Fire Assay Technician

Actalent; Sparks (NV); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Fire Assay Technician for a contract position in Sparks, NV. The role involves preparing geological samples, performing fusion and cupellation, and conducting fire assay procedures to determine precious metal concentrations.

You will handle beads, report results, and maintain strict QA/QC and safety standards. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma (associate degree preferred), experience in a laboratory, familiarity with LIMS, and a disciplined approach to safety.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Ability to follow written procedures and SOPs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare geological, mining, and metallurgical samples for analysis.
• Weigh and mix samples with fluxes and reagents.
• Load and operate fusion and cupellation furnaces.
• Perform fire assay procedures: fusion, cupellation, bead recovery.
• Prepare assay beads or prills for analysis using gravimetric methods or ICP/OES/AAS.
• Record, verify, and report analytical results accurately.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Follow QA/QC procedures and safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Assist with inventory management of supplies and consumables.
• Report equipment malfunctions and assist in maintenance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Follow SOPs

Time management

Communication & teamwork

Independent work

Problem solving

Safety & quality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in chemistry/geology or related science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Job Description

A Fire Assay Technician performs laboratory testing to determine the concentration of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, in geological, mining, and industrial samples using fire assay methods. The technician prepares samples, operates laboratory equipment, follows strict quality control procedures, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Job Title: Fire Assay Technician

A Fire Assay Technician performs laboratory testing to determine the concentration of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, in geological, mining, and industrial samples using fire assay methods. The technician prepares samples, operates laboratory equipment, follows strict quality control procedures, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare geological, mining, and metallurgical samples for analysis.
• Weigh and mix samples with appropriate fluxes and reagents.
• Load and operate fusion and cupellation furnaces.
• Perform fire assay procedures, including fusion, cupellation, and bead recovery.
• Prepare assay beads or prills for further analysis using gravimetric methods or instrumental techniques (e.g., ICP-OES or AAS).
• Record, verify, and report analytical results accurately.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Follow laboratory quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures.
• Adhere to laboratory safety policies, including proper handling of chemicals and high-temperature equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Assist with inventory management of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Report equipment malfunctions and participate in routine maintenance activities.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in chemistry, geology, or a related science preferred.
• Previous laboratory or fire assay experience preferred.
• Knowledge of fire assay principles and laboratory procedures is an asset.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are beneficial.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records.
• OSHA or equivalent laboratory safety training (preferred).
• Hazardous materials handling training (preferred).
• First Aid/CPR certification (preferred).

Work Environment

The work environment includes exposure to furnaces, chemicals, and dust. Employees work in a hot environment, though temperatures are more manageable during winter. The facility is equipped with a strong fume extraction system, fans, and air conditioning. Employees must wear specific personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirator masks, and candidates must be clean-shaven to properly use respirators. Quarterly lead blood testing is conducted to monitor exposure levels. Shift work, overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required depending on production schedules. Strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality regulations is essential. The standard schedule is MondayFriday, 7:00 AM3:30 PM, with some flexibility available.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sparks, NV.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sparks, NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 7, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sparks,NV.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.