Chemical Engineer - Water Treatment & Waste Management

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to manage water treatment and waste management facilities in Soweto, Gauteng. The role focuses on ensuring compliant operations of industrial wastewater treatment and hazardous waste handling.

You will monitor plant performance, troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and work with environmental specialists to meet regulations. Strong water chemistry knowledge and environmental engineering principles are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Environmental Engineering.
• 2–5 years in process engineering for water treatment or hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of water treatment technologies (RO, UF, ion exchange, coagulation, flocculation).
• Understanding of environmental regulations for industrial effluent and waste.
• Experience with process control instrumentation and data logging.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork in an industrial setting.
• Willingness to work in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of water treatment and waste management facilities.
• Monitor process parameters and analyze data for improvements and cost savings.
• Troubleshoot operational problems in wastewater treatment and waste handling.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permits.
• Develop and implement SOPs for plant operations and maintenance.
• Participate in PHAs and environmental impact assessments.
• Manage chemical inventory and dosing systems for water treatment.
• Support adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency.
• Conduct inspections and audits of facilities and operations.
• Train operators and technicians on best practices.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Tools

SCADA

Data logging

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial conglomerate, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer to manage and optimize their water treatment and waste management facilities in **Soweto, Gauteng**. This essential role focuses on ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of processes designed to treat industrial wastewater and manage hazardous waste streams. You will be responsible for monitoring plant performance, troubleshooting operational issues, implementing process improvements, and ensuring adherence to all environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of water chemistry, separation techniques, and environmental engineering principles. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability within a key industrial hub in **Soweto**. You will work closely with environmental specialists, plant operators, and maintenance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of water treatment and waste management facilities, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Monitor key process parameters and analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational problems in wastewater treatment plants (e.g., biological treatment, chemical precipitation, filtration) and waste handling systems.
• Ensure strict compliance with all local, regional, and national environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for plant operations and maintenance.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and environmental impact assessments.
• Manage chemical inventory and dosing systems for water treatment processes.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process modifications to enhance treatment efficiency and environmental protection.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of facilities and operations.
• Train and mentor plant operators and technicians on best practices in water treatment and waste management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering.
• 2-5 years of experience in process engineering, with a specific focus on industrial water treatment and/or hazardous waste management.
• Knowledge of various water treatment technologies (e.g., RO, UF, ion exchange, coagulation, flocculation) and biological treatment processes.
• Understanding of environmental regulations pertaining to industrial effluent and waste disposal.
• Experience with process control instrumentation and data logging.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an industrial plant environment in **Soweto, Gauteng**.
• A commitment to environmental responsibility and safety is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Paid annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in environmental engineering.
• Stable employment within a leading industrial group.
• Contribution to crucial environmental initiatives.