Think you might be a Landfill Engineer You could be looking at job security in a growth industry that gives you the opportunity to do meaningful work that could save the world—what’s not to like?
Adam Jochelson, P. E.
I am the only person I know who calls himself (or herself) a Landfill Engineer. Without exception, my colleagues in the field are all Environmental Engineers, with varying degrees of experience at landfills.
Now, as I mentioned at the beginning of this series, I didn’t always call myself a Landfill Engineer. In fact, for a while I didn’t think of myself as an engineer at all. But my experiences over the last decade or so working at a large municipal landfill every day and then consulting to them for several years on my own transformed me into one. So much so, that I continue to use the title in my current role providing high tech GPS grade control equipment and services to landfills, despite the fact that GeoShack doesn’t really have that title in its hierarchy.
Of course, just because I haven’t seen any doesn’t mean there aren’t other Landfill Engineers out there. In fact, if you’re taking the time to read this commentary you might even be one yourself. If your friends think your fondness for landfill facilities borders on creepy, that’s another clue. Other signs that you could be a Landfill Engineer are
- When you go on vacation, you have the urge to follow garbage trucks to find the local landfill;
- You never go anywhere without a heavy equipment master key in your pocket; and
- The phrase “garbage compactor” does not make you think of something that could fit in your kitchen.
Now, if you exhibit any of these signs, don’t panic. Showing symptoms of Landfill Engineering is perfectly OK—and trust me, it’s probably not contagious. And that’s a shame because Landfill Engineers plan, design and develop facilities that form a vital part of almost every community across the U.S. Beyond that, there are many reasons why being a Landfill Engineer is a great path to follow.
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Job Security for About a Century, and Counting
Records aren’t clear, but anecdotal evidence suggests that burying it became a popular way to manage our waste in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Fresno Municipal Landfill, opened in1937, is considered the first modern “sanitary landfill,” introducing such innovations as compacting waste and applying daily cover. It would be several decades hence that the federal government would officially recognize the importance of proper waste management, codifying standards for these facilities first in the 1960s and 1970s, then strengthening the specifications regularly into the new century.
So important was the precedent set in Fresno that the granddaddy of them all is now a registered National Historic Landmark. This, of course, means the facility has earned official acknowledgement for its “outstanding degree of historical significance.” Most of my friends would roll their eyes upon hearing me say such a thing, but it can be a useful tidbit when trying to convince your family or other travel partners to indulge in a detour to visit a landfill facility that happens to be only 10 minutes out of the way on your next vacation. No doubt, that’s better than a side trip to see the largest ball of string in the world.
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Despite Rumors of Their Demise, Landfills are Currently a Growth Industry
My experience leads me to believe that within a month of opening the facility in Fresno, the landfill manager entertained a visit from an advocate of a new waste management technology that would put landfills out of business forever. The truth of the matter is that a number of very cool, high-tech alternate solutions exist today—and they work!
Trouble is that, at present, none of them can compete with landfills when subjected to a head-to-head cost-benefit analysis. I have no doubt that someday, we will plasma arc gasify or thermal depolymerize our waste—maybe even blast it into the Sun. Just kidding about that last one (though people have seriously proposed it!), but the other technologies, and many like them, are viable ways to manage waste that do exist in the world right now.
But, again, for the majority of the United States and the rest of our planet today, landfills are the best, most cost effective technology to safely and securely manage our wastes, a situation that is unlikely to change much in the near future. As long as this is the case, it’s important to operate landfills in the best way possible—play the hand we’re dealt, so to speak.
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“Save the World” Potential
A recent survey1 gauged the most important factors affecting job satisfaction among millennials. Top of the list: good pay. No big surprise there—millennials are people after all. But second place might surprise you. Ranked above flexibility, enjoyment/fun, hours, culture, and positive relationship with coworkers (stalwarts of what we associate with the millennial generation) is “feeling that the work that I do is meaningful.” Most millennials, it turns out, want to feel like their job makes a difference.
Well, being a Landfill Engineer can give you that feeling. Working to make sure landfills operate efficiently saves resources, provides stable jobs, prevents pollution, and generally improves living conditions for the communities they serve. I have called myself a Landfill Engineer for at least a decade now. During that time, my work has afforded me many opportunities to contribute positively to my community in ways that will continue to provide benefits long after I’m gone.
So don’t call your doctor if you suspect you may be coming down with an acute case of Landfill Engineering. Embrace the transition and take comfort knowing you’re entering a field with an illustrious past and a bright future. Welcome to the club!
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Adam Jochelson, P. E., is a Landfill Engineer and Facility Specialist working for GeoShack, Inc., where he promotes the application of cutting edge technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of landfill operations. Adam built his knowledge and techniques over a nine-year period as the on-site engineer at McCommas Bluff Landfill in Dallas, TX. His unique experiences in engineering and other fields have combined to create an exceptional understanding of the various challenges inherent in landfill planning, design, and operations. Adam can be reached at (972) 342-3055 or via e-mail at [email protected].
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Note
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- Cash-Strapped Millennials Rank Pay As The Most Important Part Of A Job:
Sidebar
Land·fill En·gi·neer [land-fil en-juh-neer]
noun an environmental engineer who specializes in the design, management, planning, and development, of solid waste management facilities; a unique combination of engineer, surveyor, data analyst, computer programmer, construction worker, manager, teacher, writer, conservationist and experimenter.
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