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Entry Level Chemist Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Chemist information

See Reno, NV salary details

$16

$24

$34

How much do entry level chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level chemist in Reno, NV is $24.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level chemist do?

An entry level chemist typically assists with laboratory experiments, analyzes chemical compounds, prepares chemical solutions, and maintains lab equipment. They often work under the supervision of more experienced chemists and follow established procedures to test materials or products. Entry level chemists are responsible for recording data, interpreting results, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed in the laboratory. Their work supports product development, quality control, or research projects in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or environmental science.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level ChemistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlAnalytical labs, industrial settings, quality assurance
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, chemical, biotech companiesManufacturing plants, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles work in laboratory settings and support scientific testing, Entry Level Chemists typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on experimental design and analysis, whereas Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree and handle routine testing and sample preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level chemists during their first year on the job?

Entry level chemists often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict laboratory safety protocols, mastering new instrumentation, and learning to accurately document experimental data. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines can also be demanding, especially when transitioning from an academic to an industrial or research environment. However, most teams offer mentorship and training to help new chemists develop these skills, and regular collaboration with colleagues provides valuable support and learning opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemist, you need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, with a solid grasp of chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Familiarity with lab instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, and safety protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in team settings and when presenting findings. These skills and qualities are essential for producing accurate results, maintaining safe and efficient lab operations, and contributing to scientific goals.

What Does an Entry-Level Chemist Do?

An entry-level chemist has many responsibilities including helping project managers with analyzing data, writing reports, and setting up, calibrating, operating, and maintaining lab equipment. In this job, you also handle paperwork, ensuring it is complete and accurate. You should use this time to develop analytical skills, gain experience with laboratory experiment procedures, and learn any necessary protocols. Qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry and 2-5 years of relevant experience within the industry or an academic setting. Communication and research are crucial in this career, as one of your main duties is to ensure your procedural and analytic techniques are up to date.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemist jobs in Reno, NV? The most popular types of Chemist jobs in Reno, NV are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemist jobs in Reno, NV? For Entry Level Chemist jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Entry Level Chemist jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Entry Level Chemist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemist job openings in Reno, NV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Locum Tenens, 6% Internship, 41% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,926 per year, or $25 per hour.
Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) (Class B CDL preferred, Clean Harbors will pay for C

Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) (Class B CDL preferred, Clean Harbors will pay for C

Clean Harbors

Sparks, NV • On-site

$19.53 - $51.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 88 rated recycling and waste


Job description


****Please note: this position requires new hires to attend our two week Academy training out of state. Expenses are covered by the company and it is paid training.****
Clean Harbors in Sparks, NV is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) to handle, segregate, pack, and inspect chemical waste in accordance with Federal/State/Local regulations and our company policies and procedures. This position will work both indoors and outdoors at plants, labs, customer sites and are responsible for assisting with lab packs within customer facilities, household hazardous waste (HHW) collections and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily. The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist.
Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Focus on maintaining sustainability and cleaning the Earth
  • Competitive Starting Pay; ($24.00 - $27.00 hourly, depending on CDL and certifications)
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment including 401K with Company match
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Company paid training and tuition reimbursement

Responsibilities
  • Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and always acting in a safe manner
  • Prepare computer generated packing lists, labels, manifest, and land disposal restriction notifications
  • Perform inspections of staging, accumulating and storage areas to ensure proper housekeeping procedures and compliance
  • Inspect storage area and drums for leaks or spills
  • Inspect drums for compliance with labeling regulations
  • Collects, segregates, and properly packages waste chemicals for disposal to maximize efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Executes Jobs at Clean Harbors customer locations including fortune 500 companies
  • Responsible for final preparation and approval of all projects before shipment in accordance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and company policies
  • Conducts projects/jobs according to site specific Federal, State, and local regulations and health and safety plans
  • Understand customer specific disposal restrictions/special packaging requirements
  • Sample and profile of new waste streams or any waste needing analytical testing
  • Ensures drum count is correct and that drum conditions are shippable in accordance our company's policies and procedure
  • Follow all local, state (provincial) and federal compliance regulations and rules
  • Safely operate vehicles in accordance with U.S. DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures
  • Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Strong customer service skills
  • By position, obtain a CDL Class B with hazmat and tanker endorsement within 6 months of employment
  • Perform physical functions per job requirements
  • Successfully complete a background check, drug test, and physical, by position
  • Per OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.34, employees in positions requiring respirators are required to meet facial hair standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • College degree in Chemistry or Natural Science
  • Previous experience in Environmental Services (i.e. remediation, abatement, emergency spill response, etc.)
  • Previous commercial driving experience
  • Previous route experience
  • Previous manual labor experience

Our Environmental Field Chemist is an entry level position into an exciting and rewarding career at Clean Harbors. Transitioning Military, this is a great opportunity to leverage your skills, experience, and training as you return to civilian life.
This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 other roles one can be promoted into within Clean Harbors. A significant number of our middle and senior management staff all started in this role, from less than 5 years ago to 30 plus years ago. Many others who have started in this role have significant positions within our customers as Environmental Health and Safety staff members at significant universities, pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as other customers.
We will accelerate your training, so you learn the skills and knowledge to succeed in this position and start your career. You can work in any of our 200+ branch locations and can transfer internally. After successfully learning this position in approximately 18 to 36 months, then you will have the opportunity to move into a Salary Management position.
Clean Harbors Technical Services
  • Waste Disposal - Comprehensive disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at Company-owned facilities
  • Recycling Services - Extensive recycling, reuse and reclamation options for materials such as solvents, chemicals, oil and electrical equipment
  • Chemical Packing - Safe, efficient handling and disposal of the widest range of chemicals, including reactives and compressed gases
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Services - HHW collection programs of all types and sizes, facilitated by Clean Harbors expert personnel

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US