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Assay Officers

Descriptions & Duties

  • Assay Officers are responsible for appraising precious metals, such as gold jewellery and gold bullion, by conducting tests and analyses to accurately determine their purity and authenticity. They are also responsible for calculating a fair recycling value for customers based on assay results and prevailing international gold spot prices. In addition, they are required to maintain and calibrate assaying tools and testing equipment to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of assessment results.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Basic knowledge of precious metals

Assayer Officers should have a thorough understanding of the structural properties, colour characteristics, and purity levels of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. They should also possess a solid foundation of knowledge in the practical applications of different precious metals.

Methods and instruments/tools for precious metal identification and fineness testing

Assayer Officers need to be proficient in various precious metal identification and fineness testing methods, including the use of fire assaying, touchstones, “Aqua regia”, water specific gravity test, and X-ray fluorescence analysers. They should be capable of determining the purity, internal composition and fineness of gold jewellery and other precious metal products.

Local regulations and requirements governing gold recycling transactions

Assayer Officers should be familiar with the local regulations and requirements governing gold recycling transactions in Hong Kong. They should also possess knowledge of the calculation of recycling value, melting loss, and commission charges.

Patience, attention to details and communication skills

Assayer Officers should be meticulous and patient when examining precious metals, with the ability to identify both common and sophisticated counterfeiting techniques. They should also possess strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers and facilitate a smooth transaction process.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • Form 5 or above

Professional qualification

  • Possession of a certificate in Precious Metals Identification and/or Precious Metals Refining from Global Gemological Institute is preferred

Experience

  • At least 2 years of experience in gold and precious metals assaying, testing, and recycling

    Proficiency in operating a wide range of precious metals testing tools and equipment

    Familiarity with Hong Kong regulations related to precious metals trading
     

Other specific requirements

  • Training in goldsmithing or related craftsmanship is a definite advantage
    Knowledge of trends and developments in the Hong Kong gold market, including gold digitalisation, is preferred
    Knowledge in the application of common computer software (MS Word & Excel) and Chinese word processing

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $16,000 - $25,000

Related Education & Training

Work Environment

  • Assay Officers generally work in laboratories specialising in testing and authentication of gold and precious metals. They may also engage directly with customers at jewellery shops or recycling centers to facilitate different recycling transactions.

Tools

  • Magnifying glasses, Microscopes, Pincers, Thickness measuring devices, Touchstones, Assay cutters, Electronic Gold Tester Pens, Gold Specific Gravity Testers

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