Chemist

Veolia; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Discounts on groceries and retailers

Health resources and well-being

24 hour virtual GP for you and family

One paid day to volunteer each year

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Veolia in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Chemist to help manage hazardous waste solutions at customer sites. You will assess waste, ensure correct classification and labeling, and support safe transport preparation.

You'll perform pumping and decanting tasks, maintain safety standards, and provide technical advice to customers. A science degree and driving licence are essential, with ongoing training and development available.

Qualifications

• A science-based degree or equivalent is essential.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste is desirable.
• Understanding COSHH and health and safety requirements would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Attend customer sites to assess, identify, segregate and collect hazardous waste safely.
• Assess drums, containers and contents, ensuring waste is classified, listed, packaged and labelled per legislation and company requirements.
• Pumping, decanting and re-drumming waste from damaged containers using the appropriate equipment.
• Supervise dangerous goods loads and support safe preparation of waste for transport.
• Sample waste materials and ensure samples are handled, recorded and stored correctly.
• Provide technical support and advice in response to customer enquiries on waste management solutions.
• Assist with transfer station operations and ensure safe handling of hazardous waste.
• Maintain stock levels of packaging, labels, sampling equipment and supplies.
• Complete documentation accurately and promptly and meet customer expectations.
• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with waste legislation, COSHH and HSEQ systems.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Customer-focused

Independent worker

Education

Science-based degree or HND

Job description

Salary: Competitive Salary
Grade: 4.3
Hours: 40 hours per week, Mon-Fri
Location: North Tyne Industrial Estate
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE12 9SZ

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources and help it become a better place for everyone.

As a Chemist you'll be pushing for innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future for all. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you;

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Access to our company/people's pension scheme
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well known retailers
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
• 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
• One paid days leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

What you'll be doing;

• Attending customer sites to assess, identify, segregate and collect hazardous waste safely and efficiently.
• Assessing drums, containers and their contents, ensuring waste is correctly classified, listed, packaged and labelled in line with legislative and company requirements.
• Pumping, decanting and re-drumming waste from damaged, rusty or leaking containers using the appropriate equipment and procedures.
• Supervising dangerous goods loads and supporting the safe preparation of waste for transport.
• Sampling waste materials as required and ensuring samples are handled, recorded and stored correctly.
• Transporting hazardous waste to the Preston Transfer Station where applicable, in accordance with relevant transport and safety requirements.
• Providing technical support and advice in response to new customer enquiries, helping customers and colleagues to identify appropriate waste management solutions.
• Assisting with operations at the transfer station when required, including the safe handling and processing of hazardous waste.
• Maintaining appropriate stock levels of packaging, labels, sampling equipment and other routine supplies.
• Completing all required documentation accurately and promptly, ensuring paperwork is processed efficiently and customer expectations are met.
• Maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring all activities comply with applicable waste legislation, COSHH requirements and the company's Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality systems.

What we're looking for;

• A science-based degree, HND or equivalent qualification is essential, ideally in Chemistry or a related subject.
• Knowledge of, or previous experience working with, hazardous waste is highly desirable.
• An understanding of COSHH, health and safety requirements and relevant waste legislation would be advantageous.
• A full, valid UK driving licence is essential, with the ability and confidence to drive a 3.5-tonne van.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with customers and colleagues.
• Good attention to detail, particularly when assessing waste, completing documentation and ensuring correct labelling and packaging.
• A responsible and safety-conscious approach, with the ability to work independently at customer sites.
• The flexibility to support transfer station operations and undertake other duties as required.
• A professional, practical and customer-focused approach, with the ability to manage changing priorities effectively.

We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.