Fire Assay Manager - Reno, Nevada, United States

Overview · About the position: · The Fire Assay Manager plays a critical leadership role within the ALS Reno laboratory, supporting operational excellence, safety leadership, and continuous improvement on the fusion floor. Working in close partnership with the Laboratory Manager ...

Job description

Overview

About the position:

The Fire Assay Manager plays a critical leadership role within the ALS Reno laboratory, supporting operational excellence, safety leadership, and continuous improvement on the fusion floor. Working in close partnership with the Laboratory Manager this position is responsible for ensuring productivity, quality, staffing, and safety objectives are consistently achieved while contributing to the department's financial performance and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

About the Role:

Operational Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily fire assay fusion floor activities, including weighing, fluxing, fusion, cupellation, and sample movement; plan, direct, and coordinate all operational activities.

• Ensure the Fire Assay department is properly staffed, equipped, and operating efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with production and financial targets.

• Maintain optimal sample turnaround times while ensuring quality and compliance with approved methods and procedures.

• Continuously identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, workflow efficiency, and operational performance; ensure performance targets are achieved.

• Monitor and analyze productivity metrics; prepare and maintain daily production reports and performance statistics.

• Design and support ongoing technical and leadership training programs to ensure staff readiness for production demands, new methods, and time-sensitive workloads.

• Actively participate in regular laboratory safety, technical, quality, and operational meetings.

• Conduct routine crew talks to address departmental concerns related to safety, quality, and production performance.

• Manage and maintain departmental inventory, including consumables, reagents, flux, and to ensure uninterrupted operations.

• Prepare and oversee department work schedules to align with production demand, staffing levels, and turnaround commitments.

• Adhere to established fire assay methods, schedules, and quality standards, ensuring analytical integrity is consistently maintained.

• Perform cost, risk, and safety assessments to identify opportunities for process, equipment, and facility improvements.

• Create, perform, and oversee special requests related to method development, validation, quality control, and assurance (e.g., round robins, proficiency testing, reagent verification, client requests).

• Follow and enforce all ALS health, safety, environmental, and regulatory policies, including lead mitigation and hazardous waste handling procedures..

• Perform additional duties as required.

Personnel Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment activities, including interviewing, onboarding, and training of new employees.

• Support employee scheduling, including shift assignments, overtime, vacation approvals, and timekeeping in accordance with company systems and policies.

• Maintain accurate, current training records and controlled documentation for all department staff.

• Mentor team members and support their professional development, performance improvement, and career progression.

• Recognize and reinforce individual and team achievements to promote engagement, accountability, and retention.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and goal setting.

• Proactively manage staff performance and address issues in accordance with ALS policies and procedures.

• Support the performance management process, including coaching and corrective actions when required.

• Communicate and enforce all employment policies and procedures consistently and professionally.

Quality Responsibilities:

• Promote a work environment aligned with ALS's commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure all fire assay processes, data outputs, and reporting meet or exceed company standards and industry expectations.

• Actively participate in QA/QC audits, review findings, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Investigate quality incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to analytical accuracy, precision, and data integrity.

Safety Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safe operation of all fire assay activities and foster a strong, proactive safety culture aligned with ALS Global values.

• Provide appropriate equipment, training, and a safe working environment to support laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

• Promptly identify, address, and correct unsafe practices or conditions.

• Ensure all staff receive required Occupational Health and Safety training.

• Conduct regular safety talks and communicate hazards, incidents, and concerns to the HSE team.

• Implement, review, and reinforce safety initiatives and best practices to promote continuous improvement.

• Ensure weekly hazard observations are completed and submitted as required.

• Participate in incident investigations and support the implementation of corrective actions.

• Comply with and enforce all ALS Global health and safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of fire assay laboratory experience in a production-focused environment.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead role within a fire assay operation.

• Completion of, or active participation in, an assayer certification program is required.

• Strong computer skills including MS Word, MS Excel

• Previous experience in laboratory or geological preparation facility an asset

Physical Demands:

• Able to sit/stand through a full shift, which includes periodic sedentary responsibilities

• Able to work in dusty and hazardous environment

• Able to read, interpret and analyse data on a computer screen

• Manual dexterity to perform intricate and/or repetitive tasks

• Wear issued personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirator, gloves, etc. when required

• Able to travel to other sites and for training and other business-related activities

• Please note that ALS operates 24/7 and will require day, afternoon, and graveyard shift work including weekends.

Qualifications

ALS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) and Roth contributions with a company match after 6 months of employment
• Paid Time Off, Vacation
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Other: Ancillary benefits

We would like to thank everyone for their interest in ALS but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

"ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society"

ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities 

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