Chemist II – Site Labs
Rio Tinto Kennecott | Salt Lake City, Utah | On-site
- Provide analytical chemistry and quality assurance support across the Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories
- Improve analytical methods and support technicians through hands-on technical guidance and training
- Monday through Friday, on-site role offering a consistent schedule and exposure across three Kennecott site laboratories
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Chemist II to provide accurate analytical data, strengthen laboratory quality systems and support technical work across Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories. You will apply professional chemistry knowledge to assignments and projects that support safe, consistent and efficient processing operations.
This is a great opportunity for a laboratory professional who enjoys solving practical analytical problems, improving methods and working with technicians, engineers, scientists and operational partners to turn laboratory results into informed decisions.
Reporting to the Senior Supervisor, Site Laboratories, and working within collaborative technical teams, you will support all three site laboratories. This is an on-site role working Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with occasional extended hours or weekend support based on operational needs.
What you’ll be doing
- Train technicians on routine and non-routine sample preparation and analytical procedures across a variety of sample matrices and laboratory instruments.
- Participate in site laboratory quality control and quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing, routine audits, standards development, troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
- Evaluate analytical results, investigate variances and recommend practical improvements to analytical methods, procedures, quality controls and project objectives.
- Contribute to analytical method development, validation and certification, as well as the development and review of standard operating procedures.
- Operate and support laboratory instrumentation and data systems, which may include X-ray fluorescence, LECO analyzers, automated titrators, particle size analyzers and other relevant instruments.
- Provide chemistry input and technical assistance to process engineers, scientists and laboratory partners across the Concentrator, Smelter and Refinery laboratories.
- Prepare clear technical reports and recommendations and present proposed solutions or results to peers, project teams and operational stakeholders.
- Apply Lean 5S principles to improve laboratory organization, efficiency, safety and standardization.
About you
We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every helpful-for-success item to apply. If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for success
- A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
- A qualification in chemistry or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent practical laboratory experience
- Demonstrated experience applying analytical chemistry in a laboratory, processing, manufacturing or other safety-critical technical environment
- Experience conducting laboratory assignments or projects, evaluating results and resolving technical problems using established procedures
- Working knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance practices, including accurate documentation and record keeping
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and collaborate with technicians, scientists, engineers and operational stakeholders
Helpful for success
- Experience with laboratory instrumentation such as X-ray fluorescence, LECO analyzers, particle size analyzers, automated titrators or similar instruments
- Experience with laboratory information management systems and common business applications, including Microsoft Excel and Word
- Exposure to analytical method development, validation, proficiency testing, audits or laboratory certification activities
- Knowledge of Lean 5S principles and their application within a laboratory environment
What we offer
- Be recognized for your contributions, innovative thinking and dedication, and leave each day knowing you have helped the world progress
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience, with a 10% annual performance-based incentive bonus
- Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage and various voluntary benefits
- Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401(k) matching program
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Comprehensive leave policies covering the moments that matter in life, including paid time off, paid holidays and paid bereavement leave
- A generous parental leave policy to support quality time with your new family
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling or expert guidance for you and your family
Where you’ll be working
Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. The operation includes mining, concentrating, smelting and refining activities and produces copper and other materials that are essential to modern life.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
R66481
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
Start your application
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentManager Projects – Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler – 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Working in our Operations teams
The most important thing you’ll uncover is your own potential.
Working in Operations at Rio Tinto means you can make a hands-on difference in the discovery and delivery of the materials that make human progress possible. In return, we strive to help you achieve and even exceed your career goals. Join us and experience:
Our application process
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.