Chief Chemist  [Jan.25, 2010]

Location: WA, Australia

Reference No: SE604357DC

At BHP Billiton, our vision for sustainable development is to be the company of choice – creating sustainable value for shareholders, employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, business partners and host communities.

Central to our vision is our aspirational goal of Zero Harm to people, the environment and the community.

Further to this, our people are our most significant asset and number one priority and therefore Zero Harm drives all our operations.

A demonstrated commitment to health and safety leadership is a pre-requisite for being considered for any opportunities or career advancement within the business.

A member of the BHP Billiton Group, Nickel West is a fully integrated nickel business comprising mines, concentrators, a smelter and refinery, all located in Western Australia.

Nickel West is the world’s third largest producer of nickel-in-concentrate.

Leinster Nickel Operation is located 375 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The operation sources nickel ore from the Perseverance Underground Mine and Cliffs Underground Mine before crushing and processing to produce a concentrate. The Leinster Village and Township offer a unique lifestyle with more than 1400 people and all the modern conveniences – an Olympic size swimming pool, health and fitness centre, race-course and even an 18 hole golf course.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and knowledge from both a technical and leadership aspect. You will become an integral part of the Metallurgy team at Leinster and have the opportunity to work within a dynamic team.

A very competitive salary package will be offered, including 11.5% superannuation, a range of company benefits, ongoing career development opportunities and great working conditions. Leinster provides the flexibility to work an attractive FIFO roster, just a short flight from Perth, or you may choose to be residential in the town of Leinster.

Purpose

• A rare and challenging vacancy exists for an experienced Chemist to manage the onsite Analytical Laboratories at the Leinster Nickel Operation. Reporting to the Metallurgy Manager the key accountabilities of this position include:
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Analytical Laboratory to ensure a safe, efficient and quality service.
• Leading, managing and motivating a dedicated team of Chemists and Technicians.
• Ensuring that a Quality Assurance system is in place to ensure validity and reliability of results.
• Liaising with numerous internal and external parties to ensure contractual and production requirements are met.

Requirements

To be successful in this role you will have formal qualifications in Chemistry with significant relevant laboratory experience and exposure to a supervisory or management role. You will be familiar with using a variety of laboratory equipment and systems inclusive of XRF and XRD and will have highly developed computing skills, particularly with LIMS. Previous exposure to wet-chemical analysis of Nickel would be highly regarded. In addition you will have highly developed problem solving and decision-making skills and a planned and structured approach to your work.

On a personal level your outstanding communication and interpersonal skills will allow you to effectively manage and develop a specialist laboratory team. You will also have the ability to communicate and develop strong business relationships with clients and BHP Billiton personnel at all levels. With a commitment to providing superior and proactive customer service you will be able to prioritise multiple tasks and work calmly under pressure. Applicants with previous management and supervisory skills will be highly regarded.

Leinster has a clean shaven policy and you are required to have a current WA Police Clearance to work at this site.

Short listing for this position will commence on 4 February 2010 however we do reserve the right to close this position earlier than stated. To enable us to process your application as quickly as possible simply click on the ‘apply’ button below.

To apply for this position, click here

For advice on obtaining an Australian visa visit LIVE IN australia.com