Operator

Aerotek; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Monthly bonus program

401(k) plan with employer match

Shift premiums

Paid holidays

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for an underground salt mine in Detroit, MI. You will operate CAT heavy equipment, load and haul materials, and perform routine maintenance and paperwork with a safety-first mindset.

Shifts are 10 hours, with a minimum of 50 hours per week, and opportunities for weekend work. Qualifications include proven heavy equipment experience (excavators, haul trucks, loaders) and the ability to work underground in varying temperatures.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, haul trucks, dozers, and loaders.
• Ability to operate CAT heavy equipment in an industrial/mining environment.
• Strong safety-conscious mindset with a safety-first approach on the job site.
• Willingness to work underground for the majority of the shift.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repetitively during a 10-hour shift.
• Experience with industrial forklift operation.
• Reliability to work a minimum of 50 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Move salt and materials with heavy equipment in an underground mine setting.
• Transport salt from one end of the mine to the other using heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Load, haul, and unload materials while meeting production and quality expectations.
• Inspect finished product to ensure required specifications and quality standards are met.
• Operate forklifts and other heavy equipment to move salt and materials throughout the mine.
• Assist the maintenance department with preventive maintenance tasks on equipment when needed.
• Complete all assigned paperwork accurately for specific customers and orders.
• Perform daily housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all safety regulations, mine procedures, and equipment operating guidelines at all times.
• Communicate hazards or unsafe conditions immediately and participate in a safety-first culture.
• Lift and move bags of salt and other materials onto pallets as needed.
• Adapt to working underground for most or all of the shift and occasionally above ground in varying weather conditions.

Skills

Underground mining experience

Heavy equipment operation

Safety-first mindset

Lifting 50+ lbs

Long shifts 50hrs/wk

Tools

Industrial forklift operation

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator transports salt and other materials within an underground mining environment, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient loading, hauling, and unloading operations. This role includes operating a variety of heavy equipment, supporting routine maintenance tasks, and completing required documentation while strictly adhering to all safety regulations and operational procedures.

Responsibilities

• Move salt and other materials with heavy equipment in an underground mine setting.

• Transport salt from one end of the mine to the other using heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Load, haul, and unload materials while meeting production and quality expectations.

• Inspect finished product to ensure required specifications and quality standards are met.

• Operate forklifts and other heavy equipment to move salt and materials throughout the mine.

• Assist the maintenance department with preventive maintenance tasks on equipment when needed.

• Complete all assigned paperwork accurately for specific customers and orders.

• Perform daily housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Follow all safety regulations, mine procedures, and equipment operating guidelines at all times.

• Communicate hazards or unsafe conditions immediately and participate in a safety-first culture.

• Lift and move bags of salt and other materials onto pallets as needed.

• Adapt to working underground for most or all of the shift and occasionally above ground in varying weather conditions.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, haul trucks, dozers, and loaders.

• Ability to operate CAT heavy equipment or similar machinery in an industrial or mining environment.

• Demonstrated heavy equipment operation skills in construction or mining settings.

• Strong safety-conscious mindset with a consistent safety-first approach on the job site.

• Willingness and ability to work underground for the majority, if not all, of the shift.

• Comfort working occasionally above ground in all weather elements, including hot and cold conditions.

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repetitively during a 10‑hour shift, including lifting bags of salt onto pallets.

• Operator aptitude with the ability to understand and work with different pieces of equipment.

• Experience with industrial forklift operation.

• Reliability to work a minimum of 50 hours per week with occasional Saturday work when needed.

• Ability to follow detailed operational procedures and quality specifications.

• Attention to detail to complete paperwork accurately for customer orders.

• Commitment to a “see something, say something” safety attitude at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Long‑term heavy equipment operating experience within a mine setting is preferred.

• Relevant certifications in heavy equipment operation are highly desirable.

• Experience in general labor within industrial or construction environments.

• Comfort working in wide, open underground spaces that resemble a large warehouse environment.

• Ability to adapt to varying temperatures and environmental conditions underground and above ground.

• Steel‑toed boots or shoes required as part of standard work attire.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a structured path to becoming direct hires, including merit‑based raises and eligibility for a monthly incentive and attendance bonus after a probationary period. Once direct, team members receive comprehensive health benefits with a significant employer contribution, participation in a monthly bonus program, and a competitive 401(k) plan with employer match. The workplace offers union representation, paid holiday, vacation, and sick time after an initial period, as well as shift premiums for second and third shifts. This environment supports long‑term career growth in a specialized mining operation, rewards strong performance, and values safety, reliability, and teamwork.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in a salt mine approximately 1,100 feet below ground. The mine is wide and open, with a feel similar to a very large warehouse rather than a cramped or cave‑like space, and is not considered a confined space. Because the work takes place underground and sometimes above ground, temperatures and conditions vary, and employees must be able to work in both hot and cold environments. Heavy equipment such as CAT excavators, haul trucks, loaders, and industrial forklifts are used daily. Shifts are typically 10 hours with a minimum of 50 hours per week, and occasional Saturday work may be required. Available shifts include first shift (Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–4:00 PM), second shift (Monday–Friday, 12:00 PM–10:00 PM), and third shift (Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 PM–6:00 AM), with shift premiums for second and third shifts. Steel‑toed boots or shoes are required as part of the dress code to maintain safety in the industrial mine environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Detroit, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46384.00 - $47632.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Local 324 Membership and Benefits package

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.