Senior Assay Technician (Permanent Fulltime Position)
The Mint is hiring a Senior Assay Technician who can thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment
Reporting to the Manager, Assay Operations, the Senior Assay Technician is responsible for the coordination, prioritization, and review of the day-to-day work of the Assay Technicians to deliver timely, reliable and accurate results to Assay's clients. Using the Assay LIMS system and other tools (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite); prepares reports from completed analysis; review, authorize and release results under the guidance of the Assay Manager. Resolve and provide guidance to the Assay Technicians on production & technical issues including optimizing and troubleshooting equipment and validating quality controls and checks. Leading a team of approximately 3 technicians, the incumbent is responsible for fostering a psychologically and occupationally safe and collaborative work environment.
Your Responsibilities:
- Help establish a culture and work environment that promotes pride in workmanship, quality excellence, teamwork, inclusivity, occupational and psychological safety resulting in a positive employee experience.
- Coordinates, sets priorities, and oversees the day-to-day work of the Assay Technicians. Provides technical support and guidance on analytical methods and operation of equipment as it pertains to the Assay Technicians
- Under guidance of the Assay Chemist and/or Assay Manager; evaluates, reviews, prepares reports and authorizes assay data using computer software (Microsoft Office Suite) and laboratory information management software (LIMS).
- Aids the Assay Chemist in researching and developing new methods of analysis.
- Under guidance of Assay Chemist, supports QA/QC protocols, including performing quality control checks and proficiency testing for continued monitoring of instrument performance on existing methods and report findings.
- In conjunction with and under the guidance of the Assay Chemist, aids in development, creation, and updating of Work Instructions for use by the Assay Technicians. Periodically review work instructions / SOPs and reports inaccuracies, deviations, etc.
- Provide training to Assay Technicians on RCM Work Instructions and other related tasks assigned to Assay Technicians under guidance of the Assay Chemist or Assay Manager
- Using ICP-OES, Spark-OES, WDXRF and other various analytical equipment; performs classical wet chemical analyses of quality control, process control, routine and other samples including gravimetric determinations according to work instructions or as directed when required.
- Prepares solid and liquid samples and standards for all spectrometric and gravimetric analyses using standard analytical techniques as required.
- Provides technical support, guidance and troubleshoots analytical methods and operation of equipment as it pertains to the Assay Technicians.
- Participates and supports continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, accuracy, precision, delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness of assay services.
- Accepts responsibility for the security of precious metals in work area.
- Performs tasks of Assay Technicians as required.
This opening is to be filled on day shift 5 days per week on site and may require shift work to meet operation needs.
Qualifications:
Language Requirements
- An intermediate level of bilingual proficiency in both official languages (English / French) is required at the time of hire.
Education
- College or University level chemistry degree or diploma as applicable to the field of inorganic chemistry. A combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered. Completion of BCIT Assayer program considered an asset.
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years experience in an analytical laboratory as a laboratory technician / technologist.
- Minimum of five (5) years experience working with X-ray Fluorescence and ICP (inductively coupled plasma) spectrometers. Further assets: working with Spark Optical Emission or Flame Atomic Absorption spectrometers.
Additional Qualifications
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to evaluate assay data using statistical methods, compute results, and prepare assay reports. Basic knowledge of statistics and error interpretation. Be able to use software such as Microsoft Excel to calculate relevant statistics.
- Ability to foster a supportive, inclusive and equitable work environment and enhance employee engagement.
- Ability to execute preventative and corrective safety actions to advance workplace safety, psychological safety, wellbeing and accountability.
- Ability to coordinate work, set priorities, and disseminate information to assay technicians in a changing and high pace work environment.
- Must have demonstrated ability to work independently, lead and to work well in a team environment and with clients/stakeholders.
- Strong oral and verbal communication skills in accordance with Language Requirements.
- Proficient in use of day-day business tools (Outlook, Microsoft office Suite,) and Laboratory Information Management Software LIMS
Knowledge
- Sound knowledge with calibrating, standardizing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation of spectrometers including primarily: ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer), Spark-OES (Spark Optical Emission Spectrometer), and WD-XRF (Wavelength dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer) for the routine analysis of quality control, process control and other samples. Other assets include Atomic Absorption Spectrometer/Flame and ED-XRF (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer).
- A strong understanding of sources of contamination, cross contamination and analytical sources of error in samples, quality controls, sample preparation and instrument analysis.
- Sound knowledge of proper sample preparation, wet chemical and other analytical techniques.
- Knowledge of QC/QA processes/protocols and interpreting QC/QA data in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge and understanding of fire assay process as it pertains to precious metals determination.
- Demonstrated strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 document control.
- Sound knowledge to interpret and apply chemical and safety information.
Why the Mint?
At the Mint, you will collaborate with a diverse group of people and be a part of an iconic Canadian organization. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We offer outstanding pay and total rewards for you and your family and you will be supported to continuously learn throughout your career.
The Mint is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value diversity and aim to provide an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection and onboarding process to ensure that each candidate is treated respectfully. In accordance with the Employment Equity Act, you are invited to voluntarily self-identify with one or more of the four employment equity groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities) by sending your application to the confidential email, ee@mint.ca that is accessed only by the Human Resources section.
If you need accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us directly at ee@mint.ca to make arrangements.
What to Expect
In order to be considered for an interview, please clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet the education and experience qualifications. The additional qualifications may be assessed through interviews, exams, reference checks, etc. If successful, you will be required to complete a background check facilitated by the Mint in order to obtain a security clearance.