Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer Solid Waste and Landfill Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on delivering engineering solutions for solid waste facilities, with an emphasis on landfill and landfill gas systems. You will work closely with clients and a multidisciplinary team to plan, design, permit, and support construction of environmental infrastructure projects. The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement based on your skills, expertise, and drive, while allowing you to make a direct impact on improving the environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for solid waste projects, primarily focused on landfill and landfill gas systems.

• Serve as a client-facing engineer, building strong relationships and communicating clearly about project progress, technical issues, and solutions.

• Collaborate with a team of engineers, designers, and project managers to deliver projects on time and within scope.

• Perform engineering design for solid waste facilities, including layouts, grading, stormwater management, drainage, and related civil components.

• Support permitting activities for solid waste facilities by preparing or contributing to permit applications and associated documentation.

• Assist with regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring that project designs and operations align with applicable environmental and solid waste regulations.

• Oversee and monitor construction operations for landfill and landfill gas projects, including site visits and coordination with construction teams.

• Conduct field work as needed, including construction oversight, site meetings with clients and contractors, and on-site problem solving.

• Apply AutoCAD Civil 3D to develop plans, profiles, and other design drawings for civil and environmental projects.

• Support project management tasks such as scheduling, coordination, and communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Participate in the planning and execution of environmental projects that reduce methane emissions, repurpose contaminated properties, produce alternative energy, and support carbon sequestration.

• Contribute to a collaborative office culture by participating in brainstorming sessions, knowledge sharing, and team-based problem solving.

• Demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in all project work.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in environmental, civil, construction, or a related engineering field.

• At least 3 years of related work experience in civil, environmental, or construction engineering.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for civil and site design.

• Experience in civil engineering design, including land development, stormwater, and drainage.

• Knowledge of solid waste engineering, including landfill and landfill gas systems, or closely related infrastructure.

• Ability to manage and support multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

• Strong client-facing communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

• Demonstrated experience in construction oversight or coordination with construction teams.

• Valid drivers license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certification preferred.

• Experience or coursework related to environmental engineering and solid waste management.

• Familiarity with relevant permits and regulatory frameworks for solid waste and environmental projects.

• Experience working with landfill gas, stormwater management, or drainage systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Interest in advancing into leadership roles within a local office and broader organization.

• Motivation to contribute to environmental improvement, including reducing methane emissions, repurposing contaminated properties, producing alternative energy, and supporting carbon sequestration.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office located on the outskirts of West Des Moines, featuring an open-space concept that promotes collaboration among design, project management, and support teams. You will split your time between office-based design and coordination work and field activities, such as construction oversight and on-site meetings with construction teams and clients. The office brings together professionals from entry-level engineers to leadership, offering a wide range of experience and mentorship opportunities. The team culture emphasizes close collaboration, frequent brainstorming sessions, and social outings, all centered around delivering high-quality project experiences and taking pride in their work. Typical work involves using tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and other standard engineering software in a professional office setting, with occasional travel to project sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clive, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clive, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Clive,IA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.