Manager, Lab

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and help build BC's next mine. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity

Job Title: Manager, Lab

Reporting directly to the Technical Services Manager, the Manager, Lab will take full ownership of the Assay Lab at the Eskay Creek project site. This includes overseeing a team of superintendents and technicians, managing budgets and inventory, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis, participating in the ISO certification process, effectively communicating with stakeholders and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

As site construction progresses, the Lab Manager will lead the relocation and expansion of the laboratory, managing all aspects of the move, facility development, and integration of new modules, such as the metallurgy wing, while planning for staffing and operational requirements.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Geological Modeling & Reconciliation

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of superintendents and technicians, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and safety-focused culture.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for the laboratory team.
• Resolve operational and personnel challenges proactively, providing coaching and feedback to drive team growth and engagement.

Laboratory Operations & Performance

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure efficient sample processing, accurate analyses, and timely reporting.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure lab performance, productivity, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflows, enhance efficiency, and implement best practices.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Lead the lab's ISO 17025 accreditation process and maintain compliance with all quality management systems.
• Ensure proper use of standard reference materials and adherence to quality control protocols for accurate analytical results.
• Maintain awareness of relevant federal and provincial regulations and ensure laboratory compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring all laboratory activities comply with WorksafeBC and company safety policies.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and emergency response plans.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory chemicals and materials.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage the laboratory budget, including staffing, consumables, equipment, and operational costs.
• Oversee procurement and inventory management to ensure continuous laboratory operations.
• Identify and implement cost-effective solutions to optimize lab resources.

Project Management & Facility Expansion

• Lead the relocation and expansion of the laboratory, including planning, design, and integration of new modules such as the metallurgy wing.
• Plan and manage staffing, equipment, and operational requirements during lab transitions and expansion phases.
• Coordinate with construction, operations, and exploration teams to ensure seamless integration with overall project timelines.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding laboratory operations and analytical results.
• Communicate laboratory performance, challenges, and results to senior management and project teams.
• Coordinate with external laboratories and vendors for third-party testing and validation activities.

Technical Oversight & Innovation

• Maintain technical expertise in Fire Assay, Wet Chemistry, ICP-OES, Eltra C/S, and other laboratory techniques.
• Oversee laboratory instrumentation, ensuring calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are conducted effectively.
• Implement and manage laboratory software systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN) to enhance data management and reporting capabilities.
• All other duties as reasonably assigned.

The Ideal Candidate
Education / Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field.
• Registered Professional Chemist (P.Chem.) designation is required.
• Familiarity with relevant BC and federal legislation and regulations (e.g., WorksafeBC guidelines, Mines Act, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation).

Experience / Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in assay or analytical laboratory operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in a remote or rotational mining environment
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory relocations, expansions, or implementation of new analytical modules.
• Strong track record of managing budgets, projects, and resources at a senior level.
• Extensive knowledge of ISO 17025 standards, laboratory quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Expertise in laboratory instrumentation, calibration, maintenance, and advanced analytical techniques (Fire Assay, Wet Chemistry, ICP-OES, Eltra C/S, etc.).
• Strong project management, strategic planning, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with senior management and external stakeholders.
• Highly self-motivated, accountable, and capable of working independently in a remote environment.

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.     

The Eskay Creek Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace airport, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena's Travel Policy.    

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.      

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is CA$150,000- CA$180,000, in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.