Graduate Environmental Science Chemist – Rotational Scheme

If you are a Chemistry or Environmental Science graduate who enjoys solving practical problems, analysing information and understanding how science is applied in the real world, this 12-month Graduate Chemist programme offers the chance to develop your technical skills within a specialist hazardous waste environment.

The Company

You will join a specialist hazardous waste management business where chemistry, environmental knowledge and careful decision-making play an important role in safe and compliant operations. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, build your knowledge and develop confidence in a practical setting. The supportive environment is designed to help you understand how different teams contribute to the wider operation.

The Role

As a Graduate Environmental Chemist, you will work through three quarterly rotations, gaining insight into laboratory, technical and site operations. Each placement will introduce you to different technical challenges and give you opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to real operational situations. You will receive practical experience while developing your understanding of hazardous waste, environmental compliance and the processes involved in accepting and managing waste safely. Each module will be assessed, helping you track your development and identify areas where you can continue to build your knowledge.

• Analyse waste information and support pre-acceptance assessments.
• Assist with sampling, laboratory testing and waste validation.
• Support waste acceptance, storage and movement activities.
• Develop knowledge of environmental compliance and regulations.
• Investigate quality issues and support non-conformance management.
• Build practical problem-solving skills across hazardous waste operations.

Your three rotations will include:

• Laboratory Rotation – develop practical experience in sampling, product acceptance and waste testing.
• Technical Rotation – learn about pre-acceptance, technical assessments and the process from initial job requests to site acceptance.
• Site Operations Rotation – gain hands-on experience across waste acceptance, storage, compliance, stock control and day-to-day facility operations.

Benefits and Perks

You will be part of a practical team where learning happens through hands-on experience, exposure to different areas of the business and support from colleagues. The programme is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis, with the potential for a suitable opportunity following successful completion.

As well as a starting salary of £X, you will also get the following benefits:

• Structured 12-month graduate training programme
• Quarterly rotations across technical, operations, compliance and laboratory teams
• Hands-on experience in a specialist hazardous waste environment
• Exposure to multiple areas of the environmental and chemical industry
• Potential opportunities following successful completion of the programme
• Eligibility to apply for internal opportunities after completing the three-month probationary period

Must-Have

• Chemistry or Environmental Science degree, HNC or HND
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organised, adaptable and able to approach problems logically
• Willingness to learn and develop within a compliance-focused environment

Apply now

If you want to apply your chemistry knowledge to real technical challenges while learning from an experienced team, this Graduate Chemist programme could be an excellent next step. Starting January 2027, apply today.