JEFF TAISTO
SAFFORD,AZ
Summary
Detail-oriented professional brings extensive construction background and specialized experience on challenging projects. Smoothly leads team members to meet goals, maximize performance and maintain important safety standards. Knowledgeable about applicable codes and industry best practices.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Control Superintendent
CDP Consulting (Safford Projects)
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Collaborated on Safford Project to complete new Raffinate, PLS pumping stations, and fine ore dome.
- Inspected and validated contractor work, recording deficiencies and coordinating corrections for reinspection. Once items were identified and recorded in ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) I made arrangements with the contractors to have deficiencies corrected and reinspected.
- When all deliverables were met for the project and FMI then I could sign off on such inspections.
- Verified drawings and standards with Fluor group (design engineers) to ensure compliance.
Account Manager
ESCO / WEIR
03.2024 - 02.2025
- Developed sales activities, built customer relationships, and supported 6 FMI properties and 1 ASARCO property.
- Coordinated with customers on shop lead times and quality control while managing inventories, forecasts, and costs across properties.
- Contributed to quality control at ESCO by addressing numerous problems within my area upon starting.
- Managed Phoenix shop for two months to complete ongoing projects involving equipment rentals, contractors, inventories, scheduling, and shipping, while identifying gaps in QA/QC.
- ESCO offered me the shop operations manager position but that would have required relocation. Moving to Phoenix didn't interest me so I did what I could to mentor the new people they hired.
Co-own and operate two small businesses
Self-employed
Safford, AZ
01.2016 - 01.2024
- 1. Lazy Traveler, 800 W 10th St., Safford, AZ 85546
- Renovated 8,000 sq. ft. historic building into thriving extended stay facility, enhancing local accommodations and attracting longer-term guests.
- 2. The Plank, 501 S. Gila Ave., Safford, AZ 85546
- Transformed 14,000 sq. ft. building into one of largest full-service restaurants and bars in The Gila Valley, significantly increasing dining options in the area.
- In 2017 we were one of nine businesses in the state to be awarded a certificate of special congressional recognition from the state of Arizona.
- Also, in 2017 we were awarded the “best business newcomer” from the city of Safford.
- Oversaw human resources, managing staffing, payroll, and employee intervention to support operational efficiency and workforce stability.
Senior Planner (Contract Management)
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
Safford, AZ
02.2012 - 01.2016
- Led contractor management for 4 years, enhancing collaboration across all divisions at Safford by promoting safety, proactivity, and accountability in processes.
- Executed contract management processes, coordinated contractor schedules with project managers, developed scopes of work, obtained bids, onboarded contractors, budgeted projects, mentored divisions in CAS, and reviewed invoicing for approvals.
- I also have an extensive maintenance and operations background with three of the largest mining companies in North America as noted below.
Senior Mine Maintenance Planner
Rio Tinto Technology and Innovation Division
, MI
07.2011 - 02.2012
- Researched parts and determined Rop and Roq for future needs, established standard jobs and maintenance strategies, and coordinated with suppliers on warranties and availability.
- Also, one of the key components in setting up this new mine was direct communication with the contractors and sub-contractors to set expectations and deliverables. Leveraged past experience and knowledge to support the project and procurement schedule.
Senior Planner Crush Convey
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
Safford, AZ
09.2008 - 07.2011
- I was the senior maintenance planner for the Crush & Convey division. For three years I frequently fill in for our division superintendent. I was also an SAP trainer for Freeport conducting classes for the conversion from Ellipse to SAP.
- I took care of the quality analyst reporting, forecasts, KPI reports, and I was responsible for our maintenance budget and maintaining a proactive work environment. I oversaw the division’s maintenance planning functions and lead our team to success through support and ensuring our safety, maintenance, financial, and operational goals were met.
- I was elected to travel to El Abra Chile to help with the startup and the organization of Freeport’s new Sulfolix project. This included setting up equipment in the equipment register and criticalities, building and scheduling standard jobs, reviewing start up spare parts and long lead time items, and an overall review and evaluation of their proposed budget and maintenance program.
- I set achievable expectations for myself and everyone working for me. The planning department is held to a world class standard, and I provide solid direction to our department and coach our team members to succeed.
- Some other responsibilities and duties I had were supervising our contact administration system within the crush convey department, review and approve high dollar transactions, facilitate meetings, support our division to accurately report data, help the planners manage inventories, faithfully support our organization and employees to promote teamwork and ownership. I have also helped develop our maintenance systems into a proactive environment where we have an average compliance of 90% planned and scheduled work for all work groups. I am also very familiar with all the CMMS to support our division’s efforts in all areas.
- Throughout my career I have set high expectations and set high standards for myself and mentored team members I have worked with. I feel continuous improvement is mandatory and I always faithfully support the organization I work for.
Maintenance Planner
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
Morenci, AZ
03.2008 - 09.2008
- Planned and scheduled maintenance for the Morenci belt crew and dust crew. Work with supervisors and contractors to ensure our safety, maintenance, financial, & operational goals were achieved. I set high expectations for all and involved the workforce in our short- and long-term planning and scheduling. This gave the workforce ownership and developed teamwork within our division.
- I worked specifically with our managers to develop a proactive approach to maintenance planning and scheduling to include a five-year budget and forecast. I also made essential improvements in their maintenance process and helped the department out with my past experience with Cleveland Cliffs.
Maintenance Planner
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
Ishpeming, MI
09.2007 - 03.2008
- Plan and schedule maintenance and major repairs for Empire III and Empire IV mills and concentrator. Work with all suppliers and contractors to control parts, service, and costs. Manage our backlog in Ellipse to include standard jobs, work packages, APL’s, material management system, safety work, etc. Use other computer programs such as Core-View, Work order manager, CIFORM, Link One, CCI Portal, and various other programs. I also took care of the plant’s needs and requirements for tools and equipment and the repair of such items. Safety considerations are a serious part of every job that I plan or am involved with. I have also been a member of Cliffs’ safety audit team for the past 2 years.
Supervisor / Planner
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
Ishpeming, MI
10.2006 - 09.2007
- Coordinated maintenance crews at the Tilden Mine concentrator and secondary crusher. Coordinated, planned and scheduled work for the outside crew. Coordinated the Tilden repair shop, dewatering, boiler and compressor facilities. Worked close with the crews and made a positive impact on safety.
Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
Ishpeming, MI
12.1999 - 10.2006
- Planned and scheduled maintenance for all mining shovels and drills, major and minor repairs. Developed the budget for our yearly maintenance expenses. Ordered parts and assembled procedures for the shovel crews. Tracked component hours, diagnostic reports and operating statistics. Worked close with P&H staff and other relative vendors. I have been in the management part of our maintenance department and a team leader to achieve our goals in safety and production.
Maintenance Mechanic / Coordinator
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
Ishpeming, MI
05.1996 - 12.1999
- Troubleshoot and repair P&H 2800 & 2100 shovels, GD120 & P&H 120A drills. Rebuild components. Organize and participated in major and minor repairs. Operated shovels and all associated repair equipment; welders, cranes, forklifts, laser alignments, compressors.
Welder / Operating Engineers
A. Lindberg and Sons, Inc.
Ishpeming, MI
04.1989 - 05.1996
- Responsibilities included running and maintaining everything in Lindberg’s crushing operation. Rebuild Nordberg, Allis Chalmers, and Pioneer crushers. Operated loaders, dozers, cranes and repair same equipment. Primary responsibility was welding and fabricating.
Welder / Foreman
Patz Sales Inc.
Coleman, WI
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Responsibilities included setting up job assignments, and assurance of quality control. This included blueprint reading, all welding and fabricating. ASME certified.
Welder (MOS 44B)
United States Army
01.1983 - 01.1989
- I was stationed as a welder at Ft. Jackson, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Ft. Lewis WA, Camp Stanley Korea, and Ft. Ord, CA. I was also in the National Guard for 4 years.
Education
Cliffs Leadership development
MI09-2026
MP800 Crusher School
Nordberg06-2007
P&H 120A Drill School
08-2006
Thermal/Infrared Thermography
Snell01-2003
Planner training (Alcoa, Mt Holly)
Charleston, S.C.10-2001
Modern Safety Management
DNV09-2001
P&H 120A. Course 655 Mechanical
P&H01-2001
Bearing and Power Transmission
NMU04-1998
P&H Electric Shovel and Drill
P&H04-1998
P&H 120A Mechanical Course
P&H12-1997
Pipe Welding
Hartnell University, CA12-1986
Army Welding Course (44B)
US Army03-1984
Army Basic Training
US Army12-1983
Westwood High School, Ishpeming
06-1983
Asset Management
Salt Lake City, UTUnderground MSHA training
Ishpeming, MISAP training & development
Phoenix, AZCommission new FMI operation
El Abra, ChileSituational Leadership training II
FMI, Safford, AZPredictive index management
FMI, Safford, AZMSHA (certified trainer, unlimited)
MSHA, Duluth, MNDale Carnegie (Human Relations)
Marquette, MISkills
- Project management
- Quality control
- Customer relationship management
- Equipment maintenance
- Team building
- Safety compliance
AWARDS
November 1992 Army National Guard Honorable Discharge, September 1987 United States Army Honorable Discharge, August 1987 Awarded the Army Commendation Metal, March 1986 Awarded the Army Achievement Metal, September 1986 Awarde the Army Good Conduct Metal, January 1985 Awarded the Army Achievement Metal
Timeline
Quality Control Superintendent
CDP Consulting (Safford Projects)
04.2025 - 09.2025
Account Manager
ESCO / WEIR
03.2024 - 02.2025
Co-own and operate two small businesses
Self-employed
01.2016 - 01.2024
Senior Planner (Contract Management)
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
02.2012 - 01.2016
Senior Mine Maintenance Planner
Rio Tinto Technology and Innovation Division
07.2011 - 02.2012
Senior Planner Crush Convey
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
09.2008 - 07.2011
Maintenance Planner
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold
03.2008 - 09.2008
Maintenance Planner
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
09.2007 - 03.2008
Supervisor / Planner
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
10.2006 - 09.2007
Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
12.1999 - 10.2006
Maintenance Mechanic / Coordinator
Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations
05.1996 - 12.1999
Welder / Operating Engineers
A. Lindberg and Sons, Inc.
04.1989 - 05.1996
Welder / Foreman
Patz Sales Inc.
01.1987 - 01.1989
Welder (MOS 44B)
United States Army
01.1983 - 01.1989