Chemical Engineer - Waste Treatment & Sustainability

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Incentives or performance-based pay

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Engineer specializing in Waste Treatment and Sustainability to join the Queenstown team. You will develop, implement and manage solutions for industrial waste treatment, resource recovery, and compliance with environmental regulations.

You will collaborate with operations, compliance and R&D to promote circular economy principles and reduce environmental footprint across the value chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial waste treatment or sustainability roles.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes for water treatment, wastewater management, and air pollution control.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting processes in SA.
• Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) or sustainability reporting is a plus.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is beneficial for optimizing treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and implement effective industrial waste treatment processes (liquid, solid, and gaseous effluents).
• Develop strategies for resource recovery and circular economy initiatives within the company's operations.
• Monitor environmental performance and ensure compliance with all local, regional, and national environmental regulations.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Optimize existing waste treatment systems to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Research and pilot new technologies for waste minimization, pollution prevention, and sustainability.
• Prepare environmental reports, permit applications, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on sustainability projects.
• Provide technical guidance on environmental best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct site audits to assess environmental performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage waste streams and ensure proper disposal or recycling procedures are followed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Environmental stewardship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a company committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable industrial practices, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer specializing in Waste Treatment and Sustainability to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for developing, implementing, and managing innovative solutions for industrial waste treatment, resource recovery, and environmental compliance. You will play a key part in minimizing the environmental footprint of our operations, promoting circular economy principles, and ensuring adherence to all relevant environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of chemical processes applied to waste management, water treatment, air pollution control, and environmental engineering principles. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in promoting sustainable industrial development within the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. You will work closely with operations, compliance, and R&D teams to integrate sustainable practices throughout the company's value chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and implement effective industrial waste treatment processes (liquid, solid, and gaseous effluents).
• Develop strategies for resource recovery and circular economy initiatives within the company's operations.
• Monitor environmental performance and ensure compliance with all local, regional, and national environmental regulations.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Optimize existing waste treatment systems to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Research and pilot new technologies for waste minimization, pollution prevention, and sustainability.
• Prepare environmental reports, permit applications, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on sustainability projects.
• Provide technical guidance on environmental best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct site audits to assess environmental performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage waste streams and ensure proper disposal or recycling procedures are followed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial waste treatment, environmental engineering, or sustainability roles.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes for water treatment, wastewater management, air pollution control, and hazardous waste handling.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting processes in South Africa.
• Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) or sustainability reporting is a plus.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is beneficial for optimizing treatment processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development principles.
• Ability to conduct site assessments and work effectively in both office and plant environments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and attending environmental conferences.
• Generous annual leave allowance and paid public holidays.
• A meaningful role contributing to environmental sustainability in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• Supportive work environment with a focus on innovation and responsible practices.
• Potential for performance-based incentives.