Fire Assay Manager - Reno, Nevada, United States of America

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. · When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.  · Location: ALS Geochemistry, Reno, Nevada · Reports to: Laboratory Manager · About the Pos ...

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. 

Location: ALS Geochemistry, Reno, Nevada

Reports to: Laboratory Manager

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.

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.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. 

At ALS, you'll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. 

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.  

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. 

Eligibility
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.