feasibility, working closely with facility managers, local authorities, and sometimes the public to ensure initiatives are both effective and compliant. Strong communication and project management skills are essential to address concerns, secure buy-in, and monitor the progress of implemented solutions.

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

AspectWaste Management EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field; certifications like PE or CEMBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWaste treatment facilities, landfills, recycling plantsResearch labs, consulting firms, government agencies, field sites
Industry UsageFocus on waste collection, treatment, disposal, and recyclingBroader environmental issues including pollution control, sustainability, and resource management

Waste Management Engineers primarily focus on waste treatment, disposal, and recycling processes within waste facilities. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, addressing pollution control, environmental compliance, and sustainability initiatives. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related industries, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ.

What does a waste management engineer do?

A waste management engineer focuses on the process of disposing of or treating waste materials. In this role, your duties may include finding ways to limit environmental impact with recycling, designing an efficient method for waste disposal, and addressing problems related to pollution, contamination, and environmental regulations. You may also specialize in an area of waste management. For example, some waste management engineers design or improve systems for the treatment of wastewater while other professionals may focus on the processes and procedures for the safe disposal of toxic or hazardous materials. You can find employment with a municipal or state agency, a consulting firm, a manufacturing company, a nonprofit agency, or a recycling company.

What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Waste Management Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Waste Management Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Waste Management Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Waste Management Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,650 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Environmental Engineer

Amsted Rail Company Inc

Keokuk, IA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Amsted Rail rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 489 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental compliance programs and sustainability data tracking for the manufacturing facility. The Environmental Engineer owns day-to-day environmental program execution, including inspections, reporting, spill response, permitting and any other compliance items related to air, water, stormwater, tanks and waste management associated with U.S. and Iowa environmental regulations. This role works closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, supervisors, and employees to comply with environmental requirements and reduce the facility’s environmental footprint.

What you will do:

Owns the implementation and maintenance of facility environmental programs and initiatives.

  • Conducts routine inspections, reporting, plan updates, and permitting associated with air, water, waste and tank requirements.
  • Works with supervision and operations teams to collect data associated with environmental reporting.
  • Leads the spill response program.
  • Develops, updates, and delivers employee environmental training on required topics and company procedures.
  • Coach employees and supervisors on environmental compliance and reducing the environmental footprint of the facility.
  • Manages hourly personnel tasked with waste activities and stormwater best management practices.
  • Facility representative during agency inspections.
  • Coordinates activities associated with remediation projects.

Job Knowledge/Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering/Sciences or a related technical field is required.
  • 3–5 years of environmental experience in a manufacturing, heavy industrial, or related environment.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
  • Experience with major environmental programs such as Title V air permits, NPDES permits, Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Program, Tier 2 and Toxic Release Inventory Reporting.
  • Demonstrates sound problem-solving, analytical, communication, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, engineering, supervisors, and hourly employees to implement environmental improvements.
  • Ability to communicate expectations and procedures clearly to employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and basic environmental data tracking, reporting, and documentation systems.
  • Responds quickly and professionally to environmental concerns and emergency situations.

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and any other basis covered by federal, state, or local law.

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About Amsted Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amsted Rail is a global leader in providing innovative solutions and components for the rail industry. With a strong commitment to advancing rail technology and improving safety, Amsted Rail offers a wide range of products and services that enhance the performance and reliability of rail systems worldwide. As a trusted partner to railroads, transit systems, and freight operators, Amsted Rail specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality freight car components, including bogies, couplers, wheelsets, and braking systems. Amsted cutting-edge solutions are engineered to withstand the demands of heavy-duty rail operations, improving efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall railcar performance.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1977