Chemist

Veolia ES (UK); North East; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Discounts

Health resources

Virtual GP

Volunteer day

Training and development

Job summary

Veolia ES (UK) in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a Chemist to support hazardous waste assessment, segregation and compliant labelling at customer sites.

You will classify waste, manage drums, sample materials and help ensure safe transport and COSHH compliance, while providing technical advice to customers and colleagues.

Qualifications

• A science-based degree is essential, ideally in Chemistry or a related subject.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste handling is desirable.
• Understanding COSHH and waste legislation is advantageous.
• Full, valid UK driving licence is essential, with ability to drive a 3.5-tonne van.

Responsibilities

• Attend customer sites to assess, identify, segregate and collect hazardous waste safely and efficiently.
• Assess drums and containers, ensure waste is correctly classified, listed, packaged and labelled.
• Pumping, decanting and re-dreaming waste from damaged containers using proper procedures.
• Supervise dangerous goods loads and support safe preparation of waste for transport.
• Provide technical support and advice to customers on waste management solutions.
• Maintain stock levels of packaging, sampling equipment and other supplies.

Skills

Hazardous waste knowledge

COSHH knowledge

UK driving licence

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent working

Education

Science degree

HND or equivalent

Chemistry related subject

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.