Entry Level Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chemist

Job Description

This Chemist position focuses on collecting and testing chemical compounds and samples in accordance with permit requirements, established methods, and company policies. You will perform routine and advanced laboratory analyses, support quality assurance and quality control activities, and ensure all data is accurately entered into the waste management software system. The role offers a fast-paced environment where you will gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, standard operating procedures, and industry-specific systems, creating a strong foundation for a long-term career in the laboratory and waste management field.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test chemical compounds and samples in compliance with permit requirements and approved analytical methods.
• Apply established laboratory techniques and methods to perform chemical analyses accurately and efficiently.
• Enter quantities, volumes, and analytical results into the waste management software (WMS/Preview) in a timely and precise manner.
• Assist with QA/QC analytical screening parameters as dictated by permit and internal quality standards.
• Follow all approved Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing, documentation, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards, including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical agents and samples.
• Assist in operating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment used for testing and analysis.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks such as pipetting, pH testing, distillation, and other analytical procedures as required.
• Support quality control activities by conducting QC tests and documenting results in accordance with SOPs.
• Handle and treat wastewater samples in line with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Use Excel and other software tools to record, organize, and analyze laboratory data.
• Manage a high volume of daily samples (approximately 100 or more) while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding test results, issues, and process improvements.
• Contribute to a safe, collaborative, and growth-oriented laboratory environment by following safety protocols and supporting team initiatives.
• Participate in training and skill development opportunities to expand knowledge of WMS/Preview, SOPs, and laboratory best practices.

Essential Skills

• 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.
• 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 for documenting results and collaborating with the team.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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 when managing multiple samples and tasks.
• 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 and second-shift coverage increases.

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.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Providence, RI.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Providence,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.