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Waste Management Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Civil - Project Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... management of the consumption of all site resources -- carbon, energy, water, and waste. We've ... Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?

Civil - Project Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... management of the consumption of all site resources - carbon, energy, water, and waste. We've ... Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?

Be Seen First

Process Engineer

Story City, IA ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role focuses on continuous improvement, process standardization, capacity expansion, waste ... Project Management * Lead capital and process improvement projects. * Develop project scopes ...

Engineer - Manufacturing

Pella, IA

$74K - $95K/yr

... to reduce waste, support sustainable manufacturing practices, and lead Kaizen or cross-functional improvement events. - Exposure to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Engineering Change ...

Engineer - Manufacturing

Pella, IA ยท On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

... to reduce waste, support sustainable manufacturing practices, and lead Kaizen or cross-functional improvement events. - Exposure to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Engineering Change ...

Engineer - Industrial

Pella, IA

$71K - $96K/yr

The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities ... waste and enhance operational flow, identifying inefficiencies and proposing early-stage ...

Engineer - Industrial

Pella, IA ยท On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities ... waste and enhance operational flow, identifying inefficiencies and proposing early-stage ...

Engineer I - Industrial

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities ... waste and enhance operational flow, identifying inefficiencies and proposing early-stage ...

Engineer I - Industrial

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities ... waste and enhance operational flow, identifying inefficiencies and proposing early-stage ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waverly, IA ยท On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost reduction, and waste ... Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.Experience with ...

Industrial Engineer

Waterloo, IA ยท On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking an Industrial Engineer to identify and reduce waste and inefficiencies in production ... Ability to design and understand warehouse management, inventory management, process and systems.

Quality Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA ยท On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... waste, and productivity concerns in the plant. * Coordinate and implement Advanced Quality Planning ... Manage customer and supplier interactions, including product return evaluations, corrective actions ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Civil - Project Manager

Sherwood Design Engineers

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Project Manager - Civil Engineering

Des Moines, IA

 

About Sherwood Design Engineers

Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people, communities and the environment. 

Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources — carbon, energy, water, and waste. We’ve worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.

Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.

Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?
Role Summary

The Project Manager (PM) role is a client-focused position for which the candidate must have extensive project management experience for engineering design services. Working with the team, the PM will lead a variety of project types including site development incorporating  best practices related to grading, utility systems, drainage and stormwater design, master planning from campus to district scales, and helping drive entitlement and planning approvals through creative and innovative implementation of infrastructure development. The successful candidate will have a passion for sustainable design, building client relationships and maintaining quality management processes to ensure work remains on track, within scope and on budget. This role includes mentorship of direct reports and will leverage and promote each team member’s strengths as a unique value add. 


Minimum Skills

  • Typically 8+ years experience delivering engineering and construction projects with solid technical knowledge and skills across the civil industry, including a strong background in condition assessment, planning, rehabilitation, and design
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil, sanitary, environmental, chemical or mechanical engineering, or related degree
  • Typically 2+ year leading engineering teams through the successful completion of construction, master planning, and entitlement projects
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information, to motivate and influence others
  • Dedication to recruit, build, mentor, and foster a diverse engineering team
  • Ability to travel to other offices/sites as needed
  • Professional Engineering (PE) Registration in California or ability to obtain a PE within one year after starting the role


 

Preferred Skills

  • Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental
  • Knowledge of civil programs (Civil 3D, LDT, Storm and Sewer Analysis, Hydro CAD, Flowmasters, StormCAD, etc.) 
  • Design Build project management experience, especially those with civil industry experience or those with experience in industrial (process) oriented construction fields
  • Relevant certifications or other sustainability-oriented accreditation (iLEED , Envision, Living Building Challenge, EcoDistricts, DBIA)
  • Knowledge of GIS principles
 

Expected Outcomes

  • Develop and implement innovative design techniques that enhance projects and productivity within assignments
  • Directly oversee and manage engineering efforts from project inception through completion of construction in coordination with Design Team, Client, and and construction teams
  • Execution of all work professionally, safely, and ethically according to company values, engineering code of ethics and applicable law 
  • Regular client engagement resulting in continually expanding trust relationships and successful project delivery
  • Coordinate with Principals and Operations leadership to assemble the project team and regularly review the project
  • Project manage teams to meet scope, schedule, and budget requirements, resulting in consistently profitable work
  • Develop, mentor and assist staff in gaining experience and expertise in existing and emerging services, building and strengthening the team’s competencies
  • Diligent and timely compliance with and implementation of company business practices, key among these being time entry 
  • Maintenance of a Professional Engineer license for employment duration

What We Offer

  • Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
  • Flexible working - with every other Friday off
  • Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
  • Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
  • Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
  • Automatic 401k enrollment
  • Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
  • A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment!

Compensation:

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $113,000 to $124,000. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.


 

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