Civil Engineer I - Solid Waste Project Engineer

Main Purpose & Function

The Solid Waste Project Engineer plays a crucial role in planning, coordinating, and delivering solid waste initiatives to support an efficient, effective, and resilient waste management system in Vancouver. This position applies technical expertise to the design and implementation of programs, projects, and policies to enhance operational efficiency in waste collection, improve street cleanliness, and reduce overall waste going to landfill.  The role contributes to the development and execution of policy and capital/operational programs to support implementation of long term plans such as Zero Waste 2040 and Metro Vancouver Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan (ISWRMP).  The position also provides leadership on projects and programs, including directing and mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across departments.

The position reports to a Senior Engineer (Civil Engineer II) and collaborates closely with Sanitation Operations staff.  This position also works with staff and management within Engineering Services, as well as other departments such as the Park Board, Finance, Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (PDS), Legal Services, Real Estate, Environment and Facilities Management (REFM), and Technology Services.

Key external contacts this position works with are other government and institution organizations engaged in related efforts such as Metro Vancouver and other municipalities, as well as a variety of other stakeholders, such as Business Improvement Associations and non-profit organizations.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides project and piloting/testing coordination and management, program and contract administration, including cost estimating, develop and monitor work scope, performance metrics, budget and schedule.
• Prepares and/or reviews solid waste infrastructure drawings, and coordinate approvals from other stakeholders.
• Researches, plans, designs, completes, and presents technical and cost/benefit analyses for potential new, or modification to existing City Solid Waste programs.
• Participates in or prepares for the writing, tendering, negotiating and awarding of contracts and grants (goods, consultants and contractors) for solid waste programs and projects.
• Supervises and checks the work of junior staff as required.
• Drafts Council reports, memos, and responses to questions from Council members on issues related to solid waste management
• Develops public communications in collaboration with Corporate Communications and senior staff.
• Reviews rezoning and development permit applications to ensure compliance with solid waste requirements and provides recommendations for applicants.
• Responds to inquiries internally from other City departments and externally from businesses, other municipalities, or the general public.
• Reviews and defines problems related to waste reduction and improving the operational efficiency of waste collection and street cleaning services. Identifies opportunities and constraints, and conducts research, data collection and evaluation, planning, stakeholder engagement, designing, modeling, piloting/testing, cost estimating, business case development, and presentation of results and recommendations to staff and management.
• Researches and tracks leading practices and industry developments and trends, involving, for example, benchmarks, service providers, recycling market conditions, emerging and innovative technologies, and programs and policies in other jurisdictions; identifies implications and options that may be applied to the City’s solid waste programs, operations or services.
• Develops scope, timelines and budgets, and coordinates and manages studies, such as waste characterization assessments
• Provides technical assistance to senior engineers and project managers with their delivery of capital and operating projects.
• Develops technical specifications, and evaluates tenders and proposals for technologies, labour, materials, and professional services.
• Develops and administers contracts and grants related to the City’s management of solid waste operations and services.
• Develops program performance metrics; develops and maintains monitoring systems such as scorecards and dashboards; compiles, analyzes and interprets data and trends; makes recommendations to senior management based on findings; prepares reports.
• Develops and/or enhances program resources for staff, including for example, technical manuals, guidelines, and work/operating procedures.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences or Engineering and a minimum of three years of related experience in planning and implementing public works programs, ideally with experience in municipal solid waste management, waste reduction, recycling, composting, street cleaning programs, and/or policy development, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Registration as a Professional Engineer or Engineer-in-Training in British Columbia

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of municipal solid waste, recycling, composting, and disposal programs, policies, technologies and systems.
• Working knowledge of the Professional Governance Act, Quality Management System and their respective frameworks and applications.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and manage project and program budgets.
• Strong analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to anticipate and manage multiple interacting and technically complex issues.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize actions in response to numerous and diverse demands.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering plans and specifications.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in the use of software applications and databases such as MS Office and ArcGIS.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record

Business Unit/Department : Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: July, 2026 

Salary Information:  Pay Grade RNG-080: $102,960 to $128,691 per annum (PEng)/ Pay Grade RNG-060: $80,008 to $100,006 per annum (EIT)

Application Close: June 18, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion . 

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). More about unceded traditional territories

Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.