Laboratory Technician (Kwinana)

The Company

Covalent Lithium is a new greenfield lithium project that is currently under construction to develop the Mt Holland lithium project and produce battery-quality lithium hydroxide in Western Australia. Our project is backed by the expertise and funding of our joint venture partners – SQM and Wesfarmers. 

The Mt Holland project consists of a mine and concentrator located south of Southern Cross and a refinery at Kwinana that will produce 50,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide once construction and commissioning is complete. Our lithium hydroxide will be exported to international manufacturers to produce over 1 million electric vehicles. This is an exciting opportunity to join a battery metals project that is driving the new energy sector in WA.

Employee Benefits 

We are committed to supporting, empowering and rewarding our people with a range of benefits available:

• Access to flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free confidential coaching and support services 
• Company-paid parental and study leave 
• Short-term incentive programs 
• Salary sacrifice options such as superannuation and novated leasing 
• Discounted health insurance

The Role

As a Laboratory Technician, you will support the Laboratory Leadership Team in aligning business and operational strategies, with the aim of providing metallurgical support to the Kwinana Processing team.

This role is available on a full-time permanent basis. The role is based at our Kwinana Refinery on a roster of 5 days on, 2 days off. When in commissioning and operations commence, a shift roster on a 24-hour operation will commence.

Key Responsibilities

As a greenfield project, your initial key responsibilities will include: 

• Contributing to the setting up and applying safe sustainable Laboratory system of work to ensure zero harm for employees, contractors, and the environment. 
• Assisting in developing the Laboratory’s foundation sample management systems and analytical processes
• Ensuring the Laboratory’s sample management systems and analytical processes are correctly maintained, adequately modified, when necessary, conducted in a proper manner, continuously improved.
• Coordinating and providing on-the-job training to new Laboratory personnel. 
• Coverage for the Laboratory Supervisor as needed

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of sample management, analytical methods and procedures related to Laboratory tasks and services 
• Participate in the implementation of LIMS and installation of new Laboratory equipment and ensure it is completed to the standards required to support operations requirements.
• Carry out all Laboratory procedures to support required Laboratory services needed to optimise production and returns to shareholders.
• Support the Laboratory Leadership in coordinating tasks to optimise Laboratory output and equitably balance services provided and workload load for all technicians.
• Ensures effective communication and coordinating between Laboratory activities and plant operations to meet Refinery Operational requirements.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments and ensure all critical equipment is correctly maintained by vendors in a manner that allows smooth operation of the Laboratory whilst maintaining adequate control of consumables and spare parts stock.

Role Requirements

• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or equivalent experience aligned to the role requirements.
• 5 – 10 years of experience in mining or chemical processing
• Experience in equipment commissioning, method development and validation (desirable)
• Demonstrated experience following QA/QC systems
• Experience with ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) or AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), Auto –titrators, UV-Vis
• Knowledge of Laser Sizer and/or experience with Sieves 
• Experience with sample preparation: Pulveriser, Press, and/or riffle splitter (desirable)
• Experience with fusion and digestion protocols for elemental analyses (desirable)
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Technical knowledge and experience in lab management processes, including lab sample management systems, instrument management and LIMS. 
• Computer proficiency in Quality control systems, and Microsoft Office programs and experience with LIMS systems, especially Labware.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and following Laboratory QA/QC systems.
• Experience in lithium processing desired but not essential

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the role, candidate experience, skills and qualifications will be offered. 

Our team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Candidates from all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply, including First Nations People, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities and those with neurodiverse, intersectional, or multiple diverse characteristics.

Covalent Lithium is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with a focus on our employees. We recognise skills, expertise, commitment and living our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration. Our goal is to attract, develop, motivate, reward, and retain the best people in the industry. 

By applying for this position, you agree to the collection, use and disclosure of your Personal Information in accordance with Covalent Lithium’s Privacy Statement.