Waste Classification Specialist

Are you an experienced waste classification professional looking to take the next step in your career? AtkinsRéalis is seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Waste Classification Specialist to join our award-winning Sustainable Land and Resource Management Practice.

Based anywhere in the UK, with flexible hybrid working, you will become part of a highly respected team of waste, materials management, and contaminated land specialists delivering innovative solutions on some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects across the transport, energy, water, and buildings sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside industry-leading experts, helping clients navigate complex waste classification challenges while contributing to nationally significant projects in a collaborative and supportive environment.

As a Waste Classification Specialist, you will lead and support the delivery of waste classification and waste management assessments for a diverse range of projects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the preparation and delivery of waste classification assessments in accordance with WM3 and other applicable guidance.
• Reviewing and interpreting ground investigation and laboratory analytical data to determine the classification of soils, made ground, sediments, industrial wastes, and other materials.
• Developing waste sampling and analysis plans / strategies to support waste classification and disposal route assessments.
• Assessing materials against landfill Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) and determining suitability for different landfill classes.
• Providing technical advice on waste legislation, hazardous waste assessment, duty of care requirements, and waste management options.
• Preparing technical reports, waste classification assessments, waste management strategies, and regulatory submissions.
• Supporting and leading client relationship management, business development activities, bid preparation, and proposal writing.
• Providing technical guidance, support, and mentoring to junior staff, helping develop waste classification capability across the team.
• Liaising with clients, contractors, laboratories, regulators, and project stakeholders to deliver practical and compliant solutions.
• Supporting multidisciplinary infrastructure projects and working collaboratively with geotechnical, environmental, planning, and engineering teams.
• Managing project programmes, budgets, quality, and health and safety requirements.
• Undertaking site visits and occasional fieldwork to support project delivery.

You will have a strong technical background in waste classification and a thorough understanding of waste legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Degree qualified in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, such as:
• Environmental Science.
• Chemistry.
• Geology.
• Earth Sciences.
• Geography.
• Environmental Engineering.
• Proven experience undertaking waste classification assessments and interpreting environmental analytical data.
• Strong understanding of:
  o WM3 Guidance on the Classification and Assessment of Waste.
• Hazardous waste legislation.
• Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Landfill Waste Acceptance Criteria.
• Waste Duty of Care requirements.
• Experience developing waste sampling plans / strategies and reviewing laboratory datasets.
• Experience preparing high-quality technical reports and communicating complex technical information to a range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel occasionally throughout the UK.
• Experience using Haz Waste Online  or equivalent waste classification…