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Entry Level Environmental Chemist Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Sika

Jr. Chemist

Lyndhurst, NJ

$22.50 - $30/hr

Maintain a safe, tidy and harassment free work environment. * Provide accurate and detailed reports ... in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering; will also be considered. * 0-2 years of ...

Sika AG

Jr. Chemist

Lyndhurst, NJ

$22.50 - $30/hr

Maintain a safe, tidy and harassment free work environment. * Provide accurate and detailed reports ... in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering; will also be considered. * 0-2 years of ...

Sika AG

Jr. Chemist

Lyndhurst, NJ · On-site

$22.50 - $30/hr

Maintain a safe, tidy and harassment free work environment. * Provide accurate and detailed reports ... in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering; will also be considered. * 0-2 years of ...

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Entry Level Environmental Chemist information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

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$25

$35

How much do entry level environmental chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental chemist in Ridgewood, NJ is $25.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level environmental chemist do?

An entry level environmental chemist primarily works on analyzing environmental samples such as soil, water, and air to detect pollutants and assess environmental health. They assist in conducting laboratory experiments, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Their daily tasks often include collecting samples in the field, performing chemical tests, and using various laboratory instruments under the supervision of senior chemists. This role is essential in helping organizations monitor and reduce their environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level environmental chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, environmental science, and laboratory practices, usually obtained through a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as GC-MS, ICP-OES, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring accurate data collection, compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and successful collaboration on environmental projects.

What typical challenges might an entry level environmental chemist face during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Environmental Chemist, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to strict laboratory protocols, learning to use complex analytical instruments, and interpreting regulatory guidelines for environmental testing. Working with large data sets and ensuring accurate reporting can be demanding, especially when collaborating with cross-functional teams like engineers or field technicians. However, these experiences provide valuable opportunities to develop technical expertise and effective communication skills, which are essential for career advancement in environmental science.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Chemist vs Entry Level Environmental Scientist?

AspectEntry Level Environmental ChemistEntry Level Environmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field; some roles may require certifications like OSHA HAZWOPERBachelor's in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field; certifications like GIS or EPA may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sampling sites, environmental testing facilitiesFieldwork, research labs, environmental consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental testing labs, manufacturing, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, research institutions, government agencies

While both roles focus on environmental work, Entry Level Environmental Chemists primarily analyze chemical samples and pollutants, whereas Entry Level Environmental Scientists often conduct broader environmental assessments and research. The chemist role emphasizes laboratory skills, while the scientist role involves more fieldwork and data interpretation. Both positions require relevant degrees and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental Chemist jobs in Ridgewood, NJ?

For Entry Level Environmental Chemist jobs in Ridgewood, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Environmental Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Chemist job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,692 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Environmental Field Chemist- Hazardous Waste

Clean Harbors

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Clean Harbors in Linden,NJ 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 
  • 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

Key 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

Required 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.)

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.


Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.


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

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