Lab jobs

Purpose of Role

Lab Operator is responsible for providing support and delivery through the execution of all tasks and activities in the laboratory regarding sample preparation and the handling of equipment and instruments to enable accurate testing of samples and timely reporting of laboratory results.

Role Context

Operational Tasks

• Execute routine checks on laboratory equipment and instruments to ensure the achievement of accurate balances and set temperature according to stipulated requirements.
• Collect, preserve, store and label all samples received in the laboratory by checking and recording date, time, accompanying tag and origin of samples to maintain sample integrity.
• Ensure adherence to ISO 17025 quality standards during sample preparation to identify and report any issues related to sample contamination, equipment calibration or procedural deviations.
• Prepare and take samples to the fluxing bay for 4e analysis and split according to grade to flux using set procedure and/or standards, make use of precise and standardised filtration techniques to achieve accurate sample separation and splitting to enable analysis and testing.
• Prepare and weigh samples in accordance to the set specifications and protocols to minimise and/or eliminate deviations.
• Separate relevant material using fire assay techniques to enable analytical capabilities in line with set standards.
• Follow established wet chemistry procedures and make use of relevant equipment and instruments to prepare wet chemicals in line with set standards.
• Utilise relevant equipment and established protocols and procedures to enable accurate and efficient and consistent fluxing of samples in preparation for analysis and testing.
• utilise the pellets press and other relevant equipment to press and prepare XRF samples to ensure consistent and reliable tests results.
• Execute secondary preparation tasks and methods by following established procedures to ensure compatibility with analytical processes and contribute to comprehensive laboratory workflows.
• Implement efficient workflow and prioritise tasks to consistently and accurately prepare samples received from all plants within established timelines and relevant intervals in line with shift targets and operational standards.
• Troubleshoot instruments and escalate to line manager to initiate replacement or professional repairs process as and when required to maintain quality of instruments.
• Receive samples from R&D including chrome samples and prepare for testing using relevant techniques in line with specified standards and ensure sample turnaround time targets are met.

Resource Management

• Determine resource needs within own area of responsibility to achieve individual role outcomes.
• Request required assets and resources for the fulfilment of work duties to attain quality work outputs.
• Use assets and resources optimally within own area of responsibility.
• Contribute to the optimisation of asset care principles and management by safely applying and ensuring adherence to safety protocols and utilisation of equipment.

Stakeholder Relations

• Engage with all relevant Departments on issues of the area of specialisation, as directed by the Manager.
• Communicate with internal and/or external stakeholders, where required, to achieve work objectives and to maintain relationships.
• Keep abreast of trends and advancements related to mining technologies, lab techniques and best practices to contribute to the improvement of mining and lab processes and efficiency.

Risk, Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to standard operating procedures and safety protocols by maintaining good housekeeping standards at all time to maintain a safe working environment.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe handling of chemicals, laboratory equipment and hazardous substances as well as the proper disposal of waste material to minimise risk.
• Proactively inspect equipment and conduct pre-work risk assessment to ensure all equipment is safe to use and complies with safety standards.
• Manage equipment handling by putting in place control measure to ensure equipment handed back to the operation is in a safe and operable condition.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 (NQF 4)

Job specific experience:

• 1-2 years relevant experience

Inherent requirements

Must be medically fit.

Internal and External

Closing Date: 11 November 2026

NB: Please note that in line with our Employment Equity requirement, preference will be given to the designated positions.