Fire Assay Technician

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: Fire Assay Technician (Contract) 

Reporting to the Superintendent – Assay Laboratory, the Fire Assay Technician will be responsible for supporting the preparation and analysis of mineral samples using fire assay techniques. This role involves performing various laboratory procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and workplace organization.

This is a seasonal position, employment term will depend on workload and the construction season.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all health and safety guidelines, policies, and regulations for both the Eskay Creek site and Assay Lab.
• Adhere to Assay Lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and permit regulatory requirements.
• Participate actively in safety meetings and toolbox talks, promoting a positive and safe work environment.
• Identify and address potential health and safety hazards, working proactively to mitigate risks.

Quality Assurance & Laboratory Standards

• Demonstrate a complete understanding of standard reference materials and their role in ensuring quality analysis.
• Maintain ISO certification standards, ensuring compliance with international quality management systems and laboratory best practices.
• Accurately document sample preparation, analysis, equipment operation, and maintenance records.

Laboratory Operations & Analysis

• Execute all stages of the fire assay process, including weighing, fluxing, fusion, cupellation, and final analysis using instrumentation or gravimetric methods.

• Verify the suitability of pulp samples for the lead fire assay procedure before processing.

• Accurately record and organize samples on established worksheets according to sequence.

• Prepare crucible racks by setting up 30-crucible trays with 40-gram crucibles, lining them with plastic bags, and adding 135 grams of pre-mixed flux.

• Assess and adjust flux compositions, using reagents such as potassium nitrate, to ensure proper fusion quality.
• Operate furnaces for sample fusion, pour-off, de-slagging, and cupellation processes.

• Transfer silver prills post-cupellation to test tubes for digestion and analysis via instrumentation or gravimetric finish. 

Collaboration & Additional Responsibilities

• Work proactively with the exploration and operations teams to prioritize testing and meet deliverables.
• Perform additional duties as reasonably assigned by the employer.

The Ideal Candidate 

Education / Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Mining Technology, Technical Diploma and/or High school Diploma with 3 years in a mining laboratory or a commercial lab that analyzes exploration samples.   
• Familiarity with relevant BC and federal legislation and regulations (e.g., WorkSafe BC guidelines, Mines Act, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation) is desired. 

Experience / Skills

• A minimum of 1–5 years of directly related experience is required.
• Practical knowledge of industry-standard sample preparation and analysis procedures.
• Experience with LIMS programs and strong skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of WHMIS regulations and SDS document maintenance.
• Proven experience fostering a safety-conscious culture, with strict adherence to health and safety best practices.
• Strong ability to manage, track, and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be willing and able to work a rotational schedule in a remote mining camp.
• Detail oriented with excessive attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibits a high degree of responsibility for confidential matters
• Effective team player who can jump in wherever is needed
• Strong interpersonal and reasoning skills, with proven problem-solving abilities
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as with others

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 hourly range for this position is CA$35/h - CA$45/h, 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.

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