Agricultural Chemist

Ironbrij; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Ironbrij in Adelaide seeks an Agricultural Chemist to provide technical support, ensure quality controls, and develop methods. The role requires a Bachelor of Science and at least 2 years in a commercial agricultural laboratory.

You will lead a laboratory team, manage training, and respond to client queries while contributing to continuous improvement and data integrity. This is a full-time position in an on-site lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or relevant tertiary technical education.
• 2+ years’ experience in a commercial agricultural laboratory.
• Proven ability to build and lead an effective team.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable.
• Meticulous with high attention to detail.
• Proven leadership/management experience.
• Good interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with customers, staff and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of the analysis of soil, plant, water and other agricultural products.
• Willingness to always maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to educate and develop staff.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict in a positive way.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management and NATA and their application in the workplace.
• Highly developed organisation and time management skills.
• Highly developed computing skills including Microsoft skills & other data software packages.
• Demonstrated personal attributes that align with APAL’s Team Principles (i.e. Accurate, Positive, Accountable, Loyal).
• Understanding of WH&S legislation and the ability to implement WH&S systems and procedures in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and show commitment to the quality management system in accordance with AS ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO requirements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and statutory/regulatory requirements.
• Complies with SOPs and WH&S practices of Eurofins APAL.
• Manage the quality output within the laboratory and commitment to data accuracy.
• Validate methods with documented uncertainty measurements.
• Monitor performance against KPIs (turnaround times, compliance).
• Oversee ASPAC proficiency testing and timely analysis of samples.
• Maintain instrument calibrations and records.
• Lead external NATA audits and contribute to submissions.
• Liaise with Lab Manager on resource requirements for strategic goals.
• Develop and review methods to improve laboratory practice.
• Respond to customer queries and complaints with appropriate solution.
• Provide weekly run data reports to Lab Manager.
• Participate in recruitment and staff development.
• Lead toolbox talks and staff communications.

Skills

Leadership/management

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Staff education/development

Conflict resolution

Quality management

KPI/metrics awareness

WH&S knowledge

Team coordination

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science or relevant tertiary education

2+ years in a commercial agricultural laboratory

Tools

Microsoft Office & data software

Job description

Summary Of Position And Objectives

The role of the Agricultural Chemist is to provide technical support to the business, ensure the quality controls are measured and maintained, take appropriate actions to correct issues, investigate non-conformances, answer client queries relating to results or methods, refine / improve and develop methods. The work encompasses a variety of responsibilities to ensure that laboratory activities run smoothly and accomplishes its goals daily. It is expected that the position will be able to develop and implement relevant systems and document and implement current and new procedures.

Position Responsibilities & Objectives

• Maintain and show commitment to the quality management system in accordance with AS ISO/IEC 17025 and general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories and ISOIEC/17025.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Complies with Standard Operating Procedures and WH&S practices of Eurofins APAL.
• Manage the quality output within the laboratory and commitment to accuracy and quality of data.
• Ensure accurate validation of methods. For each method ensure that there is an accurate measurement of uncertainty and documented procedure.
• Monitor and report performance against key performance measures (turnaround times, compliance etc.)
• ASPAC proficiency testing – overseeing and conducting the timely analysis of soil and plant check samples.
• Ensure all instrumentation are optimized and outputting accurate data. Maintain instrument calibrations and good record keeping.
• Ensures accurate record keeping for NATA. Involved in procedural auditing and compliance. Driver of continuous improvements. Develops methods and prepares NATA submissions. Takes a lead in external NATA audits. Investigates CAPARS / non-conformances and implements changes.
• Liaise with the Laboratory Manager to identify resource requirements (staff and equipment) to successfully implement strategic plan goals and objectives.
• Develop new methods and review and improve existing methods to improve laboratory practice
• Investigate and respond to customer complaints; re issue test reports when advised and where appropriate.
• Involved in client queries, advising of best method choice, responds to client queries quickly.
• Forward customer complaints to the Laboratory Manager as per the Service to the Customer and Customer Complaints process.
• Provide weekly report to the Laboratory Manager detailing daily run data, turnaround times, risks, and business summary.
• Manage and participate in the Business Operations Meeting providing information on weekly workload expectations, resource requirements, identification of any risks/red flags
• Conduct toolbox meetings/forums and individual communications with staff in order to keep staff informed about the quality performance and provide the opportunity for staff to express their views.
• Lead, mentor, provide support, advice and assistance to Laboratory team members.
• Monitor team and individual work performance.
• Liaises with the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure training schedules are in place and implemented.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of Laboratory staff as required.

Performance Appraisal Criteria

• Improve the delivery of key organisation projects by taking hands-on and autonomous control to effectively, accurately and timely execute allocated responsibilities, with minimal errors and/or disruption to overall strategic goals.
• Manage existing systems and introduce/manage new capabilities/opportunities that enhance the delivery of key strategic priorities.
• Maintain discretion, confidentiality and responsibility at all times.
• Improvement / success on KPIs, targets/goals, services and projects as agreed/updated from time to time.
• Work in accordance with the applicable Health & Safety legislation, regulations and other relevant Eurofins policies and procedures.

Qualifications And Experience Required

• Bachelor of Science or relevant Tertiary technical education
• At least 2 years’ experience in a commercial agricultural laboratory
• Proven ability to build and lead an effective team
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable
• Meticulous with high attention to detail
• Proven leadership/management experience
• Good interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with customers, staff and other key stakeholders
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of the analysis of soil, plant, water and other agricultural products
• Willingness to always maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to educate and develop staff
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict in a positive way
• In-depth knowledge of quality management and NATA and their application in the workplace
• Highly developed organisation and time management skills
• Highly developed computing skills including Microsoft skills & other data software packages.
• Demonstrated personal attributes that align with APAL’s Team Principles (i.e. Accurate, Positive, Accountable, Loyal).
• Understanding of WH&S legislation and the ability to implement WH&S systems and procedures in the workplace.

Expected Salary: $81,763.50 AUD per year