Technical Waste Specialist in Urmston

The Role

Waste Services, part of Partner Management & Integrated Operations at United Utilities, is looking for an experienced Waste Technical Specialist to join our Bioprocessing Team. This is an opportunity to play a vital role in managing and evaluating industrial and domestic tankered waste streams while helping to ensure the safe, compliant and efficient operation of our wastewater treatment facilities. Working in our commercial waste business, you will combine technical expertise, environmental compliance knowledge and stakeholder management skills to support the treatment of third‑party waste across our wastewater treatment works.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a key technical expert within the Bioprocessing team, you will:

Technical Waste Assessment & Compliance

• Conduct technical assessments of industrial waste streams to determine suitability for treatment.
• Develop waste treatment plans and advise on appropriate monitoring parameters.
• Provide technical recommendations for the acceptance and establishment of industrial waste inputs across United Utilities sites.
• Design and implement monitoring and control programmes for approved waste streams.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with the Environment Agency regarding waste import and permitting matters.

Laboratory & Sample Management

• Manage the sample reception and sample management service based at Davyhulme WwTW.
• Receive, prioritise and process incoming customer enquiry samples within agreed service levels.
• Assess waste composition and identify key parameters for further testing.
• Select samples requiring additional analysis and specialist investigation.
• Work closely with internal Laboratory Services and third‑party laboratories to coordinate testing activities.
• Produce technical reports for both internal stakeholders and external submissions.

Operational & Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide WAMITAB cover for Bioprocessing operations at Davyhulme WwTW.
• Lead and supervise laboratory technicians, agency staff and waste import analysts.
• Support the approval and introduction of new industrial waste streams into the business.
• Monitor established waste streams to ensure quality, consistency and operational performance.
• Contribute to the development of operational procedures for bulk tanker waste acceptance.
• Undertake COSHH assessments to ensure the safe handling of incoming samples.
• Collaborate with operational, commercial and regulatory stakeholders across the business.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related subject preferred.
• HNC/HND qualification will be considered as a minimum requirement.
• NVQ Level 4 (WAMITAB) in Treatment and Transfer of Hazardous Wastes (desirable)

Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with industrial effluents and liquid wastes, including understanding their impact on wastewater treatment processes.
• Alternatively, significant experience within wastewater operations or the wider waste industry.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment processes and associated legislation.
• Knowledge of trade effluent control philosophies and policies.
• Excellent understanding of environmental and waste regulations.
• Proven experience of analytical laboratory practices and reporting.
• Ability to interpret technical data and make sound commercial and environmental decisions.

Other Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence is required for the role as travel to operational sites, laboratories and customer locations as required.

What We Offer

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Salary

£51,233

Work Type

Onsite

Job Location

Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD

Role Type

Permanent

Employment Type

Full Time

Working Hours

37.0 Hours per Week#

Company Information

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long‑term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.