Hoist Operator

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 Manager and the direct supervision of the Mine Shaft/Hoist Foreman, the hoist operator operates mine hoists as required for the efficient production of salt, excluding no other task as assigned. This person is responsible for ensuring that the hoist limitations (weight) are not exceeded, and they are to accurately complete all MSHA related documentation on all hoist inspections and maintenance. Hoist Operator has critical safety requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Employee will normally operate hoist for lowering skip into the mine and raising same for carrying salt, materials, and equipment. Person will also man hoist for transporting personnel, equipment, and materials in and out of mine. 
• Operate a series of levers and switches to stop, skip, or cage at various levels, and must be very alert at all times to prevent injury to personnel or damage to expensive equiment.
• Check equipment and make adjustments for wear, faults, and malfunctions, and employee will include reports of findings and notify supervisor of such findings. 
• When not operating hoist, worker is to perform other duties as directed.
• Grease equipment and cables, check oil in hydraulic systems, cleans equipment, etc.;
• Make records and reports as required each shift.
• Keep working area clean and does other jobs as directed.
• Conduct minor repairs and assist mechanics with other repairs.
• Train and instruct new operators when needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Normally requires experience and training on both production, and service hoists to qualify.
• At least (2) years in trade.
• Must be able to safely operate hoists, regulate speeds, and monitor weight of loads efficiently.

• Required to take and pass the current hoist operator examination and testing required by MSHA, yearly

Work Environment 

• Work environment is the underground mine. Worker is exposed to dust, dirt, and fumes from blasting and equipment with variation in noise, temperatures, and equipment vibration due to uneven and sloping floors.

Essential Job Functions

• Must have good eye-hand coordination to operate brake and acceleration controls simultaneously, judge hoist speed, judge stopping distance, and judge amount of acceleration and braking.
• In addition to simultaneously operating brake and acceleration controls, worker must be able to simultaneously manipulate foot switch controls.
• Be able to visually interpret and read ammeters, position indicators, indicator lights, etc.
• Must be able to evaluate audible signals (voice and horn), and to communicate effectively via the telephone; employee also must be able to audibly detect mechanical malfunctions of hoist during operation.
• Must be able to pass an MSHA mandated annual physical.
• Requires the ability to sit for an extended period of time.
• Must maintain log books which requires the ability to read and write.
• Perform functions independently, mainly without supervision after training.
• Must be able to work extended hours as required.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance duties such as sweeping, mopping, waxing, painting, emptying trash, changing oil in bearings, etc. – requires reaching, twisting, bending and lifting. Lifting would be limited to a maximum of 50 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle to travel between hoist houses.
• Complete a daily written report to indicate the amount of material used, deeming it necessary for employee to use basic math skills.
• Must be available to work additional hours as required.
•  Must be able to work productively in a group environment.

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