Environmental Chemist

Clean Harbors in Cottage Grove, MN is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist (Clean Pack 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 is responsible for assisting with lab packs within customer facilities, household hazardous waste (HHW) collections and lab moves.

It is a customer‑facing position that works at customer sites daily. The Environmental Field Chemist is not laboratory‑based.

• 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
• Collect, segregate, and properly package waste chemicals for disposal to maximize efficiency and maintain compliance
• Execute 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
• Conduct projects/jobs according to site‑specific Federal, State, and local regulations and health and safety plans
• Understand customer-specific disposal restrictions and special packaging requirements
• Sample and profile new waste streams or any waste needing analytical testing
• Ensure drum count is correct and that drum conditions are shippable in accordance with company policies and procedures
• 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

• Valid Driver’s license
• Strong customer service skills
• 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
• Per OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.34, employees in positions requiring respirators must meet facial hair standards

• College degree in Chemistry or Natural Science
• Previous experience in Environmental Services (e.g., remediation, abatement, emergency spill response, etc.)

This entry‑level position offers a career path to management. From this role, there are approximately 15 other positions one can be promoted into within Clean Harbors. Many staff started in this role and progressed to senior positions within the company and at customers.

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. To request reasonable accommodation, contact  or

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.