Entry Level Chemist

Responsibilities

• Collect and test chemical compounds and samples in compliance with permit requirements and established methods.
• Perform routine and advanced laboratory analyses.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities.
• Ensure all data is accurately entered into the waste management software system.
• Follow all approved Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Manage a high volume of daily samples while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.
• Contribute to a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented laboratory environment.
• Participate in training and skill development opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline with no prior experience, or an Associate degree in science with some laboratory experience, or a High School Diploma with at least one year of industry or academic laboratory experience.
• Interest in gaining hands-on industry laboratory experience in the waste and environmental sector.
• Willingness to learn and use WMS/Preview waste management software.
• Motivation to develop skills in pH testing, distillation, QC testing, and working with SOPs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a laboratory or related technical field.
• Comfort working as part of a close-knit team of technicians and chemists.
• Openness to transitioning to different shifts as operations expand.

Qualifications

• Ability to collect and test chemical compounds and samples following permit requirements and laboratory methods.
• Proficiency or strong aptitude in laboratory techniques such as pipetting, pH testing, distillation, and basic chemical handling.
• Basic understanding of quality control and QA/QC analytical screening parameters.
• Experience or strong comfort with data entry into software systems, including waste management software (WMS/Preview) or similar platforms.
• Competence in using Microsoft Excel and Word for data entry, organization, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment handling 100+ samples daily while maintaining accuracy.
• Capability to stand for extended periods of time during laboratory operations.

Skills

• Ability to follow and apply Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) consistently.
• Basic understanding of quality control and QA/QC analytical screening parameters.
• Experience or strong comfort with data entry into software systems, including waste management software (WMS/Preview) or similar platforms.
• Competence in using Microsoft Excel and Word for data entry, organization, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment handling 100+ samples daily while maintaining accuracy.
• Capability to stand for extended periods of time during laboratory operations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory setting within a growing team of approximately 10 technicians and laboratory professionals. The primary schedule is Monday through Friday, with typical hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, depending on operational needs. As the team expands and a second shift is established, the schedule may transition to a 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM shift. The environment is fast-paced, with a high volume of samples processed daily, and offers extensive exposure to SOPs, chemical testing, wastewater treatment, and industry-specific systems such as WMS/Preview. The dress code is business casual with close-toed shoes required; personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided on-site to support a strong safety culture. You will work closely with a small, collaborative laboratory team that values internal growth, long-term career development, and opportunities to move into different departments. The organization emphasizes safety, employee care, and sustainable growth, providing structured training and a supportive atmosphere for building a lasting career.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.