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Waste Management Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental, waste management, chemical or a related technical discipline required. * Minimum 15 years of progressive hazardous waste and or waste management ...

Engineer III

Portland, OR · On-site

$101K - $155K/yr

You will be directly responsible for engineering and construction at solid waste disposal ... Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to ...

Engineer III

Portland, OR · On-site

$101K - $155K/yr

You will be directly responsible for engineering and construction at solid waste disposal ... Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to ...

Engineer III

Portland, OR · On-site

$101K - $155K/yr

You will be directly responsible for engineering and construction at solid waste disposal ... Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Waste Management Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$32.9K

$109.1K

$175.5K

How much do waste management engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management engineer in Portland, OR is $109,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,700.00 and $136,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do waste management engineers make?

Waste management engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this field often hold a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related discipline and may pursue certifications to enhance their earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Waste Management Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Waste Management Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Waste Management Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,125 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Sr. Hazardous Waste Specialist

Portland, OR • On-site

Apex Companies
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

 

Part Time - Senior, Hazardous Waste Safety and Environmental Specialist - Portland, Oregon
Introduction


Are you a highly motivated self-starter seeking to join a growth-focused Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) consulting firm?  Are you looking for a company that will provide interesting and technically challenging work and will also invest in your development and grow your professional skills?  If so, consider a career with Apex. Powered by strong sales, extraordinary client retention, multiple career path options, strategic acquisitions, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Apex Companies is one of the fastest growing EHS consulting firms in the USA. We take pride in meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations and have earned numerous industry awards for project excellence. We continue to grow, and we want you to grow with us.


Role Overview:
This role is to provide overarching Hazardous Waste and Environmental Safety expertise to one of Apex's most valued clients, a national aerospace manufacturer. Over the last 2 decades Apex has worked hand and hand with the national aerospace manufacturer helping them achieve their occupational health and safety, ergonomic, environmental and engineering goals.  The incumbent will serve as a Hazardous Waste and Environmental Specialist to support site-wide hazardous waste and environmental compliance operations. This is a part time role with up to 40 hours a week based on client's request.

The incumbent will be dedicated full time to supporting the sites hazardous waste and environmental compliance operations. The individual in this role will work closely with environmental, engineering, maintenance, leadership, and EHS stakeholders to assist with closing any and all hazardous waste and compliance gaps identified as well as supporting the day-to-day operations. 
Key Responsibilities


Project Background 
   Hazardous waste background, including familiarity with Oregon's Dangerous  and Hazardous Waste regulations
   Familiar with EPA hazardous and dangerous waste regulations
   Familiar with related records (manifests, hazardous waste invoices, MSD, etc.)
   Environmental compliance-oriented
o    Able to conduct walking inspections of RCRA accumulation/satellite areas
   able to document and photograph areas of concern, then develop professional emails to convey desired mitigation
   able to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure corrective measures were implemented
   DOT trained -- desirable, but not required, and they would not be expected to sign manifests
   Reasonable computer skills (data entry, email, able to pick up basic operations on the client's internal data base and programs.
o    Able to work as part of a team with client's current Environmental employees dedicated to hazardous waste compliance at the site.

Scope of Work
1.    Factory Dust Disposal Project
a.    Sampling
b.    Tracking (locations & disposal requests)
2.    Site Inspections - Small Quantity Generators 
3.    Land Disposal Restrictions - Review/Update Project Support
4.    Battery Collection Location Updates w/HazMat
5.    RCRA Inspection Forms - compile, organize
6.    Invoice Reviews & Approvals
7.    Hazmat ECTs HW trainings - help develop a mini training program on regulatory compliance and policies at the site. 
a.    Visit crew meetings to train individuals or very small groups on policies, program aspects, compliance, etc
b.    Ability to give small presentations is desirable but not required - we can do the presentations if needed


Qualifications
   Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental, waste management, chemical or a related technical discipline required.
   Minimum 15 years of progressive hazardous waste and or waste management, engineering, environmental/hazardous waste compliance. (Experience and education will be accounted for appropriately). 
   40 hour HAZWOPER 
   Desired but not required:
   OSHA 30
   Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
   Certified Professional in Waste Management (CPWM)
   Hazardous Waste Management Specialist (HMS)
   Excellent communication, training, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
   Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard safety documentation and reporting practices.
   Valid driver's license required.


Select Key Performance Indicators:
   Demonstrates the ability to work independently, successfully executing technical projects with minimal supervision.
   Customer needs are met on a timely basis and emergencies are responded to quickly.
   Meets annually established goals for personally-generated revenue, and utilization %.
   Meets annually established goals for Customer satisfaction.
   Pursues ongoing professional development as mutually agreed with the Business Unit Manager.


Why Join Apex
Apex Companies is a strong place to build an environmental and EHS career. You will get meaningful, hands on work with diverse clients, the backing of an experienced national team, and clear opportunities to grow your technical and leadership skills. You're exposed to projects that span industrial hygiene, hazardous waste, stormwater, and environmental compliance, so your day to day work stays challenging and relevant. At the same time, Apex emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, making it easier to pursue advanced certifications and long term career goals while contributing to projects that genuinely protect people and the environment.

Job Location: 
Portland, OR


Schedule:
Part time - up to 40 hours per week


Travel: 
Not Expected 


Compensation: 
$82/ hour 

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Req ID: 11968