Chemist

Vale Base Metals; Labrador; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with variable

Defined Contribution Pension

Comprehensive benefits

Life balance leave

Career development

Certification and training

Job summary

Vale Base Metals is seeking a Chemist to join the Technical Services team at the Voisey’s Bay Mine Site in Labrador on a permanent, on-site basis with a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off schedule.

The role involves preparing and performing routine and non-routine analyses of geological, mill process, and environmental samples, supervising the lab when the Lab Supervisor is absent, and driving QA/QC improvements while maintaining safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry is required.
• Minimum 3 years in an analytical lab.
• ICP-OES and XRF experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for chemical analysis per SOPs.
• Perform routine and non-routine analyses of geological and environmental samples.
• Supervise assay lab in absence of supervisor.
• Maintain 5S in the lab and manage QA/QC improvements.
• Train new staff and assist with instrument maintenance.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

ICP-OES

XRF

LIMS

SOP development

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is transforming the future?

Who We Are

We are Vale Base Metals – a global supplier of the critical minerals transforming the future.

With industry-leading reserves of copper and nickel in Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, and state-of-the-art infrastructure in the U.K., Canada, and Japan, VBM delivers a secure and responsible supply of high-quality products to customers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Global demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially. From energy to aerospace, batteries to magnets, robotics to artificial intelligence, a secure and responsible supply of critical minerals is fundamental to power modern technologies.

And at Vale Base Metals, we are transforming our business to provide a secure and responsible supply of these minerals.

Join our diverse team of 13,000 talented individuals committed to providing mineral security to a world in transition. We invite you to put your skills to work, driving meaningful and enduring change while enjoying a rewarding career.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Chemist to join our Technical Services team in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador, a fly-in fly-out operation.

The role is a permanent on-site position, working a 2 week on/2 week off schedule at the Voisey’s Bay Mine Site.

As a Chemist you will prepare and perform routine and non-routine chemical and instrumental analysis of geological samples, mill process samples, and environmental samples in a safe, accurate, timely, and cost‑effective manner. The Chemist will assume a supervisory role of the assay lab in the absence of the Lab Supervisor or Senior Chemist and direct the daily work of the Analytical Assistant/Chemical Analyst. Your experience and skills will allow you to use scientific knowledge to validate procedures, recommend and implement improvements, and train and assist others in becoming proficient with new equipment and improved procedures.

Additionally, in this position you will:

• Prepare samples for chemical analysis according to Standard Operating Procedures, assist in the development, implementation and review of Standard Operating Procedures, and conduct routine and non-routine chemical analysis.
• Carry out responsibilities to ensure precise, prompt and cost-effective sample analysis, while ensuring safe use of chemical and laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Laboratory 5S system and use Laboratory Information Management System to track and report sample results according to Standard Operating Procedure.
• Clean and maintain equipment, instrumentation and work areas according to Standard Operating Procedures, troubleshoot problems, perform and document routine maintenance of scientific instrumentation and equipment and monitor or assist in the ordering of supplies.
• Conduct investigations into out-of-specification results, resolve customer complaints and support the implementation and continuous improvement of a QA/QC program.
• Coordinate the activities in the Assay Lab during the absence of the Lab Supervisor or Senior Chemist, perform the work of the Sample Preparation Technician in their absence, and train new laboratory personnel (Chemists, Analysts and Sample Preparation Technicians).

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, flex health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities
• Chartered flights within Newfoundland & Labrador
• 24/7 access to a fully stocked cafeteria with balanced meals prepared by our culinary team
• Access to recreational facilities and social activities (cardio/weight room, gymnasium, music room, movie theatre, etc.)
• Accommodations are equipped with cable TV, internet, and unlimited long-distance calling
• All Personal Protective Equipment is provided upon hire. Employees are given a safety boot allowance and receive a 100% reimbursement for prescription safety glasses

About You

Education:

• An undergraduate degree in a related field (ex: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry) is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in an analytical laboratory.
  • Experience using ICP and XRF would be considered an asset.

Skills:

• Analytical Chemistry theory and practice, especially as it relates to geochemical and environmental analysis.
• Computerized Analytical instrumentation such as, but not limited to, ICP-OES, XRF, etc.
• Ability to validate and troubleshoot chemical procedures, equipment and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems and other word-processing, spreadsheet, scientific software applications, MS software and general computer literacy.
• Safety conscious and ability to perform tasks and responsibilities in a safe manner while adhering to Vale policies and procedures, WHMIS and First Aid are considered an asset.

Why Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, is known for its rugged coastline, rich cultural heritage, and significant natural resources. The province's economy is bolstered by a robust mining sector, where Vale Base Metals’ integrated operations play a crucial role.

At Long Harbour, we operate a state‑of‑the‑art processing plant, which refines nickel concentrate from Vale Base Metals’ Voisey's Bay mine, located in Labrador, into nickel, copper, and cobalt products. This plant is a cornerstone of our commitment to value‑added processing in Canada. Meanwhile, the Voisey's Bay mine is one of the world's most substantial nickel deposits. It provides high‑quality nickel, copper, and cobalt, essential for the 21 st century economy.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people can act like owners, being their authentic selves and empowering them to deliver results. Vale Base Metals encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

Vale recognizes the Impacts and Benefits Agreements with the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government in which Innu and Inuit workers have first preference for employment at the Voisey’s Bay Mine Site. This is guided by an adjacency principle that first gives preference to those who live on the coast of Labrador, followed by those residing in the rest of Labrador, those residing on the island of the province, followed by the rest of Canada.

Next, priority will be given to Newfoundland and Labrador residents. We also welcome those who are willing to relocate back home and those looking to make NL their permanent home.

Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Innu Nation members and Nunatsiavut beneficiaries can submit their application to their Vale Indigenous Employment Coordinator.

Employees engaged by the Company must be lawfully able to work for the Company in the country where the role is located. The Company does not provide immigration, work permit, or permanent residence sponsorship or assistance.

Pay Grade: H03

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