What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assay Technician position at HECLA MINING CO.?
The Assay Technician will be responsible for the preparation of samples; from receiving, digesting, analyzing, to reporting analyses derived from various lab procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Performs all duties with a focus of safety, environmental stewardship, and best operating practices.
• Operates laboratory equipment, instruments, and systems according to standard operating procedures and/or directed work instructions from the supervisor.
• Tests ores and minerals; analyzes pulp and solution to determine value and properties of components, using spectrographic analysis, chemical solutions, and laboratory equipment, such as hotplates, glassware, burets, pipettes, furnaces, and crucibles.
• Utilize a variety of balances to accurately complete various gravimetric analyses.
• Prepares process (Mill), production (face), and exploration (core) samples.
• Performs fire assay and wet chemistry analyses.
• Operates analytical instrumentation including a variety of spectrophotometers e.g. atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
• Works and communicates with other members of the work team.
• Follows and understands MSHA rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, and work area instructions, participates in safety activities. Leads by example by adhering to rules and regulations and ensuring compliance to rules and regulations established by the Mill Operations department.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and prioritize workload.
• Complies with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Conducts activities and work in an environmentally responsible manner. Is aware of procedures to minimize impacts to the environment.
• Maintains a clean working environment.
• Must be willing to comply with all company policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
• High school graduate.
• Post high school education/degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related field preferred.
• Experience in mine sample preparation, fire assay, wet chemistry methods, gravimetric, AA/ICP/ICP-MS instrumentation preferred.
• Familiarity with chemicals and prior experience in a laboratory is preferred.
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Office required.
• Ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job is required.
• Knowledge of federal health and safety regulations is preferred.
