Transfer Station Chemist

Veolia; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental management company is seeking a qualified individual for a site-based role focused on chemical waste management. Responsibilities include ensuring health and safety standards, processing incoming waste, and managing outgoing loads. Candidates should possess an HNC/HND or higher in Chemistry, with knowledge of chemical hazards and risk assessment skills being essential. No remote work allowed for this position.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme access

Discounts on retailers

24 hour access to a virtual GP

Paid volunteer day

Ongoing training opportunities

Qualifications

• Chemistry degree preferred.
• Good knowledge of basic chemical hazards.
• Experience in the waste management or chemical industry desirable.

Responsibilities

• Uphold health and safety standards during operations.
• Assist with manual repacking of chemical wastes.
• Manage outgoing loads preparation according to regulations.
• Process incoming waste loads efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with site procedures and permit.

Skills

Knowledge of basic chemical hazards

Risk assessment skills

Health and safety awareness

Education

HNC/HND or higher in Chemistry

Job description

Overview

Ready to find the right role for you?

Salary: Competitive plus Veolia benefits

Grade: 4.3

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 08.00 - 16.30 plus evening overtime as required

Location: Unit D4-D5, Red Scar Industrial Estate, Longbridge Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5NQ

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
• 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

What you’ll be doing

• Uphold high standards of health and safety in all aspects of the job, following and enforcing the site's safe systems of work and best practice in all operational tasks.
• Assist with manual repacking of chemical wastes, including operation of pumps and compactors, and assist with high-hazard chemical handling.
• Manage preparation of outgoing loads including packaging, labelling and provision of paperwork to WM3/ADR regulations, with limited technical assessments of waste under guidance from the Technical Manager.
• Request disposal prices and bookings, while maximizing profit from waste streams by consolidation/repacking.
• Carry out the acceptance process of waste into site including non-conformance reporting, load integrity and permit compliance.
• Process incoming loads efficiently to meet a one-hour turnaround for vehicles on site, reporting non-conformances and undertaking repacking, checking and re-labelling of waste before storage.
• Perform processing activities such as compatibility testing, production of drum bulking blends, neutralisation of weak acid/alkali materials, repackaging of waste and maintaining site segregation programme.
• Take guidance from Senior Site Chemists and Assistant Manager, and supervise operations in their absence in conjunction with other Site Chemists.
• Ensure sampling and testing is carried out safely and to a high standard within site procedures/permit.
• Occasional laboratory testing (e.g., gas chromatography, titrations, pH and water analysis, halogen and CV testing).
• Supervise drivers and subcontractors when duties coincide; work with management to produce job-specific risk assessments and Permits to Work.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• HNC/HND or higher in Chemistry (or relevant Science) essential; degree preferred
• Good knowledge of basic chemical hazards with accurate on-the-spot risk assessment and awareness of possible adverse reactions arising from site activities

Desirable

• Health and safety minded; COSHH / IOSH desirable
• Experience in the waste management industry or chemical industry desirable

Important information

This job would suit a person who is willing to get hands-on, with work taking place outside in all weather conditions. There is no remote or hybrid work available for this position as the role is site based.

Next steps

Apply today so we can make a difference for generations to come.

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 recognition reflects our commitment to our people and to 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 Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt into the Disability Confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We’re committed to fair treatment without discrimination and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.