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Waste Management Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved ... engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related ...

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus. * Experience : * Minimum of 10 years relevant ...

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus. * Experience : * Minimum of 10 years relevant ...

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Waste Management Engineer information

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$31K

$102.9K

$165.5K

How much do waste management engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management engineer in the United States is $102,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $129,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Waste Management Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Waste Management Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Waste Management Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Waste Management Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Waste Management Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Management Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Waste Management Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,900 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Solid Waste Engineer

Solid Waste Engineer

Essel

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid waste projects. In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved with public and private clients in marketing, client management, and project production.

Responsibilities include project management, business development, and staff development. Project responsibility will have a primary focus on solid waste management, including landfill gas, landfills and landfill infrastructure, composting, and other projects, which may require design, engineering, permitting, construction and/or operations support. You can be hybrid out of our San Diego, Long Beach, Pleasanton, or Sacramento office. Remote work might also be considered if you live in California.

  • Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related fields.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, drawings, reports, and permit applications.
  • Make decisions independently on engineering or scientific problems and methods, plans and coordinate work, and represent us at meetings and conferences.
  • Field work performed by high/driving in varied terrain and weather will be required, including but not limited to, surveys/data gathering, CQA liner installations, inspections, etc.
  • Office-based tasks including: CAD drafting, mathematical calculations, report writing, creating site plans and facility diagrams, and permit applications.
  • Business development including: proposal preparation, meeting with clients, and attending industry-related conferences/trade shows.
  • Receive technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans or projects.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field required.
  • Minimum of 6 years of relevant working knowledge/demonstrated consulting experience with projects specific to the solid waste industry, including:
    • Landfill gas management, air compliance, and landfill design and permitting is required.
  • E.I.T. required and California P.E (civil) registration or ability to obtain within 6 months preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, 401K, and employer-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Student Debt Employer Contribution Program
  • Paid holidays and PTO