Application Guide
How to Apply for Principal Hydrogeologist
at Republic Services
🏢 About Republic Services
Republic Services is a leader in sustainable waste management with a clear commitment to environmental stewardship, operating over 340 collection operations and 200 landfills across the U.S. What makes them unique is their dual focus on essential waste services while actively pursuing greener solutions through recycling and renewable energy initiatives. Someone might want to work here to contribute to tangible environmental progress within a large-scale, established industry leader.
About This Role
This Principal Hydrogeologist role involves leading the company's technical response to complex environmental challenges, particularly around RCRA/CERCLA cleanups and solid waste facility monitoring. It's impactful because you'll shape regulatory advocacy and direct high-stakes environmental projects that directly affect community safety and corporate compliance. You'll serve as the senior technical authority guiding both internal teams and external consultants on critical hydrogeologic issues.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing groundwater monitoring data from multiple landfill sites, leading a strategy session with environmental managers on an upcoming regulatory submission, and providing technical guidance to consultants working on a RCRA corrective action plan. You could spend the afternoon developing advocacy positions on proposed regulatory changes and preparing senior leadership briefings on high-impact environmental risks.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Republic Services Is Looking For
- A licensed Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist/Hydrogeologist with 10+ years of hands-on experience specifically in CERCLA/RCRA cleanup permitting and solid waste facility monitoring
- Someone who has successfully managed complex environmental projects from technical analysis through regulatory approval, with demonstrated ability to lead teams of environmental managers and consultants
- An expert who can translate detailed hydrogeologic data into actionable business strategies and persuasive regulatory communications
- A strategic thinker with advanced degree credentials who understands both the technical nuances of waste management and the business implications of environmental compliance
📝 Tips for Applying to Republic Services
Quantify your experience with specific numbers: mention how many RCRA/CERCLA projects you've permitted, the dollar value of cleanup projects managed, or the number of regulatory submissions you've led
Highlight any experience with landfill monitoring systems, groundwater remediation at waste facilities, or specific state/federal regulatory frameworks you've navigated successfully
Demonstrate understanding of Republic Services' business model by referencing their sustainability reports or specific facility types (like their landfill gas-to-energy projects)
Showcase both technical expertise AND leadership experience - this role requires equal parts hydrogeologic mastery and team/consultant management
If you have experience with advocacy or influencing environmental regulations, provide concrete examples of how you've shaped policy or regulatory outcomes
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with RCRA/CERCLA cleanups in waste management contexts - not just general environmental work', 'Examples of successfully navigating complex regulatory environments and achieving favorable outcomes for previous employers', 'How your technical hydrogeologic expertise translates to business value and risk mitigation for waste management operations', 'Your leadership approach when directing environmental managers and consultants on high-stakes monitoring and compliance issues']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Republic Services' 2023 Sustainability Report and their specific environmental goals around landfill gas capture and groundwater protection
- → Recent regulatory developments affecting waste management at federal (EPA) and state levels where Republic operates major facilities
- → The company's recent environmental initiatives or challenges mentioned in their annual reports or press releases
- → Specific RCRA/CERCLA cases or compliance issues in the waste industry that might inform your understanding of their needs
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting only general environmental consulting experience without specific waste management or landfill monitoring expertise
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the regulatory frameworks (RCRA/CERCLA) that are central to this role's responsibilities
- Overemphasizing academic or research credentials while underplaying practical project management and regulatory experience
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Republic Services!