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Waste Management Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Seneca Resources Company, LLC

Staff Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$113K/yr

Staff Engineer Location: Richmond, VA Position Type: Direct Hire Salary: Around $113,000 Position ... waste management. * Collaborate with fuel procurement teams during contract renewals, reviewing ...

TEEMA

Senior Landfill Engineer/Solid Waste-PE

Richmond, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/hr

The Waste & Recycling Division is focused on providing solid waste engineering, environmental, and ... The Senior Engineer will manage all project responsibilities of multi-discipline teams. The ...

Fairfax County, VA

Engineering Technician III

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

DPWES Solid Waste Management Opening Date: 07/25/2026 Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Pay ... Performs engineering technical support work in plan and permit review and acceptance and other ...

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All JobsWaste Management Engineer JobsWaste Management Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Waste Management Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$102K

$164.1K

How much do waste management engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management engineer in Virginia is $102,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,200.00 and $127,900.00 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 are Waste Management Engineers?

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.

More about Waste Management Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Waste Management Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waste Management Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Management Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Engineer jobs in VA? For Waste Management Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Waste Management Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Management Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,017 per year, or $49 per hour.

Project Engineer - Solid Waste Engineer

LaBella Associates

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

LaBella Associates rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 438 rated engineering

Job description

The Project Engineer / Solid Waste Engineer will work with other engineers and CAD technicians on various civil, solid waste, and environmental related projects in our Richmond, VA office. The projects are challenging and provide unique design opportunities. You will be responsible for designing solid waste facilities that will enable LaBella to create sustainable, cost-effective solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients. The projects are intricate and incorporate both civil and environmental engineering skills, including land development (grading and stormwater management); leachate collection, treatment, and management; renewable energy designs; and organic waste management. Brand new, already operational, and closed solid waste facilities face many different types of challenges - there is never a dull moment, nor is there a cookie-cutter solution that fits every similar situation.
Duties:
  • Projects will include solid-waste related site development projects: develop master plans, design drawings, design of stormwater management and erosion control systems, technical specifications, and cost estimate
  • Prepare various types of related reports and studies to secure permitting for projects
  • Draft work for scoping/conceptual work/engineering packages
  • Assist with oversight and guidance of projects from initial concept through construction
  • Assist in the preparation of project proposals
  • Collaborate, mentor, and lead as appropriate
  • Prepare preliminary engineering reports
  • Perform and review detailed calculations: stormwater management, leachate generation and pipe sizing, slope stability, and compaction density
  • Produce effective and high-quality project documents (including reports, drawings, and specifications)
  • Assist clients with construction procurement
  • Provide bidding and construction administration services
  • Manage project budgets and schedules

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering
  • 5-10 years experience
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer preferred or E.I.T. on track to become PE
  • Project management experience
  • Minimum 4 years of civil engineering experience, including solid waste, land development, or closely related projects
  • Effective communication skills using oral, graphic, and written forms.
  • Ability to relate well to project team, clients, regulators, and contractors
  • Ability to perform assigned tasks with minimal supervision
  • Ability to travel to project sites and work remotely as needed
  • Ability to manage workload and budgets as allocated
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil3D
  • Team player who is enthusiastic about all aspects of engineering and project management and can lead projects from planning and preliminary engineering through design and construction

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Solid waste engineering experience
  • Land development project experience

Benefits
Body, mind, and wallet-LaBella's benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401k Plan with Employer Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Leadership Development Program
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Team Building Events
  • Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.
LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.

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