Job Title: Quality Control Lead, Assay Lab
Reporting to Skeena's Assay Laboratory Superintendent, the QC Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the quality management system (QMS) within the assay laboratory. This role ensures that all laboratory operations, processes, and outputs comply with industry standards and internal quality benchmarks. The QC Lead works closely with lab personnel, management, and the client to uphold the high standard of accuracy, reliability, and safety in all laboratory practices.
Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Quality Management System:
- Build, implement and maintain a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to enhance accurate data reporting, quality assurance and quality control.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the QMS in accordance with ISO 17025 standards.
- Ensure proper documentation, control, and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, policies, and quality control forms.
- Maintain the laboratory's accreditation status and ensure compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements.
- Facilitate QMS expansion of exploration analysis in accordance with ISO 17025 standards
Quality Control & Assurance:
- Oversee daily quality control activities, including calibration, verification, and validation of instruments and methods.
- Implement and monitor internal and external proficiency testing programs to ensure accuracy and consistency in analytical results.
- Investigate non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and track their effectiveness.
Training & Competency:
- Develop and manage training programs for laboratory staff to ensure compliance with quality standards and continuous improvement of skills.
- Conduct regular audits of training records to verify the competency of laboratory personnel.
Audit & Inspection:
- Lead internal audits to assess compliance with the QMS, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.
- Prepare for and manage external audits by accreditation bodies, ensuring readiness and successful outcomes.
Document Control:
- Oversee the creation, review, and control of all laboratory documents, including SOPs, quality manuals, and records.
- Maintain a master document list and ensure all documentation is up-to-date and accessible to authorized personnel.
Data Management & Reporting:
- Review and approve production data based on quality control metrics prior to reporting.
- Manage control charts to monitor key quality parameters and identify trends or deviations from acceptable limits and analyze control chart data to detect potential issues early and initiate corrective actions as needed.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of quality metrics, including key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality and compliance.
Health, Safety, & Environmental Compliance:
- Collaborate with the Health & Safety Officer to ensure laboratory operations are safe and environmentally compliant.
- Promote a culture of safety and quality within the lab
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
The Ideal Candidate
Education / Qualifications:
- Degree in Chemistry, Mining Technology and/or Technical Diploma with 7 years in a mining laboratory or a commercial lab that analyzes exploration samples.
- Familiarity with relevant BC and federal legislation and regulations (e.g., WorksafeBC guidelines, Mines Act, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation) is desired.
- The ideal candidate will be someone who has practical experience and knowledge of industry acceptable sample preparation, fire assay and wet chemistry analysis procedures.
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in setting up and utilizing LIMS and QA/QC tools essential for the successful operations of the lab (e.g., ISO 17025, ISO 9001, WHMIS etc.).
Experience / Skills
- A Minimum of 5-7 years of directly related experience is required.
- Proficient in developing and maintaining LIMS software and utilizing Microsoft Office.
- Experience with Fire Assay & Wet Chemistry, ICP-OES, LECO or Eltra C/S.
- Experience with classical titration and gravimetric methods.
- Understanding of WHIMS, SDS maintenance of documents.
- Must have past demonstrated experience in helping build a strong safety culture, as well as awareness of, and adherence to, all required health and safety best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment or individually.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to support reporting, and communication between various stakeholders.
- Strong organization skills, managing, tracking, and recording multiple tasks with a heavy workload.
- Exhibits a high degree of responsibility and accountability.
- Highly self-motivated and ability to work with minimal guidance (Must be self-directed).
Work Location & Conditions
This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.
The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena's Travel Policy.
There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is CAD $85,000-$105,000, in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.
All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
