Solid Waste Planner

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is hiring a Solid Waste Planner in Atlanta, GA. The role involves developing waste management strategies, supporting recycling and sustainability initiatives, and fostering client relationships. Candidates should have experience in waste management, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in teams. The position requires knowledge of current trends in waste management and familiarity with related policies.
Position: Solid Waste Planner 1

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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

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 disposal practices.

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.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of long-range waste management strategic plans for municipalities including researching, identifying, assessing and evaluating alternate diversion and disposal technologies and programs. Additional opportunities will be available to support planning and approvals processes for a range of waste management facilities. You will also be expected to assist in preparing project reports, memorandums, and presentations by knowing the receiving audience perspective.

You will help to foster client relationships through marketing and preparation of proposals for new projects. Incorporating strategic communications and engagement with multiple stakeholders will be an important part of the job and your projects. You should expect to be leading and coordinating projects across the United States, collaborating with staff in our various offices or with strategic partners. As part of a much larger national Solid Waste team, you can also expect to be provided with opportunities to work on comparable, new, and exciting projects around HDR’s network.

Preferred Qualifications
• Prior 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
• Demonstrated research, analysis and interpretation skills for problem solving
• Adept at using all aspects of Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Power Point
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills
• 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

Required Qualifications
• 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

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location

United States-Georgia-Atlanta
Industry

Waste
Schedule

Full-time
Employee Status

Regular
Job Posting

Mar 13, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to…