SENIOR WASTE MANAGEMENT ENGINEER

State of California; California; Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework

Job summary

The State of California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) seeks a Senior Waste Management Engineer (Supervisory) to lead a team of five engineers and geologists in the Closure and Technical Services Unit. You will direct technical reviews, ensure compliance with solid waste regulations, and support policy development.

Ideal candidates have leadership skills, a strong background in landfill engineering, and the ability to communicate with CalRecycle staff, consultants,

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in environmental, chemical, civil, mechanical, or related engineering field is preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible engineering experience, with at least two years in waste management/landfill context.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage complex projects.
• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders including CalRecycle, consultants, public and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Direct a team of engineers and geologists to ensure compliant landfill operations.
• Provide engineering support for policy, procedures, regulations, and legislation.
• Develop the unit as a leading technical expert on landfills and environmental protection systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Cost estimating

Landfill engineering

Education

Master’s or PhD in environmental/chemical/civil/mechanical engineering

Job description

Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery

JC-536208

Senior Waste Management Engineer (Supervisory)

$11,437.00 - $14,315.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 11/25/2026

At CalRecycle’s Engineering Support Branch we are all about protecting California’s environment. We are seeking an initiative‑taking individual excited to join us as a Senior Waste Management Engineer to lead our team of five engineers and geologists in the Closure and Technical Services Unit.

You will direct a team of engineers and geologists to ensure that landfills throughout California operate, close, and are maintained in compliance with State requirements. You will also provide engineering support to other CalRecycle program areas in the formulation, analysis, and amendment of policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation. Your success will be ensuring the unit completes timely, accurate, and consistent reviews of technical and engineering reports while developing the unit as the foremost technical experts on landfills and their environmental protection systems.

We are looking for an engineer with leadership and communication skills and a strong technical background in engineering principles. Someone with an understanding of the design, siting, and operations, and mitigation measures for disposal activities. Ideal candidates will have an aptitude to manage and motivate unit staff and effectively communicate and interact in a wide variety of forums with staff from CalRecycle, consultants, the regulated industry, the public, and all levels of governmental agencies. The ability to evaluate and practically apply laws and regulations for solid waste handling and disposal.

If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and have a strong background and interest in solid waste management, we want to hear from you.

As of July 1st, 2026, the position is office-centered and employees will be expected to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location, as indicated on their duty statement, at their own expense.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR WASTE MANAGEMENT ENGINEER

Classification

SENIOR WASTE MANAGEMENT ENGINEER $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions

1

Telework

Hybrid

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations t hrough the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.

Candidate Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• CalRecycle does not currently have an examination for the classification of Senior Waste Management Engineer. Must have Senior Water Resource Control Engineer list (Exam Code: 9PB70), transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Preference for possession of a master’s degree and/or doctorate degree in environmental, chemical, civil, mechanical, or a related engineering field.
• Preference for five years of increasingly responsible experience in engineering, at least two years of which are comparable in type and level to that of a Waste Management Engineer (Range D) demonstrating a strong technical background in the engineering principles of solid waste facility and landfill engineering design, siting, construction, operation, closure, postclosure maintenance and land use, investigation, remediation, landfill gas control and monitoring, and/or cost estimating.
• Preference for experience demonstrates the ability to work independently and manage complex projects and to analyze data, perform technical analyses, and develop comparative options and make recommendations for decisions.
• Preference for experience demonstrating the ability to supervise, manage, and motivate staff to obtain project completion by providing responsible charge of work in accordance with the Business and Professions Code including independent control and direction by use of initiative, skill, and independent judgment of the investigation, design, or review of professional engineering work.
• Preference for experience demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate, interact, and represent the Department with all levels of staff and managers as well as with federal, state, and local government agencies, the regulated industry, and the public at meetings, public hearings, and technical workshops.
• Preference for experience in dealing with complex, controversial, and high‑profile projects.
• Preference for knowledge of Title 14 and Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations and the Public Resources Code as they apply to solid waste management and the Department’s programs and policies.
• Preference for ability to evaluate legislation and regulations and knowledge of the rulemaking process.

In addition to a compelling vision for California, CalRecycle offers competitive pay, benefits, and features for its workforce. To review the pay and benefits offered to

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
Debra Schultz
[phone]
[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:
Alexis Robison
[phone]
[e-mail]

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.