Position Overview:
The Lab Analyst monitors the production process to ensure safety, quality, environmental, and production standards are met at all times. Responsibilities include advising and otherwise assisting the laboratory manager and shift supervisors in the resolution of environmental, production, and/or process problems. This salaried position is scheduled 4am-4pm on a rotating schedule that equates to 48 hours one week and 36 the next.

Critical Success Criteria:
This role is primarily focused on collecting and analyzing data to effectively monitor production processes and ensure safety, quality, environmental, and production standards are met at all times, to include:

• Timely collection and analysis of material and product samples throughout the production process to monitor product and process quality, and ensure appropriate adjustments are made when necessary.
• Timely collection and analysis of slag and waste water samples to ensure production process waste is classified and treated properly to meet environmental regulation standards for safe disposal/discharge.
• Maintain and troubleshoot lab instrumentation required for timely and accurate lab analyses.
• Conduct and communicate analyses of finished product to confirm quality standards are met for our customers.

Other Responsibilities:

• Monitor systems to ensure developing problems are identified and resolved as quickly as possible
• Test samples for sulfur content
• Conduct slag analysis and other chemical analysis as requested; conduct laboratory analysis on other materials as needed
• Collect, prepare, and analyze smelting process samples
• Collect, crush, prep, and analyze slag samples for TCLP analysis
• Operate and check high-volume air monitors
• Assist with the establishment of operating procedures for the laboratory and other areas of the company as needed
• Advise Team Leaders on technical operating problems
• Assist Team Leaders and lead person(s) in training production staff on production, safety, and quality issues
• Take immediate action when observing safety violations that are life threatening or pose risk of serious injury, otherwise, advise shift supervisor of safety and procedural violations or variances so the shift supervisor can take the appropriate action
• Ensure cleanliness of laboratory
• Sit on and participate in meetings, teams, and training seminars
• All other duties and projects as assigned by management

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or other sciences from accredited College or University.
• Technical skills in maintenance of lab instruments and equipment
• Proficient PC skills to access and maintain information and communicate electronically
• Proficient in math and reading
• Highly self-motivated, ability to work well under pressure, manage and prioritize multiple disciplines, attend to details, and meet deadlines
• First-rate interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication, coaching, conflict resolution, as well as listening and receiving positive and constructive feedback
• Ability to maintain composure during high stress situations and maintain focus on ultimate objectives
• Excellent structured troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and understand technical directions and follow technical instructions
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable, and change priorities and direction with minimal notice
• Progressive drive to seek opportunities in support of continuous improvement
• Ability to anticipate problems and take necessary action to minimize likelihood and impact of problems
• Capacity to work independently and within a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Capable of wearing respiratory protection and other PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, boots, hearing protection) in hot work environment up to 8 hours per day

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work experience in a laboratory or similar production operation preferred, but not required
• Experience in metals sample preparation preferred, but not required
• Experience in ICP-OES and SS-OES analysis and maintenance preferred, but not required

Gopher Resource is an Equal Opportunity Employer