Chemical Engineer

Connexus International Limited; Magherafelt; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the waste management sector seeks a Chemist to manage laboratory operations and support engineering duties. This role requires handling analytical tasks, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in chemistry, experience in plant engineering, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry or chemical engineering required.
• Experience in laboratory settings and environmental qualifications desired.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and record-keeping principles necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of laboratory and waste treatment facilities.
• Conduct analysis of incoming and outgoing waste materials.
• Maintain safety and compliance in laboratory environments.

Skills

Laboratory analyses

Plant engineering

Organizational skills

Health and safety awareness

Interpretation of instructions

Education

Degree in chemistry or similar science

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

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Overall Purpose of the Job: To oversee the operation of the day-to-day running of the laboratory, Chemical Treatment Plant, and Waste Transfer Station.

Areas of Responsibility

Analytical Duties

• Carry out analyses of incoming waste to treatment plants, including metal determination (AA spectrophotometer), flash point, COD, pH, suspended solids, calorimeter, and titration for acid and alkali strengths.
• Identify drummed loads on-site as per paperwork and supervise offloading into designated areas.
• Test and assign disposal routes to new waste streams under the Treatment Plant Manager's supervision.
• Complete lab-scale analysis reports for projects.
• Analyze outgoing waste, including metal determination, flash point, COD, pH, suspended solids, and calorimeter measurements.
• Maintain records of results and file according to company procedures.
• Control databases for tracking materials through the site, supervised by an analytical chemist.
• Update computer records and file paper records of analyses.
• Rotate keep samples, clean sample bottles, and stock sample boxes for drivers.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory environment, including cleaning, maintenance, and glassware management.
• Calibrate lab equipment and reorder chemicals and PPE stock items.
• Work outdoors throughout the year.
• Assist in bulk and blending of waste in the transfer station, record-keeping during blending.
• Operate the chemical neutralization plant under supervision.
• Oversee operation of the Chemical Treatment Plant, troubleshooting issues with pumps, valves, and pipework.
• Read and interpret engineering diagrams (AutoCAD, schematics).
• Assist in maintenance of treatment plants, including pumps, valves, and pipework.
• Ensure maintenance tools and equipment are properly maintained and report defects.
• Keep the yard around the Transfer Station and Chemical Treatment Plant clean and safe.
• Comply with all terms, conditions, and safety policies.
• Use PPE properly and maintain hygiene.
• Follow instructions from the Line Manager and perform additional tasks as delegated.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Assist in designing and redesigning pipework for efficiency.
• Support maintenance with engineering duties.

Personnel Specification - Chemist with Analytical and Engineering Duties

Essential

• Degree in chemistry or similar science (e.g., chemical engineering).
• Experience with laboratory analyses and waste/environmental qualifications (desirable: forklift license).
• Experience with plant engineering, working on pumps, valves, and pipes.
• Knowledge of ISO standards, record keeping, computer systems, MSDS sheets, and hazard awareness.
• Organizational skills, ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good health and safety awareness, common sense, and ability to interpret instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically fit due to manual tasks.

Disposition

• Dependable, compliant, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Other Attributes

• Reliable with good timekeeping and attendance; willing to work overtime, including shifts.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round.