Assay Lab Superintendent

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Assay Lab Superintendent

Reporting directly to the Technical Services Manager, Operations, the Assay Lab Superintendent, is responsible for managing all operations at the Assay Lab on the Eskay Creek project site. This role oversees a team of technicians, develops and manages the annual operating budget, and ensures efficient financial procurement. Key duties also include maintaining an optimized inventory of consumables, performing complex analyses and reporting, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and communicating KPI performance to stakeholders.

Additionally, the Superintendent ensures compliance with health and safety policies by implementing necessary protocols, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and overseeing equipment calibration and maintenance. This position also drives business initiatives to secure and maintain relevant lab accreditations and validations.

As site construction progresses, the lab will need to be relocated and expanded. The Superintendent will lead this transition, managing all aspects of the move, facility expansion, and integration of new modules, such as the metallurgy wing, while also planning for staffing requirements.

Working closely with the Operations and Exploration teams, the Superintendent ensures sample processing is prioritized, turnaround times are met, data analysis is accurate, and off-site or third-party testing is effectively coordinated.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Health & Safety

• Promote a strong, positive safety culture among all workers at the Eskay Creek site, ensuring a proactive approach to health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety guidelines, policies, and regulations at the Eskay Creek site.

Leadership & Team Management

• Oversee a team of staff and contractors operating the Assay Lab across multiple rotations, including both day and night shifts.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support for the growth and development of direct reports, promoting performance excellence.
• Resolve conflicts within the team and offer regular coaching, feedback, and recognition to enhance team performance and morale.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and present the annual Assay Lab budget, including staffing and resource requirements.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Act as Quality Manager for ISO certification, overseeing the implementation and maintenance of quality management systems to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards and continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
• Ensure a thorough understanding of standard reference materials and their integration in quality assurance processes for accurate analysis.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the ML/ARD management program for the site, ensuring adherence to environmental guidelines.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop, monitor, and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure laboratory operations meet established goals and standards.
• Provide senior management with weekly reports on safety, progress, and any operational issues related to the Assay Lab.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate and communicate closely with project managers, senior construction managers, site management, vendors, external regulators, and other project team members.
• Fully understand and support the exploration program’s assay plan, ensuring all requirements are met.

Data & Inventory Management

• Manage and compile all testing data, chain of custody information, and adhere to internal and external reporting requirements.
• Monitor and manage daily inventory levels in the Assay Lab to ensure an adequate supply of materials to meet production demands.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive instrumentation and equipment maintenance plan, including performance monitoring, calibration, and necessary repairs.
• Develop and implement the Assay Lab facility maintenance plan, covering areas such as winterization, summer readiness, daily operational checks, and routine maintenance, in collaboration with the Site Maintenance team.

External Testing & Assay Procedures

• Support third-party sample testing activities, including sample shipping, reporting, and cost management.
• Contribute to the development and writing of industry-standard assay procedures and instructional references for assay staff.

Operational Flexibility

• Be capable and willing to perform tasks across all areas of the laboratory, from receiving samples to final reporting.
• Be willing and capable of performing manual labor tasks when required.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably assigned by the Employer.

The Ideal Candidate 

Education / Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field
• Familiarity with relevant BC and federal legislation and regulations (e.g., WorksafeBC guidelines, Mines Act, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation).

Experience / Skills

• A Minimum of 10 years of experience working in an assay lab or analytical laboratory with a strong understanding of lab operations, quality control, and safety protocols 
• Must have experience managing staff, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team, ensuring high levels of productivity and safety 
• Strong expertise in Fire Assay, Wet Chemistry, ICP-OES and Eltra C/S  
• Experience with set up and implementation of data management systems and laboratory software (e.g., LIMS, ELN, or similar systems). 
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 standards and compliance with regulatory requirements related to laboratory operations 
• Strong understanding of laboratory equipment, including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting 
• 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. 
• Proven ability to create and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for laboratory function 
• 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 project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively 
• Exhibits a high degree of responsibility and accountability. 
• Highly self-motivated and ability to work with minimal guidance (Must be self-directed). 
• Must be able to work a rotational schedule in a remote mining camp. 

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.      

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.

Compensation:

The expected salary range for this position is CA$120,000 - CA$145,000, in line with the competitive job market for rotational-shift roles carried out in remote locations 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. 

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.