Laboratory Technician

NQM Gold 2 Pty Ltd; Charters Towers Regional; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7/7 roster

Career development

Safety-focused team

Job summary

Pajingo Mine is seeking an experienced Senior Laboratory Technician to join the Processing team on a 7/7 roster. This hands-on leadership role oversees QA/QC and analyzes laboratory results to support mining and processing operations.

You will lead technical guidance and training for laboratory personnel and drive continuous improvement across the operation, while maintaining safety standards and strong stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Lab or sampling industry qualification is required.
• Experience with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
• Strong experience in mineral sample preparation (jaw/crushers, sieve shakers).
• Advanced MS Office skills (Excel/Word/Access/PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to mentor lab staff.
• Knowledge of mining regulations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA/QC standards across laboratory operations.
• Perform analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical tasks.
• Collect, receive, prepare, label and analyse mineral samples.
• Coordinate with external laboratories and maintain records.
• Provide training and technical guidance to laboratory staff.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, efficiency and performance.

Skills

AAS experience

MS Excel

MS Word

Database management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Education

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Laboratory/sampling qualification

Tools

Jaw/Boyd Crushers

Sieve Shakers

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Laboratory Technician to join our Processing team at Pajingo Mine.

Operating on a 7/7 roster, this hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing quality assurance and quality control activities while analysing, interpreting, and reporting laboratory results to support mining and processing operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining laboratory standards, providing technical guidance and training to laboratory personnel, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure quality assurance and quality control standards are maintained across laboratory operations.
• Perform and oversee analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical laboratory functions.
• Collect, receive, prepare, label, and analyse mineral samples.
• Maintain laboratory records, reports, and documentation.
• Coordinate assay work with external laboratories.
• Participate in the planning, preparation, review, and improvement of laboratory procedures and services.
• Provide technical support and training to Laboratory Technicians.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Build strong working relationships with Processing, Geology, Exploration, and external stakeholders.
• Proactively identify hazards and contribute to a positive safety culture.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Laboratory or sampling industry recognised qualification.
• Experience with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
• Strong experience in mineral sample preparation, including:
  • Jaw/Boyd Crushers
  • Sieve Shakers
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and database management.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and schedule work.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality results.
• Minimum 3+ years' experience working in laboratories supporting CIP/CIL gold processing or other mineral processing operations.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and support team development and performance.
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
• Supervisory qualification (G1, G8, G9).
• Incident investigation experience (ICAM or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Queensland mining legislation and regulations.

What You'll Bring

• A strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
• Proven leadership capability and a positive influence on team culture.
• Self-motivation, accountability, and initiative.
• Strong technical knowledge supporting processing and geological operations.
• The ability to mentor and develop team members.
• A collaborative approach and ability to build effective relationships across departments.
• Willingness to work in physically demanding, hot, dusty, and noisy environments while maintaining safe work practices.

Why Join Us?

• Attractive 7/7 roster providing genuine work-life balance.
• Opportunity to take on a senior technical role within a gold mining operation.
• Supportive team environment focused on safety and continuous improvement.
• Career development opportunities within a growing operation.

Our Values

We are looking for someone who lives our values:

• We Care – Safety and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do.
• Integrity – We act honestly, fairly, and ethically.
• Commitment to Excellence – We continually strive to improve and set new standards.
• Leadership – We lead by example and support those around us.
• One Team – We work together to achieve success.