Maintenance Supervisor

• Lead by example, and promote a culture of safety and environmental protection in the workplace
• Ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of a range of equipment and machinery
• May lead a mixed trades or specialist team (e.g. electrical, mechanical, welding, environmental, etc.)
• Work with equipment and machinery in a mine, or with processing equipment in an associated plant or mill, or on vehicles or conveyor systems that transport material
• Manage preventative maintenance schedules and planned shutdowns
• Ensure planned and ad hoc repairs are executed to keep all equipment running smoothly and safely
• Ensure that equipment is maintained as per vendor specifications
• Responsible for planning and organizing work, distributing tasks to the team, overseeing work progress and performance
• Advise mining and processing teams about correct operation of equipment
• Build teams, motivate individuals and solve problems to achieve results
• Work with senior managers and other supervisors to promote and achieve the overall objectives of the mine
• Communicate well with senior management, other supervisors, and the team
• Develop employees by providing advice, training, encouragement and coaching
• Ensure that workers are well-trained and have the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs safely and effectively
• Comply with legislation and regulations concerning safety, employment and protection of the environment
• Work with trade unions, if the mine is unionized

Maintenance Supervisors are paid on an annual basis. Depending on factors such as the location of the mine and the type of mineral or metal produced, annual salaries range from $86,000 - $93,000 (CostMine, 2014). In addition, Maintenance Supervisors often receive other benefits.

In general, people are drawn to a career in the mining industry for the rewarding work, as well as the opportunity to apply their skills in the workplace. The compensation is attractive as is the structured work schedule which allows for personal pursuits and professional development.

The role of Maintenance Supervisor provides challenging and responsible work involving major mining and process equipment and machinery and there are many opportunities to work with new technologies. The people who are attracted to this career enjoy project work and get great satisfaction from seeing the results of their efforts. They also enjoy developing others.

Each year, MiHR researches the needs of the mining industry to hire Maintenance Supervisors. Based on 2015’s forecast, we are providing the following assessment of the Job Prospects in mining as well as an evaluation applicability of these skills in other sectors. Together, these measures will help future job seekers to make informed decisions about potential careers, based on the opportunities in the mining industry.

Note: conditions vary according to employer and region.

As a Maintenance Supervisor, you will be based in an office or maintenance shop in the mine or adjacent mill, but spend most of your time overseeing activities on-site. You may have to work in confined spaces, at heights, or in difficult environments and environmental conditions. You will wear protective clothing and equipment most of the time and you will also be expected to participate in meetings with mine or mill management and other stakeholders.

Safety is the top priority in the mining industry and employers take every precaution to create a safe workplace. All mine employees observe strict health and safety rules and wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, respirator, steel-toed boots, hard hats, ear protection, etc.). This equipment also reduces the risks that come with exposure to various environmental conditions, extreme temperatures and hazards.

Working hours vary considerably from mine to mine. You might have standard weekday working hours or shift work that involves evening and/or weekend work. Unpaid overtime may be required on occasion.

Some mines are located near communities, which would enable you to live at home and commute to work. These mining communities tend to be close-knit, with strong friendships forming among co-workers and their families. Because these communities are often small towns, they provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and hiking.

Many mines are situated in remote areas and require most employees to live in a mining camp. In these mines, employees usually work on a “fly-in, fly-out” schedule. When on-site, all of your living expenses would be covered, including meals. Trained chefs and kitchen staff generally prepare meals and some camps provide accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences.

Some camps are fairly basic, while others are well-equipped with gym, recreation, and internet facilities. Many camps provide a variety of training courses including language, yoga and First Aid. Fishing and hiking may or may not be permitted, depending on local regulations, licence requirements, and environmental considerations. Firearms are not permitted in mining camps.

Common traits that successful Maintenance Supervisors share are:

• Ability to earn and maintain respect by demonstrating credibility and integrity
• Ability to identify issues and solve problems with a positive attitude
• Ability to lead and influence people with different personalities
• Ability to make and implement difficult decisions, and communicate the reasons for them
• Ability to use a computer for administrative tasks
• An understanding that plant operating time is critical to the company success
• Enjoy working with and fixing a wide variety of large and small machinery
• Have a deep level of understanding and respect for legislation, regulations and procedures concerning safety and environmental protection,
• Mechanically inclined
• Reliable and responsible
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Well-organized and a critical thinker
• Willingness to learn and keep up with new technology and new maintenance techniques
• Works well under pressure
• Works well with others

Many of these traits can be developed. If you are interested in following this career path, first determine your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals in order to develop the traits you need to succeed.

Many employers want to help job seekers build a successful and fulfilling career. Here are some ways that the mining industry may support you:

• Offer job placements, training and mentoring
• Welcome applicants with experience in other industries and countries
• Have incentives to attract women and Aboriginal peoples to mining education, training and employment
• Offer parental leave, housing incentives, or flexible schedules
• Provide professional development programs to support you and to develop career progression options

Note: this table reflects what is required at the time of hire. The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

Fixed Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A Journeyperson Trade Certificate in a related trade or technical diploma
• At least two years relevant experience in a mining environment or in heavy industry (e.g. oil and gas, petro-chemicals, steel, electricity generation)
• Knowledge of the mining industry
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and email software
• Valid driver’s licence (or eligible for a driver’s licence) with few or no current infractions
• Must be able to pass a medical test
• Must be able to pass a drug test
• Willingness to lead in a diverse environment
• Proficiency in language of operation

Regional Requirements

• Bilingual French and English (Quebec and NB)

Assets

• Red Seal certification in a related trade
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar software, and computer diagnostic tools
• Post-secondary degree in engineering or mining
• Willingness to relocate
• Other languages