Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Well-being programs

Job summary

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist in Grand Rapids, MI, to join their geoenvironmental and geotechnical practice. This role involves leading projects in solid waste management, engaging in business development, and mentoring staff. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus a professional certification. A minimum of 10 years of experience related to solid waste is required. The position offers the potential for remote work and a focus on collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of related experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated interest and experience directly related to solid waste.
• Strong oral and technical writing skills are required.
• Regular fieldwork and overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Engage in sales, business development and client relationship management.
• Lead landfill engineering design and civil design projects.
• Prepare permit applications, design calculations, and technical specifications.

Skills

Sales and business development

Landfill engineering design

Technical writing

Experience with modeling/design tools

Understanding of local, state, and federal regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, geology or environmental science

Advanced degree in relevant field

Professional certification (P.E., P.G.) or ability to obtain

Tools

AUTOCAD

KYpipe

ARCGIS

Job description

Overview

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist to join our geoenvironmental and geotechnical practice, based out of our Grand Rapids, MI, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee, WI, or any of our Midwest based offices, with the opportunity for remote or hybrid‑work scheduling. Our solid waste and landfill services practice engages in complex projects related to landfill, transfer station, surface impoundment design and permitting, geologic and hydrogeologic investigations, solid waste planning, and other solid waste management systems for our diverse client base throughout the Midwest. As a Principal level Engineer or Geologist you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a dedicated staff of industry professionals, contribute to challenging technical work, and engage in business development efforts to expand our market share in the solid waste industry.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public‑sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well‑being programs to support you and your family.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Collaboration and mentoring are cornerstones of Geosyntec’s culture. You should expect to work closely with experienced professionals who will help integrate you into Geosyntec’s culture as you advance to this next stage of your career.

We operate under a sell‑manage‑do culture, and so we expect all employees work on challenging technical projects while leveraging your existing knowledge and experience to help Geosyntec expand its current practices and capabilities. As a Principal Solid Waste Engineer or Geologist, you will have the opportunity to take on a mix of technical expertise, leadership, client relationship management, sales and business development, and mentoring roles.

Some of the key responsibilities for this senior level position include:

• Engage in sales, business development, marketing, and client relationship management to expand solid waste and landfill market presence;
• Landfill engineering design, including liner and final cover system design, landfill gas system design, site closure and financial assurance;
• Civil design, transfer station design, stormwater design, and site layout;
• Engineering analyses such as slope stability, hydrologic and landfill gas modeling, seismic, and seepage;
• Small project/task management and proposal preparation support;
• Understanding of local, state and federal regulations related to solid waste;
• Preparation of permit applications, design calculations, drawings, technical specifications, and permit applications; and
• Fieldwork associated with investigation, design and construction services;
• Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, geology or environmental science. (required)
• Advanced degree in the same. (preferred)
• Professional certification (P.E., P.G. or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 2 years. (required)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• At least 10 years (15+ preferred) of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
• Demonstrated interest and experience directly related to solid waste. (required)
• Strong oral and technical writing skills. (required)
• Experience with modeling/design tools such as AUTOCAD, KYpipe, fate transport modeling, Slope/W, Vadose/W, Sigma/W, FLAC and ARCGIS. (preferred)
• Regular fieldwork up to 30% and overnight travel up to 30%. (required)
• Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client‑driven drug and background testing may be required.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)