Technician Laboratory

South32; Julia Creek; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave: 26 weeks full-paid or

Share plans

Additional superannuation

Additional annual leave up to 4 weeks

Job summary

South32 is seeking a Laboratory Technician for its Cannington operation in northwest Queensland. The role covers sample preparation, analysis, and reporting across production, metallurgy, geology and marketing streams to meet standard turnaround times.

It operates on a 7/7 day/night roster with FIFO from Townsville or Brisbane or DIDO from Mount Isa. The candidate will maintain Safe Work Instructions, keep the lab safe and well-equipped, manage reagent stocks, and review QAQC to address any

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, but trade certification or relevant educational qualification is highly regarded.
• Forklift license is desirable.
• Current manual Driver's License is required.
• Disciplined and methodical approach with accuracy across routine tasks.
• Collaborative team member who communicates effectively and manages workload.

Responsibilities

• Review and maintain Safe Work Instructions and operating Procedures.
• Maintain the Laboratory and its equipment in a safe and reliable state.
• Maintenance of laboratory overheads including reagent preparations and consumables stocks.
• Review QAQC and initiate remedial action for out-of-specification results.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Laboratory experience

Base metals context

Education

Trade certification or relevant educational qualification

Tools

WD-XRF

ICP-OES

ISE

Fusion units

Lab prep equipment

Job description

At South32, we're meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there's no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we're making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we'll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT CANNINGTON

Our Cannington operation is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead. Located in northwest Queensland, Cannington boasts an underground mine and processing facility situated approximately 800 kilometres west of Townsville and a concentrate handling facility at the Port of Townsville.

Flights are direct to the onsite airport, and the mine is only 3.5 km from camp - the perfect distance for a sunset walk or run home along a purpose-built walking track. The onsite accommodation includes meal services, sports/gym facilities, swimming pool, music room, and social area.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
• Ability to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Options for additional superannuation contributions

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is a Permanent full-time position on a 7/7 day/night shift roster, FIFO from Townsville or Brisbane or DIDO from the Mount Isa region.

As the Laboratory Technician, you will be responsible for carrying out required sample preparation, analysis, and reporting across production, metallurgy, geology and marketing streams to agreed standard and turnaround time.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Review and maintenance of Safe Work Instructions and operating Procedures
• Maintaining the Laboratory and its equipment in a safe and reliable working state
• Maintenance of Laboratory overheads i.e., reagent preparations, consumable stocks
• Review of QAQC and initiation of all required remedial action for out-of-specification results

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• A disciplined and methodical approach to work, with the ability to maintain accuracy, consistency and attention to detail across routine tasks
• A collaborative team member who communicates effectively, supports colleagues and manages workload to deliver tasks reliably and on time
• Prior experience in a similar role working in a commercial, mining or production Laboratory is desirable, with experience in a base metals context highly regarded
• Knowledge of relevant laboratory equipment such as: WD-XRF, ICP-OES, ISE, fusion units, laboratory-scale sample comminution is desirable

Qualifications for this position are:

• No formal qualifications required, but any relevant trade certification or educational qualification is highly regarded
• Forklift license is desirable
• Current manual Driver's License

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 9th November 2026.