Shaft Maintenance Mechanic

Morton Salt is an iconic company with a strong heritage and a bright future. Since 1848, we have been improving lives and enhancing everyday moments – at home, at work and virtually everywhere in between.  We help unlock the flavors in food, make roads and sidewalks safer, improve the water in baths, pools, and homes, and keep businesses and industries running. We are a dedicated team who constantly strives to do better together, and we are passionate about building a sustainable future for our company, the communities in which we operate, and the world around us. By joining our team, you will contribute to producing and delivering every form of salt that enhances everyday life.

Job Summary 

Under the general supervision of the Mine Maintenance Superintendent, and under the direction of the Mine Shaft/Hoist Foreman, the Shaft Maintenance Mechanic completes installation, maintenance, repairs, and construction work in the shafts. Employee will also do ventilation work as directed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work primarily under the direction of the Mine Shaft/Hoist Foreman to perform such tasks as the inspection and maintenance of the shaft openings, fixtures within the shaft, headframe and loading pocket, and hoisting conveyances. This activity will normally be done from the top of the conveyance but sometimes must be done from the shaft timbers or suspended under the conveyance. The employee may also be required to suspend equipment from the conveyances to maintain the shafts, and to lower equipment into the mine.


• Perform shaft and equipment inspections, including safety checks on the shaft, rope, clamps, shoes, rollers, and other components.


• Assist others of higher classification in making repairs to mine machinery and also have a knowledge of the use of mechanics and carpenters hand tools, including pneumatic tools. On occasions, as a matter of training, individual may be given tasks of a skill normally required of a mechanic or higher classification


• Complete routine tasks such as greasing, oiling, cleaning, and inspections of equipment, etc., under little or no supervision or guidance. Individual may do inspections of shafts, and shaft conveyances with little or no supervision as well.


• Keep working area clean, neat, and orderly, and tools clean and in good repair, and completes other duties of a related nature as instructed.


• Prioritize and make decisions regarding equipment repair as needed.


• Complete administrative requirements including daily reports, recordkeeping of all repairs, and any additional required forms.


• Train and mentor other employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• High school or equivalent education required; technical program preferred


• 2-3 years of craft related training and/or experience is preferred

• Must be able to apply a working knowledge of most of the following skills, i.e., electric and gas welding, black smithing, rigging, carpentry work, pipe fitting, sheet metal layout and working, heavy and light machinery repairs, construction, maintenance and installation, etc.


• Ability to read and use schematics and blueprints and have a working knowledge of shop mathematics


• Time management skills


• Must have a valid state drivers license.

Work Environment 

• Must be able to work safely in varying temperatures in mine workplace, and outside year round


• Must be able to wear all required PPE including steel-toed shoes and safety glasses


• Must be able to work overtime as necessary


• Must be able to work at heights as required


• Must be 21 or older and obtain a Blasters License with ATF clearance

At Morton Salt, 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.