Chemist

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Chief Chemist, the Chemist is responsible for supervising and ensuring accurate analysis of all submitted samples from Enterprise and Sentinel operations to enable teams make informed decisions with regards to monitoring and smooth running of Departmental Operations.
• The Chemist is also responsible for effective running of respective crew in relation to work out, discipline and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures, Laboratory rules and Company Policies.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• This position will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the role and responsibilities of the function.
• Ensure that all personnel and visitors adhere to company safety regulations and requirements of the section.
• Prepare, chair and attend daily shift meetings.
• Ensure all completed sample batches are promptly exported to the control room.
• Investigate all sudden erroneous numbers away from trends on all clientele reports and maintain records.
• Verify and approve all clientele sample analysis in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and arrange re-tests for batches that have failed Quality Assurance and validation acceptable criteria.
• Ensure adherence to machine schedule.
• Prioritize workloads and ensure that turnaround time obligations on analysis are met.
• Continuous training of all new personnel on all procedural analyses and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) related activities.
• Ensure adequate use of reference standards materials on each batch.
• Ensure good housekeeping of machinery and work areas, on a shiftly basis.
• Have skills in instrument trouble shooting.
• Ensure Operational Standardization and calibration the all analytical equipment before use.
• Ensure all instruments are clean and maintained on a daily basis before and after use.
• Maintaining good working relationships with internal and external customers
• Prioritize workloads and ensure that turnaround time obligations on analysis are met.
• Ensure good communication with co-workers and superiors during shift.
• Uphold discipline in respective crews
• Ensuring that duties are performed according to accepted standards and regulations.
• Providing timely and accurate support.
• To perform any reasonable task as instructed by the supervisor/ chief Chemist

Job specific competencies

• Closely monitoring the usage of consumables (acids/reagents).
• Encouraging two way communications between supervisor and samplers
• Attending daily team toolbox meetings.
• Act in line with Company goals and values;
• Be loyal to the Company;
• Behave with integrity;
• Show respect for others;
• Work co-operatively;
• Be open and honest;
• Feel free to express opinions and ideas.
• Be safety conscious.

Key Attributes

• Teamwork
• Bold Initiative
• Creative and transformational mind-set
• Thinking Safety
• Upholding Quality
• Technical Skill
• Driving Quantity
• Driving Attendance

Experience Required

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in a Mine Site Laboratory
• Possess Good Reporting skills
• Good interpersonal Skills
• Proficiency in Microscope packages such as Excel, Work, PowerPoint, Access etc.
• First aid training

Qualifications

• Full grade 12 certificate
• Minimum of BSc. Chemistry or its equivalent