Laboratory Technician

Company description:

NQM Gold 2 Pty Ltd is an Australian gold explorer, developer, and producer, operating Pajingo Gold Mine, a long-established underground gold mining operation located approximately 50 km south of Charters Towers in North Queensland. Pajingo is recognised for its high-grade epithermal gold deposits and its commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The operation plays a significant role in the regional economy through gold production, employment opportunities, and ongoing investment in exploration and mine development.

Situated in the heart of North Queensland, the mine benefits from its proximity to Charters Towers, a vibrant regional centre offering excellent amenities, while also being within easy reach of Townsville and the world-renowned natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Laboratory Technician to join our Processing team at Pajingo Mine.

Operating on a 7/7 roster, this hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing quality assurance and quality control activities while analysing, interpreting, and reporting laboratory results to support mining and processing operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining laboratory standards, providing technical guidance and training to laboratory personnel, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure quality assurance and quality control standards are maintained across laboratory operations.
• Perform and oversee analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical laboratory functions.
• Collect, receive, prepare, label, and analyse mineral samples.
• Maintain laboratory records, reports, and documentation.
• Coordinate assay work with external laboratories.
• Participate in the planning, preparation, review, and improvement of laboratory procedures and services.
• Provide technical support and training to Laboratory Technicians.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Build strong working relationships with Processing, Geology, Exploration, and external stakeholders.
• Proactively identify hazards and contribute to a positive safety culture.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Laboratory or sampling industry recognised qualification.
• Experience with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
• Strong experience in mineral sample preparation, including: Pulverisers, Jaw/Boyd Crushers, Rotary/Riffle Splitters, Sieve Shakers
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and database management.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and schedule work.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality results.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 3+ years' experience working in laboratories supporting CIP/CIL gold processing or other mineral processing operations.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and support team development and performance.

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
• Supervisory qualification (G1, G8, G9).
• Forklift Licence.
• Incident investigation experience (ICAM or equivalent).
• Experience conducting risk assessments.
• Knowledge of Queensland mining legislation and regulations.

What You'll Bring

• A strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
• Proven leadership capability and a positive influence on team culture.
• Self-motivation, accountability, and initiative.
• Strong technical knowledge supporting processing and geological operations.
• The ability to mentor and develop team members.
• A collaborative approach and ability to build effective relationships across departments.
• Willingness to work in physically demanding, hot, dusty, and noisy environments while maintaining safe work practices.

Why Join Us?

• Attractive 7/7 roster providing genuine work-life balance.
• Opportunity to take on a senior technical role within a gold mining operation.
• Supportive team environment focused on safety and continuous improvement.
• Career development opportunities within a growing operation.

Our Values

We are looking for someone who lives our values:

• We Care - Safety and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do.
• Integrity - We act honestly, fairly, and ethically.
• Commitment to Excellence - We continually strive to improve and set new standards.
• Leadership - We lead by example and support those around us.
• One Team - We work together to achieve success.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced laboratory professional looking for the next step in your career and want to join a high-performing processing team on an attractive 7/7 roster, we'd love to hear from you.