Sample Preparation Technician at Vale

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is transforming the future?

Who We Are

We are Vale Base Metals – a global supplier of the critical minerals transforming the future.

With industry-leading reserves of copper and nickel in Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, and state-of-the-art infrastructure in the U.K., Canada, and Japan, VBM delivers a secure and responsible supply of high-quality products to customers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Global demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially. From energy to aerospace, batteries to magnets, robotics to artificial intelligence, a secure and responsible supply of critical minerals is fundamental to power modern technologies. And at Vale Base Metals, we are transforming our business to provide a secure and responsible supply of these minerals.

Join our diverse team of 13,000 talented individuals committed to providing mineral security to a world in transition. We invite you to put your skills to work, driving meaningful and enduring change while enjoying a rewarding career.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Sample Preparation Technician to join our Technical Services team in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador, a fly-in fly-out operation.

The role is a permanent on-site position , working a 2 week on, 2 week off rotation.

As a Sample Preparation Technician, you will prepare samples for chemical analysis, analyze oil and hydrocarbon samples using non-chemical methods, and perform routine moisture, x-ray, and combustion analysis on prepared samples in a safe, accurate, and timely manner. Your experience and skills will help troubleshoot problems with sample preparation equipment and instruments, recommend improvements, and support other Laboratory staff in troubleshooting other equipment and process issues.

Additionally, in this position you will:

• Manage risk associated with sample preparation facilities, assets, and personal work to achieve zero harm.
• Monitor and schedule ordering of supplies and disposal of waste.
• Prepare solid samples for chemical analysis using manual and automated sample preparation equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Analyze samples for moisture according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform routine chemical analysis of solid samples for elemental composition using X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer and Combustion analyzers according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform routine non-chemical analysis of oils and hydrocarbons for different purposes using Spectroil metals analyzer, viscosimeter, FluidScan, LaserNet and Fuel dilution analyzer according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Troubleshoot problems and perform routine maintenance of manual and automated sample preparation equipment and instruments.
• Calculate and report the results of routine chemical analysis to internal customers.
• Support the metallurgy group with the preparation of mill process samples.

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, flex health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities
• Chartered flights within Newfoundland & Labrador
• Access to recreational facilities and social activities (cardio/weight room, gymnasium, music room, movie theatre, etc.)
• All Personal Protective Equipment is provided upon hire. Employees are given a safety boot allowance and receive a 100% reimbursement for prescription safety glasses

About You Education

• Highschool completion or equivalent is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 6-18 months of related experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of sample preparation techniques for geological samples.
• Principles of operation and maintenance of manual and automated sample preparation equipment and computerized instrumentation used for sample preparation and chemical analysis, and sources of error and contamination in sampling and chemical analysis.
• Knowledge of WHMIS and first aid.
• Able to operate a personal computer and associated peripherals, including printers and bar-code scanners.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System and other software for controlling scientific instrumentation, as well as word-processing, spreadsheet and internet.
• Able to safely work alone with flammable and toxic chemicals, as well as environmental hazards, e.g., dust, noise, and temperature and humidity extremes.

Why Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, is known for its rugged coastline, rich cultural heritage, and significant natural resources. The province's economy is bolstered by a robust mining sector, where Vale Base Metals’ integrated operations play a crucial role.

At Long Harbour, we operate a state-of-the-art processing plant, which refines nickel concentrate from Vale Base Metals’ Voisey's Bay mine, located in Labrador, into nickel, copper, and cobalt products. This plant is a cornerstone of our commitment to value-added processing in Canada. Meanwhile, the Voisey's Bay mine is one of the world's most substantial nickel deposits. It provides high-quality nickel, copper, and cobalt, essential for the 21st century economy.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people can act like owners, being their authentic selves and empowering them to deliver results. Vale Base Metals encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

Vale recognizes the Impacts and Benefits Agreements with the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government in which Innu and Inuit workers have first preference for employment at the Voisey’s Bay Mine Site. This is guided by an adjacency principle that first gives preference to those who live on the coast of Labrador, followed by those residing in the rest of Labrador, those residing on the island of the province, followed by the rest of Canada.

Next, priority will be given to Newfoundland and Labrador residents. We also welcome those who are willing to relocate back home and those looking to make NL their permanent home.

Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Innu Nation members and Nunatsiavut beneficiaries can submit their application to their Vale Indigenous Employment Coordinator.

Employees engaged by the Company must be lawfully able to work for the Company in the country where the role is located. The Company does not provide immigration, work permit, or permanent residence sponsorship or assistance.

Pay Grade: H04

Apply by: Monday June 22nd, 2026

#ValeBaseMetals

Interested applicants must submit their application online at https://vale.eightfold.ai/careers.