Solid Waste Planner

HDR • Saint Louis Park, MN

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? We believe waste is more than management, it’s also an opportunity to innovate. As part of our Waste sector, you’ll help shape solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and communities to design sustainable, cost-effective systems that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier communities. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.
Our Solid Waste Practice is seeking a Planner with the ability to support a wide variety of waste diversion, resource management and visioning projects. You will be knowledgeable of, and or have experience with, recycling programs, source separated organics programs, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, this candidate should show interest in other new and innovative diversion programs with an emphasis on sustainable materials management, along with collections and operations. Your understanding of potential changes and emerging trends in the industry will set you apart from other candidates. You are confident working in a team environment, as well as independently, developing strong relationships and speaking to groups of people.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
• May require the ability to travel
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 0-5 years’ experience in the areas of recycling, composting and waste management for a municipality or within a consultant environment
• Familiarity with environmental and municipal policy processes
• Knowledge of current trends in waste management, including zero waste, circular economy and product stewardship, and their implications and connection to sustainable practices
• Knowledge of TRUE Advisor and or SWANA Zero Waste
• Knowledge of Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities
• Knowledge of Environmental Justice
• Knowledge of Solid Waste Management Systems
• Preference given to local candidates as this positions requires at minimum three days per week in office
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel on occasion (less than 25%25 of time)

Responsibilities

• Development of long-range waste management strategic plans for municipalities and other clients, including researching, identifying, assessing and evaluating alternate diversion and disposal technologies and programs.
• Support planning and approvals processes for a range of waste management facilities.
• Assist in preparing project reports, memorandums, and presentations by knowing the receiving audience perspective.
• Foster client relationships through marketing and preparation of proposals for new projects.
• Incorporate strategic communications and engagement with multiple stakeholders.
• Leading and coordinating projects across the United States, collaborating with staff in our various offices or with strategic partners.
• Support both local projects to the Area, as well as national projects based on project needs.
• Support the Collections and Operations portion of the Solid Waste Planning team through coordination with operational assessments including occasional field work.
• Work on comparable, new, and exciting projects around HDR’s network.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level