Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Maine Drilling & Blasting Inc; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

ESOP

401(k) match

Training opportunities

Job summary

Maine Drilling & Blasting Inc. is seeking a Blaster Trainee to support daily drilling and blasting activities in the field. This on‑the‑job training role is designed to learn blasting supervision and requires some explosives experience.

The position offers hands‑on learning opportunities, safety training, and potential career growth within a majority employee‑owned company. Expect travel and fieldwork in diverse environments as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Must have at least two years' experience working with drills and explosives.
• Military experience in explosive handling is acceptable.
• Willing to travel out of town.

Responsibilities

• Assists Blaster in charge with coordinating daily drilling & blasting activities.
• Trains to be proficient in all blasting techniques.
• Develops understanding of explosives product use and applications.
• Maintains the daily blasting production schedule.
• Assists Blaster with site security and safety compliance.
• Attends company meetings and participates in daily heads‑up meetings.
• Assists with set‑up of drill patterns and proofing their alignment with operators.

Skills

Explosives handling experience

Drill operation experience

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some hands‑on experience and learn how we do our blasting out in the field! This role will assist the Blaster with the coordination of daily drilling and blasting activity. This position is considered an “on the job” trainee or “apprentice” with respect to learning blasting and job site supervision, but it is required to have some experience working with explosives.

Come work with the best! At Maine Drilling & Blasting, we work with the unity of family and the determination of business owners. As a majority Employee Owned company we provide a unique and generous array of benefits including two retirement plans, an Employer‑contributed Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and company matched 401(k). In addition to health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits, we also offer training and development opportunities. The sky is the limit, come rock your career! Our core values of Respect, Fairness, Honesty, and Responsibility provide a firm cultural foundation as we relate to customers and each other as we Make it Happen!

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION

We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster with the coordination of daily drilling and blasting activity. This position is considered an “on the job” trainee or “apprentice” with respect to learning blasting and job site supervision, but it is required to have some experience working with explosives.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Blaster in charge with coordinating daily drilling & blasting activities
• Trains to be proficient in all areas of blasting techniques
• Develops a solid understanding of proper explosives product use and various applications
• Assists the Blaster with maintaining the daily blasting production schedule
• Assists the Blaster with site security
• Understands and follows company safety policies and procedures and performs work in a safe manner

Attends company meetings as required

• Participates in daily heads‑up meetings
• Assists Blaster with setting up seismographs and works towards proficiency with use
• Assists Blaster with drill pattern layout and setup and reviews this with the drill operator
• Assists Blaster with monitoring the relationship between blast pattern and type of digging
• Assists Blaster with accounting for explosives and drill supply usage and inventory
• May transport explosives across state lines
• May complete trip manifest, shot reports, cost sheets and related paperwork as required
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

High School Degree

• MUST have at least two years' experience working with drills and explosives, or previous military experience in explosive handling
• Demonstrates basic blasting problem solving skills
• Able to travel out of town as needed
• Ability to obtain blasting licenses
• Must be able to pass ATF screenings

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential functions of the position
• Ability to lift 50 - 100 lbs., 30 - 40% of the time
• Work on uneven and loose surfaces in varying weather environments
• Stooping and bending 30 – 40% of the time

Skeptical about advancement opportunities? Check out these videos:

• Dante (CST) talks about what it’s like to work at MD&B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrSWPW4Qbgo
• Dan (CEO) talks about career advancement opportunities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvloIft9KPY

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.