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Waste Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Waste Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$17.8K

$52.6K

$92K

How much do waste manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste manager in Iowa is $52,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $56,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a waste manager do?

A Waste Manager oversees the collection, transportation, disposal, and recycling of waste materials for businesses, municipalities, or other organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that waste management processes comply with environmental regulations and safety standards. Waste Managers also develop strategies to minimize waste, promote recycling initiatives, and optimize resource use. Additionally, they may supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate with government agencies or private contractors. Their goal is to ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible waste handling.

What are the main challenges waste managers face when implementing sustainable waste management practices?

Waste Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental regulations, educating staff and clients on proper waste segregation, and adapting to new technologies or changing legislation. Achieving buy-in across an organization can be difficult, especially when introducing new recycling or reduction initiatives. Additionally, Waste Managers must frequently collaborate with local authorities, vendors, and internal teams to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in waste processes.

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

To thrive as a Waste Manager, you need strong knowledge of waste management regulations, environmental science, and operational logistics, often supported by a degree in environmental management or a related field. Familiarity with waste tracking systems, compliance software, and relevant certifications such as Certified Manager of Hazardous Materials (CHMM) is typical. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help coordinate teams and engage stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, efficient waste disposal, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.

What is the difference between Waste Manager vs Waste Coordinator?

AspectWaste ManagerWaste Coordinator
CertificationsEPA certifications, environmental management certificationsEPA certifications, environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees waste operations, manages teams, strategic planningCoordinates waste collection, assists in compliance, supports waste operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industrial, municipal, and commercial sectorsCommon in municipal and industrial waste services
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on management responsibilities and leadershipFocuses on coordination and operational support

The Waste Manager typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing waste management strategies and teams, while the Waste Coordinator supports daily operations and ensures compliance. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to waste management industries, but they differ mainly in scope and level of authority.

What is the role of a waste manager?

A waste manager oversees the collection, disposal, and recycling of waste materials to ensure environmental compliance and safety. They develop waste management strategies, supervise staff, and may use tools like tracking software to optimize waste processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Waste jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Waste jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Waste Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Waste Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Waste Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,554 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Waste Collection Operator

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

HK Solutions Group
Environmental Consulting Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

HK Solutions Group is seeking a Waste Collection Operator to work at our Des Moines, IA location. Successful candidate will work outside year round in all types of weather conditions, operating a vacuum truck and picking up industrial waste and delivering material to a final destination which could be a landfill or the HK Pretreatment Plant.ย 

Essential Functions

  • Pick up liquids, high solids, oil water, or sludge from a variety of sources included but not limited to oil/water separators, clarifiers, sumps, trenches, pits, floor drains and underground waste tanks at different customer sites
  • Clean trenches leading to separators, pits, drains, sumps and other locations
  • Up-sell at customer locations and generate new leads in the field
  • Observe safety & security procedures
  • Coordinate schedule with project managers
  • Prepare samples for laboratory analysis
  • Coordinate disposal of process material (oil, glycol solutions, sludge, soil, absorbents)
  • Transport process waste to disposal facilities
  • Perform repair and maintenance as necessary
  • Operation and maintenance of material handling equipment
Requirements
  • Must possess Class A CDL w/ tank endorsement
  • Must possess or be able to obtain Hazmat endorsement within 90 days of hire
  • Must be at leastย 21years of age

ย Physical Requirementsย 

  • Working both indoors and outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions
  • Regularly exposed to industrial environments involving equipment, elevated work areas, confined spaces, noise, dust, hazardous materials and odorsย 

Benefits we are proud to offer

  • Medical,ย Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term andย Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (13 days annually)
  • Paid Holidays (8 days annually)
  • 401K w/ company match

HK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.