Blaster Helper

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Taylor Mill (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Education Assistance Program

Relocation possible / Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Progress Rail in Taylor Mill, KY is seeking an entry-level Blaster Helper to support licensed blasters in blasting prep, site setup, and post-blast cleanup. You will help with loading materials, maintaining safety practices, and coordinating with crew.

This safety-sensitive role requires a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to learn blasting operations. Training will be provided, and a comprehensive benefits package is available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Construction, quarry, mining, demolition, or heavy industrial experience preferred.
• Safety-sensitive role with strict regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed Blasters with blast preparation and site setup.
• Prepare and secure blasting areas using signage, barricades, mats, and exclusion zones.
• Transport, organize, and stage tools, supplies, and blasting materials.
• Assist with loading blast holes and stemming activities when permitted by law.
• Support crews and operators; conduct pre-use inspections and participate in safety meetings.
• Post-blast inspections, cleanup, and documentation; maintain housekeeping.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

Dependable attendance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Purpose

$$ELIGIBLE FOR QUARTERLY BONUSES$$200-500$$

Job Purpose

$$ELIGIBLE FOR QUARTERLY BONUSES$$200-500$$
COMPETITIVE PAY
The Blaster Helper supports licensed Blasters in the safe and efficient execution of blasting operations for
the hardening of castings used in Trackwork manufacturing. This entry-level position performs support
functions related to blast preparation, site setup, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, traffic and
site control, and post-blast cleanup. This position does not require a blasting license and may not perform
duties that legally require licensure or certification.

Req ID

12401BR

City

Taylor Mill

State:

Kentucky

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

Minimum Duties And Responsibilities

Assist licensed Blasters with blast preparation and site setup activities;
Prepare and secure blasting areas using signage, barricades, mats, and exclusion zones;
Transport, organize, and stage tools, supplies, and approved blasting materials under direction of
authorized personnel;
Assist with loading blast holes and stemming activities when permitted by law and company policy;
Support blaster, production associates crews and equipment operators as needed;
Conduct pre-use inspections of tools, vehicles, and equipment;
Participate in pre-blast safety meetings and job hazard analysis;
Assist with post-blast inspections, cleanup, and documentation;
Maintain housekeeping standards at job sites and storage areas;
Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance;
Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures;
Strong teamwork and communication skills;
Dependable attendance and punctuality;
Willingness to learn blasting operations and equipment.

Education / Training

Qualifications, Experience, Education

High school diploma or GED preferred;
Construction, quarry, mining, demolition, or heavy industrial experience preferred.

Safety and Compliance

This position is safety-sensitive. The essential functions include tasks that directly impact the safety
of the employee, coworkers, and the public. Strict compliance with all safety policies, procedures,
and regulatory requirements is mandatory.

Qualifications And Experience

Essential and Physical Activities Functions
Ability to safely handle, transport, and position commercial explosive materials, tools, and
blasting equipment in accordance with regulatory and company safety requirements;
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment associated with blasting operations,
including explosive components, initiation systems, and protective devices;
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and maintain balance for extended periods
while performing blasting preparation, setup, and post-blast inspections;
Ability to use hands and arms for repetitive and precise movements, including connecting
initiation systems, setting charges, handling tools, and completing blast documentation;
Ability to visually inspect blast areas, equipment, and casting materials, including distinguishing
warning signals, signage, gauges, and safety indicators;
Ability to hear audible warnings, alarms, radio communications, and verbal instructions
essential for blast coordination, emergency response, and area clearance;
Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and safety personnel through verbal,
written, and radio communications.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
• Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
• Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. EEO Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
  

Job Category

Production - Hourly

PRS Facility Location

Decoursey, KY - Trackworks - 016