Job Description
Job Title:  Lab Technician

Mesquite Mine

Come build your career at Mesquite — Equinox Gold's first-ever operating mine and a proud cornerstone of our story since 2018. Nestled in the sunny desert of Imperial County, California, this open-pit gold mine has been running strong since 1986 and has produced over five million ounces of gold and counting. With production expected to continue for years to come, Mesquite offers the stability of a proven operation alongside real opportunities to grow, learn, and make your mark.

Equinox Gold is a growth-focused gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating a diversified portfolio of high-quality, long-life mines in Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua and United States.  Guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and teamwork, we foster a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace where a talented, experienced team works together to deliver reliable operations, responsible mining, and long-term value to its shareholders and host communities.

Job Summary: 

Lab Technician should be proficient in the Sample Prep, Wet Lab and Fire Assay duties, such as Atomic Absorption analysis on the Mine Samples, perform all analysis’ in the Wet Lab area, including pH, Cyanide titrations, LECO analysis, Lime testing, making calibration standards, performing QA/QC tests, knowledge of and proficient with Fire Assay Lab procedures. Demonstrate competency in LIMS with minimal guidance. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

  • Oversee the safe and efficient operation of the assay and metallurgical laboratory 

  • Understands and shares the hazards and precautions associated with the chemicals used in the Lab (Acids, Bases, Cyanide, rhodanine, and LECO fluxes). 

  • Ability to identify safety hazards, always wear and use proper PPE. 

  • Follows safety instructions and job-related guidelines.  

  • Receive, assay and report the Hot cyanide assays, LECO assays, and other tests performed in the Lab. 

  • Perform various QA/QC procedures to ensure that the results from the Wet Lab are consistent and correct.  

  • Properly maintain the AA, LECO, keep the area clean and orderly to minimize opportunity for errors. 

  • Help in other areas of the Laboratory when required or directed. 

  • Perform mandatory pre-shift inspections in the Lab.  

  • Proficient in Sample Prep duties such as receiving, collecting and inspecting incoming samples, performing Sieve analysis, and performing minor maintenance on sample prep equipment, etc. 

  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: 

  • 1 year working in a Lab position with experience Wet and Fire Lab duties, preferred but not required
  • Perform mathematical calculations, problem solving and analytical ability necessary
  • Attention to detail, follow directions, read, write legibly and complete forms accurately

 Certifications: None Required. 

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. 

 

Working Conditions: 
Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities, leach pads, maintenance areas, and office environments. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions associated with a desert climate, including high heat, cold temperatures, wind, dust, and occasional precipitation or flash flooding. Depending on the role, work areas may involve proximity to large mobile equipment, moving mechanical parts, blasting activities, noise, vibration, diesel exhaust fumes, chemicals, fuels, oils, airborne particles, or other industrial hazards typical of mining operations. Outdoor work on uneven or rough terrain is common for many roles. Employees may encounter desert wildlife and native plant life. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as determined by job duties, task hazards, and work location. PPE includes, but is not limited to, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other PPE as determined by job task and location. 

Physical Demands: 
Manual dexterity; handling and grasping; fingering and fine motor skills; speaking clearly; hearing in speech, radio, and environmental ranges; seeing, reading, and comprehension; near and distant vision; depth perception. While performing job responsibilities, employees must be able to communicate effectively and maintain situational awareness in an active mining environment. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, crouching, or working on uneven surfaces. Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, controls, or computer systems is required. Specific physical demand requirements will be provided during the interview process. Employees may be required to work while wearing the required PPE, including respiratory and hearing protection. These requirements are representative, but not all‑inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee. 

The salary range for this position is from $22.63 to $24.83.

At Equinox Gold, our commitment to teamwork means building a workforce that is as diverse as the communities in which we operate. We are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.