Technician

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure the optimal operation of Sample prep, Fire assay, Wetchemistry and instrumentation sections by adding technical and supervisor support.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical

• Ensure received samples are logged on CCLAS using sample submission forms from the client.
• Perform 6E nickel sulphide, base metals, Convertor matte and nickel sulphate leaches, dissolutions and / or other similar Wet Chemical techniques by accurately following the Work Instructions.
• Operate of laboratory instrumentation such as ICP-OES, auto titrator and LECO
• Responsible for making up ICP standards, ICP calibration, operation as well as procurement of stock to perform ICP analyses
• Responsible for LECO and auto titrator calibration, operation as well as procurement of stock to perform analyses using these instruments
• Responsible to bring all problems (technical and managerial) to the attention of the Senior Technician and Chemist.
• Complies and conforms to SGS Laboratory Quality Management System and ISO17025.
• Record any changes by using Management of Change form and perform daily instrument maintenance ( ICP, LECO, auto titrator), calibration and verification of instruments.
• Liaise with the technicians and operators to ensure customer requirements are achieved with regard to the turnaround time commitments.
• Report daily production figures/target met to Chemist and Production Manager with evidence available to support the targets reported on Production report. If targets have not been met, provide reasons and corrective actions to take to ensure that targets are met during the next shift
• Ensure compliance to all analysis standards
• Assist in the investigation of any irregularities/non-conformances including the Improvement Requests and client requested investigations.
• Must have full understanding of the LIMS system.
• Attend to client queries promptly with appropriate feedback to the Chemist and Production Manager with regards to resolutions. Institute appropriate root cause analysis for all problem investigations and formulate appropriate technical conclusions.
• Profiling and batching of jobs scheduled for day to day shifts.
• Assist in the completion of Production report.
• Evaluate, and report analytical results if required.
• Standing in for other Senior staff during his/her absence (meetings, trainings, sick leave & annual leave)

Quality

• Promotes the highest level of quality and ensures that the QMS is part of the day to day operation with all policies and procedures followed as documented
• Assist with training of employees as well as competency planning and evaluation with proof to support staff declared competent.
• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS requirements).

Health &Safety

• Promotes and Monitors all aspects of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Drive good housekeeping practices to ensure that the work areas and surrounding environment is kept clean at all times.
• Comply and conform to as well as promote and monitor all aspects of SGS and Northam Eland QHSE policies and procedures.

General

• Responsibility to ensure good housekeeping in area of work.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Work in other sections if asked to do so.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct and indirect managers.
• Communication with staff and management.
• Must be willing to work overtime/flexible hours when necessary.
• Ensure overtime submission sheets were correctly completed before handing in to Shift Chemist for approval.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY

• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Qualifications

Education

• National Diploma / Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• 2–5 years’ experience in a PGM or metal accounting laboratory (advantageous).
• Experience with ICP-OES, LECO, and wet chemical techniques such as 6 PGEs via nickel sulphide collection with ICP-OES finish, base metals via peroxide fusion with ICP-OES finish and chrome via titration.
• Strong understanding of ISO 17025 and SANAS requirements.
• Proficiency in LIMS/CCLAS systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet targets
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Competent in technical knowledge of analytical processes
• Able to work with technical and management staff
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Assists with trouble shooting and problem solving
• Can fluently communicate in English.