Quality Specialist - Metals, Minerals Solid Fuels - Marrero, LA

JOB TITLE:

Quality Specialist – Metals, Minerals, & Solid Fuels

REPORTS TO:

Operations Manager, Dry Bulk Survey

SUMMARY:

Manage the Quality Assurance and Quality Control of the Marrero, LA Solid Fuels and Metal and Minerals laboratories to include local quality system, workflow, analyses, and meeting of deadlines while ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Include the aforementioned, but not exclusively. Other duties may be assigned as required. All duties are to be carried out in accordance with company policies, including Health and Safety, Environmental, Quality Management System, industry accreditation and applicable laws. Analytical/Laboratory

• Manage Quality of samples’ preparation, SQC and analyses.
• Ensure departments meet and uphold all quality standards per ISO 9001 and ISO 17025.
• Ensure accuracy and precision in all analyses and in data reporting.
• Develop new and revise current methods as necessary.
• Perform instrument troubleshooting, maintenance, basic repairs, and calibrations as needed.
• Advise personnel of special test instructions/procedures.
• Review raw data entered into LIMS, evaluate results, and report final certificates of analysis.
• Train and evaluate the performance of laboratory staffs.
• Oversee inventory and order supplies. Quality Control
• Monitor performance of the quality control system to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Conduct root cause analysis, produce reports addressing nonconformance(s) and observation(s).
• Lead regular management review meetings to evaluate the corporate quality management system and its effectiveness.
• Manage traceability of data.
• Communicate any discrepancies to upper management.
• Maintain SQC materials and charts including statistical analysis to determine control status of systems.
• Maintain efficient and well-organized data collection and filing systems.
• Previous experience in the implementation of ISO 17025 desired.
• Monitor performance in proficiency testing programs.
• Minimize instrument(s) downtime. Supervisory Responsibilities
• Coordinate with team members to ensure quality are in good standing.
• Address complaints and resolve problems.
• Attend required meetings and conferences.
• Must learn and comprehend all analyses in both labs. Qualification Requirements
• Metrics driven and solid decision maker.
• Well organized, disciplined and self-motivated, with the capability to balance multiple priorities in a high paced environment.
• Knowledge of analysis of coal and biomass solid fuels and the servicing of seaborne coal, coke, and wood pellets desired.
• Desired solid fuel knowledge/experience to include:
  • Crushing, grinding, and dividing bulk samples for analysis.
  • Analysis of physical and chemical parameters, e.g., proximate analysis, sulfur, calorific value;
    Hardgrove Grindability Index, ash fusion temperatures, CHN (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen), particle size distribution, mineral ash analysis, free swelling index, chlorine, fluorine, and phosphorus.
  • Sample preparation and analysis performed according to ISO 17025 standards.
• Experience with testing of dry bulk metal & mineral products (e.g., iron, fluorspar, magnesite, etc.) to include knowledge of wet chemistry principles (titrations, spectrophotometric and gravimetric assays, etc.).
• Experience with ICP analyzers desired.

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree (Science) is preferred and/or minimum 5 years laboratory experience, of which a minimum of 3 years held in a supervisory capacity.

Ability to read and interpret technical language. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and general public.