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Chief Assayer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Professionals Group

Chief Geologist

Kearny, AZ · On-site

The Chief Geologist leads all mine‑site geological activities for a high‑tonnage open‑pit, Cu ... Own short‑range ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates ...

ASARCO LLC

Chief Geologist

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu ... Own short-range ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates ...

ASARCO LLC

Chief Geologist

Kearny, AZ · On-site

The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu ... Own short-range ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates ...

Genentech

Senior QC Associate, Potency

Hillsboro, OR

Proven experience in method validation, method transfer (internal and external/CMO), and routine lifecycle management of potency assays for commercial release and stability testing. * Data Analysis ...

New

Atria

Medical Technician

Manhattan, NY

$42.40K - $53.50K/yr

Each member's care is led by a dedicated Chief Medical Officer who collaborates on your behalf with ... Performs Point of Care testing using a variety of laboratory assays and platforms, including the ...

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief assayer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief assayer in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Assayer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Assayer, you need a solid background in chemistry, metallurgy, and analytical techniques, usually supported by a relevant science degree and extensive laboratory experience. Familiarity with advanced instrumentation such as atomic absorption spectrometers, ICP-OES, and proficiency with quality management systems like ISO 17025 are essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accurate reporting. These skills ensure the integrity and reliability of assay results, which are critical for operational decisions in mining and metals industries.

What are some of the primary challenges faced by a Chief Assayer when overseeing a laboratory team?

A Chief Assayer often faces the challenge of maintaining consistent quality and accuracy in assay results while managing a diverse laboratory team. Balancing the demands of production schedules with strict regulatory and safety standards is a key concern. Additionally, Chief Assayers are responsible for mentoring junior staff, troubleshooting technical issues, and implementing process improvements, all of which require strong leadership and adaptability. Effective communication with geologists, metallurgists, and management is essential to ensure that all assay data supports the broader goals of mining or metallurgical operations.

What are Chief Assayers?

Chief Assayers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the process of analyzing and testing ores, metals, and minerals to determine their composition and value. They lead a team of assayers in laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and quality of test results. Chief Assayers also develop and enforce quality control procedures, manage laboratory operations, and may provide technical advice to mining or metallurgical companies. Their work ensures that materials are properly evaluated for commercial use and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Chief Assayer vs Assayer?

AspectChief AssayerAssayer
CredentialsTypically requires certification in assaying and management experienceRequires certification in assaying, often with less managerial training
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms chemical analysis of ores and metals in laboratory settings
Industry UsageUsed in mining, refining, and precious metals industries for leadership rolesCommonly employed in laboratories for sample analysis and testing

The main difference between a Chief Assayer and an Assayer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Assayer manages laboratory operations and oversees staff, while the Assayer focuses on conducting chemical analyses. Both roles require certification in assaying, but the Chief Assayer typically has additional management credentials and experience.

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What job categories do people searching Chief Assayer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Assayer jobs are:
Chief Assayer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Assayer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Chief Geologist

Chief Geologist

Technical Professionals Group

Sahuarita, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Chief Geologist leads all minesite geological activities for a hightonnage openpit, Cu-porphyry-skarn, processing sulfide ore by flotation. Emphasis is on shortrange grade control and ore routing, geometallurgical domaining, resource growth, rigorous data collection/QAQC, and timely geological inputs to mine planning. The role reports to the Technical Services Manager and collaborates closely with the Corporate Technical Team and Corporate Resource Manager. The position operates with minimal supervision, exercises sound professional judgment, and demonstrates visible leadership in safety, environmental stewardship, and crossfunctional teamwork with Operations, Planning, Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, and Metallurgy.


Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead and supervise the Mine Geology and Ore Control teams (geologists, technicians, samplers); ensure contemporary training, competency, and an inclusive, highperformance culture
  • Oversee daily geological mapping, sampling, and logging- capturing lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization at appropriate scales for ore control and reconciliation.
  • Own shortrange ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates), blastmovement correction, and generation of clean dig polygons and grade control models; differentiate mill (sulfide) vs. blend vs. waste as required.
  • Integrate pit mapping, drilling, and survey data into the Leapfrog Geo 3D model (with Seequent Central or equivalent) to maintain current, auditable interpretations for dispatch, shortrange, and mid/longrange plans.
  • Collaborate with Mine Engineering (Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight) to deliver reliable geological constraints for short, mid, and lifeofmine plans; steward density models and dilution/loss assumptions.
  • Lead grade reconciliation (daily/weekly/monthly): ore control vs. plant vs. resource model (tonnage, grade, metal, spatial); diagnose variances and adjust domaining, parameters, or practices accordingly.
  • Coordinate drill programs-infill, metallurgical, condemnation, and exploration-including design, supervision, sampling, chainofcustody, laboratory interfaces, and full QAQC adherence.
  • Partner with Metallurgy to define geometallurgical domains controlling throughput, recovery, reagent consumption, and concentrate quality and support blending and MinetoMill strategies.
  • Direct field geology and structural mapping (including UAV/LiDAR); provide structural models and rocktype controls to Geotechnical and Hydrogeology for slope design inputs and porepressure management.
  • Develop and evaluate resource expansion opportunities; plan and interpret RC/diamond drilling; advance concepts efficiently from target to decision.
  • Maintain a singlesourceoftruth geoscience database (e.g., acQuire or equivalent); enforce data governance, coding standards, and version control; automate dashboards and reporting (GIS/Power BI).
  • Ensure all technical records, block models, and geological disclosures are SEC SK 1300 compliant and aligned with international best practice standards, and contribute to QPlevel documentation for Technical Reports.
  • Provide timely geological input to waste characterization, permitting, and environmental management.
  • Manage contractors and budgets (drilling, labs, consultants); track cost, quality, schedule, and HSE performance.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance; lead field risk assessments, task observations, and continuous improvement.
  • Prepare technical memos, presentations, and training materials; clearly translate geologic complexity into actionable guidance for operations.
  • Other duties as assigned that advance orebody knowledge, safe production, and value generation.
Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geological Engineering required; M.S. in Economic Geology preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years in openpit mine geology for copper operations (grade control, modeling, reconciliation); 10+ years and prior team leadership preferred.
  • Deep understanding of porphyry-skarn copper systems, including hypogene/supergene processes, oxide-transition-sulfide behavior, and geometallurgical implications for flotation.
  • Proficiency in Leapfrog Geo and geological modeling best practices; experience integrating mapping and drill data; competency with acQuire, Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight or similar, and ArcGIS/QGIS; familiarity with analytics/visualization.
  • Demonstrated success in QAQC program design and execution, resource classification, and compliance reporting standards.
  • Proven leadership, team development, contractor management, and crossfunctional collaboration with Operations, Planning, Metallurgy, Geotechnical, and Hydrogeology.
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills; ability to prioritize, manage multiple workstreams, and deliver to deadlines.
  • Valid driver's license; ability to work safely in pit conditions and lead by example in the field.

This position offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.


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