Solid Waste Engineer

Halifax Regional Municipality

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Solid Waste Engineer in Public Works.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The Solid Waste Engineer is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of capital works, service programs, studies and other engineering projects related to the integrated solid waste resource management system of the Halifax Regional Municipality. This position provides engineering, technical, analytical and financial advice for the strategic development and improvement of the solid waste resource management system. This includes contract negotiation, analysis and development of services, programs and infrastructure. This position is under the general direction of the Manager - Engineering and Contract Services, but from time to time may be asked to report directly to the Director, Solid Waste Resources for specific projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop, manage and implement capital and operating projects related to the solid waste resource management system. Recommend capital and operating projects, coordinate budgets for capital programs and the inspection, monitoring and oversight of construction of new facilities, maintenance projects or upgrades, and ensure regular reports on project progress and financial position. Coordinate infrastructure and equipment purchases, design and cost reviews and activities of consultants or engineers;
  • Identify and investigate issues and problems related to the solid waste resource management system, recommend appropriate course of action for strategic development or system improvement related to the issue or to deal with the system problem. Undertake reviews of program and service delivery to recommend direction in scheduled contract tenders/renewals;
  • Prepare requests for proposals, lender documents and price agreements for services to ensure the efficient operation of the waste disposal and diversion system. Establish specifications, terms of reference, evaluation systems and contracts for proposals and lenders, and liaise with other parts of the organization or agencies for financial and procurement aspects of selection process;
  • Undertake research, investigate and communicate with others and develop innovative and cost effective approaches to various aspects of system management consistent with HRM Business Strategies;
  • Lead in analyzing financial and operational proposals, negotiating agreements, contracts or contract amendments with long term private sector service partners or contractors;
  • Prepare terms of reference for studies, environmental monitoring activities and facility environmental improvement projects, review consultants’ proposals, lead selection of the consultant and contractor; coordinate and supervise the activity of consultants and contractors. Initiate and coordinate studies and other engineering projects related to the integrated solid waste resource management system;
  • Provide review of historical information, forecasts and analysis of demographic, economic, and other statistics required to develop waste diversion or disposal programs. Maintain financial and information tracking and control for contract agreements, provide financial and waste stream analysis, ass is t in budget development committees and business plan preparation. Prepare implementation plans for new services or developments in programs and facilities;
  • Prepare reports, attend meetings with citizen advisory groups, community committees, and regulators to discuss technical issues and provide advice; provide regular reports to monitoring committee, respond to committee requests, public inquires, and pending regulatory changes. Provide reports to the Program Manager - Engineering and Contract Services and other staff on permit approvals, regulatory issues, emerging concerns, bylaws, changing trends in residential, commercial, or institutional waste resource practices, and new approaches from other jurisdictions:
  • Liaise with Department of Environment, regulators, consultants, contractors or partners on permit approvals and environmental requirements. Maintain approvals, review drawings and specifications, update operations plan, ensure monitoring and compliance for facility regulatory approvals. Coordinate Technical Steering Committees and Regions participation in provincial committee review of landfill design standards;
  • Review and develop mass balance and integrated cost model; develop stream gene ration forecasts, monitor system performance, collect and analyses information, service delivery methods and trends, develop recommendations related lo policy and procedures for programs, projects, communication and education and diversion initiatives. Develop and implement operational protocols and procedures for special waste receiving, load monitoring, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering;
  • Minimum of five years' experience in a related engineering discipline;
  • Registered or eligible for registration and membership as a professional engineer in the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

  • Technical knowledge of modem solid waste/resource management systems, including facility design issues, collection, diversion of materials, and disposal of residuals.
  • Extensive know ledge of the regulatory requirements for municipal waste disposal and diversion systems including the Nova Scotia Environment Act, Municipal Government Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and HRM regulations and bylaws.
  • Good knowledge of project management and long-range planning systems within a municipal administrative framework.
  • Thorough understanding of public/ private partnerships, contract administration and management information systems.
  • Ability to analyze and apply technical knowledge 10 solid waste programs, to identify potential problems, propose corrective action, and implement improvements.
  • Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently.
  • Skill in developing and evaluating Requests for Proposals, Tenders in a municipal environment.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills to present information to technical or non-technical audiences, with emphasis on report writing.
  • Demonstrated administrative and organizational ability.
  • Ability to make decisions, to work in team environments under pressure associated with light time lines and public scrutiny.
  • Computer skills including working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, project management, and planning systems.
  • Ability to effectively represent the Business Unit with other staff in the Municipality, and with outside agencies and other contacts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, elected officials, community organizations and the general public.
  • Challenges the status quo and looks for new and different opportunities to solve old problems.
  • Makes sound judgements using an appropriate combination of research, analysis and experience.
  • Valid Nova Scotia Driver's License or equivalent from another province and be prepared to use personal vehicle in accordance with the Local Travel Allowance Policy.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Communication, Customer Service, Decision Making, Teamwork & Cooperation, Analytical Thinking, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm; 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: ENG 2, $90,860 - $117,584. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 78623523)