Detroit Salt is a historic organization with a rich legacy spanning over 100 years, originating in 1906 as a salt producer for leather and food processing. Since 1997, Detroit Salt has supplied local and national customers with tons of rock salt and premium ice melter formulations. The fruit of this labor is apparent in the salt city 1,200 feet beneath the city of Detroit, spanning more than 1,500 acres and containing over 100 miles of underground roads. We take pride on upholding the highest standards of safety for our staff and the surrounding community. As a member of the team at Detroit Salt, you will contribute to maintaining our company's efficient mining process and enriching our workforce.
JOB SUMMARY
Maintenance Planner / Supervisor is responsible for overseeing maintenance activities while planning, scheduling, and coordinating maintenance work to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all production and mining assets. This role develops job plans, ensures parts availability, maintains records, leads maintenance personnel, and supports compliance with MSHA, and company regulations. The position requires significant field/underground presence. Fill in as a mine/maintenance supervisor on any shift as required.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure safe work practices, including daily on-shift inspections, job observations, and coaching.
- Conduct and participate in accident investigations and inspections with state and federal regulators.
- Ensure compliance with MSHA and company safety standards.
- Ensure employees wear required PPE and follow established safety protocols.
Supervision & Leadership
- Provide direction to maintenance personnel.
- Fill in as mine/maintenance supervisor on any shift as required.
- Support positive labor relations by understanding the collective bargaining agreement, addressing personnel concerns, and managing first-step grievances.
- Promote teamwork, communication, and alignment with company goals.
Planning & Scheduling
- Plan, prioritize, and schedule maintenance work orders to support operational needs.
- Develop detailed job plans, including labor, parts, tools, and equipment needed.
- Coordinate contractor activities and ensure scope, timing, and quality expectations are met.
- Collaborate closely with maintenance and production to minimize downtime and improve planning effectiveness.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Maintain current PM and inspection forms for stationary and mobile equipment.
- Update PMs based on feedback and field observations.
- Analyze repeat work orders and identify opportunities for improved repair methods.
- Support long-range planning for major rebuilds, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Inventory, Parts, & Recordkeeping
- Ensure parts availability for scheduled work; coordinate with storeroom personnel.
- Maintain accurate equipment records, maintenance history, and documentation.
- Recommend cost-saving opportunities related to labor, parts usage, and supplies.
Technical Expertise
- Read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, hydraulic/electrical schematics, and blueprints.
- Utilize diagnostic equipment for troubleshooting and repair guidance.
- Support troubleshooting of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control system issues.
- Apply knowledge of sensors, PLC logic, and industrial control systems (Allen-Bradley experience preferred).
Other Duties
- Participate in special maintenance projects, shutdown planning, and major equipment overhauls.
- Perform underground and surface inspections to validate work quality and job conditions.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree or minimum of 5 years of relevant maintenance/supervisory experience.
• Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment, mechanical, or electrical maintenance experience (industrial plant preferred).
• Underground mining experience preferred.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, welding, diesel repair, rigging, electrical systems, and plumbing.
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical control systems.
• PLC and Allen-Bradley programming experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with computer applications including Word, Excel, and CMMS (SAP a plus).
• Ability to work any shift as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
• Ability to wear required PPE (steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, hard hat, harness, and electrical PPE).
• Ability to work in varying temperatures underground, in production areas, and outdoors.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical tasks such as climbing, bending, squatting, and reaching in equipment areas.
• Must be able to physically access underground and surface work areas.
At Detroit Salt Company, we work best when we work as a team, when we treat one another with dignity and respect, and value the unique contributions of others. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, sex, religion, color, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
