Head of Gold Assay & Lab Quality

Jerritt Canyon; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jerritt Canyon is seeking a Chief Assayer to lead the mine-site assay laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely results for grade control, exploration, and production. You will develop SOPs, oversee fire assay and instrumental analyses, and manage QA/QC programs, audits, and staff.

The role requires 8–12+ years in mineral assay, with senior supervisory experience, strong knowledge of LIMS, gravimetric methods, and regulatory compliance. A mine-site background is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Geochemistry, or closely related field.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Geochemistry, or related field preferred.
• Professional registration or equivalent recognized standing preferred where applicable.
• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in mineral assay or analytical laboratory operations, preferably in mining or mineral processing.
• Senior supervisory or assay management experience in a mine-site environment is preferred.
• Strong practical experience with fire assay techniques including gold and silver determination.
• Experience with laboratory QA/QC programs and interpreting QC data.
• Experience with LIMS and electronic reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation and technical management of the mine-site or central assay laboratory.
• Establish and maintain analytical methods and SOPs for ore, concentrate, drill-core, exploration, process, and environmental samples.
• Oversee fire assay, wet chemistry, instrumental analysis, and other analytical techniques for precious metals and base metals.
• Ensure accurate and timely assay results for grade control, exploration, and production reconciliation.
• Develop and maintain QA/QC programs including certified references, blanks, duplicates, check assays, control charts, and proficiency testing.
• Investigate analytical discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Review and approve assay results before release to geology, metallurgy, mine operations, or management.
• Maintain laboratory records, calibration records, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Manage laboratory supplies, equipment, budgets, and vendors.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate assayers and laboratory personnel.
• Promote safety, quality, integrity, and continuous improvement culture.

Skills

Fire assay

QA/QC

LIMS

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory management

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Geochemistry

Advanced degree preferred

Professional registration or equivalent

Tools

LIMS software

Analytical instrumentation

Gravimetric methods

Job description

Jerritt Canyon is seeking a Chief Assayer to lead the mine-site assay laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely results for grade control, exploration, and production. You will develop SOPs, oversee fire assay and instrumental analyses, and manage QA/QC programs, audits, and staff.

The role requires 8–12+ years in mineral assay, with senior supervisory experience, strong knowledge of LIMS, gravimetric methods, and regulatory compliance. A mine-site background is highly preferred.