Job Description:

Graduate Waste Assessor



Location: Exeter Salary: £28,000 - £30,000



About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Waste Assessor to join our environmental and remediation team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to develop their technical knowledge and practical experience in waste classification, waste management and contaminated land remediation across a range of UK environmental projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the classification and assessment of soil, groundwater, demolition materials and other waste streams arising from remediation and construction projects.
• Review laboratory analytical results and compare them against relevant waste classification criteria and environmental guidance.
• Support the preparation of waste assessment reports, waste classification records and supporting technical documentation.
• Assist in determining appropriate waste management options, including reuse, recovery, treatment and disposal.
• Interpret chemical analysis data to assess potential contamination and support remediation decisions.
• Apply relevant UK waste legislation, environmental regulations and technical guidance, including the Waste Framework Directive, Environmental Permitting Regulations and applicable waste classification guidance.

Essential Requirements

• A degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Geology, Earth Sciences or a closely related discipline.
• A strong interest in contaminated land, environmental remediation, waste management and environmental consultancy.
• Good analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret scientific data and laboratory results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate technical records.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• A willingness to learn relevant environmental legislation, waste classification procedures and industry best practice.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience through a university project, placement, internship or graduate role involving contaminated land, soil chemistry, environmental sampling or waste management.
• Familiarity with UK waste classification guidance, including WM3, and the assessment of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• An understanding of soil contamination, environmental sampling methods and laboratory analytical techniques.
• Awareness of UK remediation frameworks, environmental permitting and waste duty-of-care requirements.
• A full UK driving licence, or willingness to travel to project sites where required.

What We Offer

• A structured graduate development programme.
• Hands-on experience across remediation, waste management and environmental projects.
• Support from experienced technical specialists and project managers.
• Opportunities to develop technical report-writing, data interpretation and client liaison skills.
• Career progression within environmental consultancy, waste management and remediation services.

About You

You will be enthusiastic about applying your scientific knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. You will have a methodical approach to problem-solving, a strong commitment to environmental compliance and sustainability, and the motivation to develop a career in waste assessment and remediation.