Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Operator will be expected to maintain a functional, efficient, and clean laboratory environment following all safety, quality and production guidelines and practices. Daily expectations include: sample preparation, ensuring quality test data, running samples using lab equipment, troubleshooting and maintaining lab equipment.
• Additional responsibilities include managing laboratory inventories and continuous improvement of sampling program in order to meet product specifications.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow laboratory and safety procedures at all times
• Prepare samples for XRF analysis.
• Ensure turnaround time is adhered to at all times, for work specified in regard to XRF analysis.
• Regularly ensure quality of testing data
• Complies and conforms to the Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO17025)
• Conduct chemical and/or other analyses for samples using lab equipment and following specific lab procedures.
• Fully acquainted with LIMS system
• Aid in troubleshooting and maintaining lab equipment schedules.
• Aid in keeping lab clean and efficient as possible.
• Aid in managing supplies and material inventory.
• Continue to create a safety culture and manage policies that meet expectations.
• Self-starter yet takes orders as directed.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by line manager.
• Perform duties on all relevant workstations as required by shift workload. 
• Responsible in   recording any day-to-day repairs, maintenance and verification of instruments.
• Must be willing to work overtime when necessary.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY 

• Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such a situation.  The employee has the responsibility to protect the environment as well.
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Address client complaints.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum Grade 12/Matric or N3 with Mathematics and Science
• 5 years laboratory experience

Experience

• On the job training will be provided as well as formal training
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office)

Required Skills

• Mastery in technical knowledge of analytical processes
•  Able to work with technical and management staff.
• Able to coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal.
• Energy to motivate a team to always deliver results.
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Has extensive knowledge of international standards and specifications used by the industry.
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving.
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls.
• Holds self and others accountable.
• Works well under pressure.
• Challenges the status quo.
• Fluent English