Solid Waste Project Engineer

Job Description:

Solid Waste Project Engineer

Description

JOB POSTING

*****NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY*****
POSTING #BR-363-25E

Build a career where your engineering work truly matters. As a Solid Waste Project Engineer with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, you’ll play a key role in protecting public health and the environment while supporting innovative waste-to-resource operations. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex, large-scale public infrastructure projects with real community impact—providing engineering support for regulatory compliance, environmental control systems, and operational improvements. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, site personnel, and regulatory agencies, all while enjoying competitive pay, public-sector stability, and clear career pathways for growth.
Why this job is different: This is not a traditional desk-only engineering role. You’ll be embedded in active field operations, where your solutions move beyond plans and reports and are implemented in real time. You’ll work side-by-side with operators and crafts, tackle challenging regulatory and operational issues, and see the direct results of your work every day. Few engineering positions offer this level of hands-on responsibility, visibility, and long-term impact. If you’re seeking purpose-driven engineering, professional growth, and the satisfaction of solving real-world problems, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
The initial review of applications is expected to begin January 13.

LOCATION:
SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT, OPERATIONS AND ENGINEERING SECTION, PUENTE HILLS FIELD OFFICE (PHFO)

NOTE:
Evening/night and weekend work (comp time/OT) is sometimes required, particularly during rain events.

JOB SUMMARY:
The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Engineer, the incumbent will:

• P rovide technical support including engineering for regulatory compliance
  
• Develop and recommend engineering solutions for various projects
  
• Interact with various departments, sections, regulatory agencies and the public
  
• Perform other duties related to ensuring the sites are in compliance with permits and regulatory requirements
  
• Oversee environmental control systems
  
• Interact with site personnel and crafts to facilitate current and/or proposed projects. Sample duties include:
  
  • Administering contracts related to maintenance, agreements, services and supplies
    
  • Budget analysis for tracking of expenses
    
  • Conducting studies related to environmental control systems
    

The current vacancy may be filled at any of the following levels:

• ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE II, III: the work performed in these classes are normally a prerequisite to qualify for the Professional Engineer (PE) licensure examinations.
• ENGINEER: this level differs from the Engineering Associate level classes by requiring a Professional Engineer (PE) license, handling more complex engineering assignments, and demonstrating a higher level of proficiency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license
  

-AND-

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE II LEVEL:

• Option 1: A bachelor's degree and master’s degree both in a pertinent engineering discipline from an accredited and recognized college or university
  
• Option 2: A bachelor's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a related science with an Engineer-In-Training Certificate and a master's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a pertinent engineering discipline
  
• Option 3: Two (2) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university
  

ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE III LEVEL:

• Option 1: Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Associate II
  
• Option 2: Four (4) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university
  

ENGINEER LEVEL:

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
  
• AND:
  
• Option 1: Six (6) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university
  
• Option 2: A master's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- Three (3) years of professional engineering experience
  
• Option 3: A PhD in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- two (2) years of professional engineering experience
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional engineering experience working at or in support of solid waste, environmental, or utility facilities, such as landfills, transfer stations, material recovery facilities, or similar operations
• Professional engineering experience in operational or field-based environments, including coordination with site personnel, operations staff, or craft workers

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process for ALL LEVELS may include :

Knowledge of:

• Complex professional engineering theory and practices
• Concepts and practices of physics, chemistry and higher mathematics used in professional engineering work
• Hydraulics, engineering mechanics and stress analysis
• Strength, properties and uses of engineering construction materials
• Complex engineering construction projects
• Chemistry, bacteriology and environmental engineering principles
• Complex investigation, research and survey methods
• Large-scale public project financing methods
• Project management methods
• Principles of administration, economics, organization, training and project leadership

Ability to :

• Design complex projects in technical fields of engineering
• Analyze large-scale, complex engineering problems and develop appropriate solutions
• Prepare, review, check or interpret engineering plans and specifications
• Apply appropriate engineering principles
• Plan, organize and monitor the effectiveness of the work of operations, repair, maintenance and engineering staff, consultants and vendors
• Coordinate and administer complex engineering projects
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Districts staff, the public, consultants, and vendors
• Negotiate on behalf of the Districts
• Prepare and coordinate the development of comprehensive reports

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NOTE: This posting will remain open until vacancy is filled and is subject to closure without notice.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of an interview weighted at 100% and will be the same for all qualified applicants.
• The initial review of applications is expected to begin January 13.

TO APPLY:
Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system, you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTES:

• The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related reference check, DMV report, and a drug test.
  
• Candidates who have completed their required college or university coursework outside the United States must provide a comprehensive evaluation of their foreign transcripts and degrees upon selection for this position.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brandi Reyes at BrandiReyes@lacsd.org .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$9,472.00 - $13,850.00 Monthly