Fire Assay Technician

Job Title: Fire Assay Technician

Job Description

A Fire Assay Technician performs laboratory testing to determine the concentration of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, in geological, mining, and industrial samples using fire assay methods. The technician prepares samples, operates laboratory equipment, follows strict quality control procedures, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare geological, mining, and metallurgical samples for analysis.
• Weigh and mix samples with appropriate fluxes and reagents.
• Load and operate fusion furnaces and cupellation furnaces.
• Perform fire assay procedures, including fusion, cupellation, and bead recovery.
• Prepare assay beads or prills for further analysis using gravimetric methods or instrumental techniques (e.g., ICP-OES or AAS).
• Record, verify, and report analytical results accurately.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Follow laboratory quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures.
• Adhere to laboratory safety policies, including proper handling of chemicals and high-temperature equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Assist with inventory management of laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Report equipment malfunctions and participate in routine maintenance activities.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in chemistry, geology, or a related science preferred.
• Previous laboratory or fire assay experience preferred.
• Knowledge of fire assay principles and laboratory procedures is an asset.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are beneficial.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records.
• Direct fire assay experience is strongly preferred.
• Chemical engineering is a plus.
• OSHA or equivalent laboratory safety training.
• Hazardous materials handling training.
• First Aid/CPR certification (preferred).

Work Environment

The work environment involves exposure to furnaces, chemicals, and dust. Employees must adhere to strict safety, environmental, and quality regulations. The facility is equipped with a strong fume extraction system, fans, and air conditioning to manage temperatures, which are more comfortable during winter. Employees wear specific PPE, including respirator masks, and must be clean-shaven to properly use respirators. Quarterly lead blood testing is conducted to monitor exposure levels. The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, with some flexibility available. Shift work, overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required depending on production schedules.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sparks, NV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sparks,NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.