Blasting and Explosives Inspector

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Stanton (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework option

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Blasting and Explosives Inspector to oversee safe use of explosives in mining and construction. You will review permits, conduct inspections, investigate concerns, and ensure compliance with regulations as part of the Department of Environmental Protection.

The role focuses on regulating storage, handling, and use of explosives, performing site inspections, damage assessments, and helping with training and outreach to explosives users.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in the handling and use of explosives, including a minimum of two years as a lead blaster, blasting foreman or blasting operations supervisor.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Permit Review: Examine permit applications, draft letters, enter data, and verify compliance with regulations
• Site Inspection: Inspect surface sites to regulate explosive storage, sales, and use
• Damage Assessment: Survey structures, analyze blasting energy levels, and determine probable causes of damage
• Training Assistance: Support training courses and provide guidance to explosives users on safe practices
• Enforcement Procedures: Issue orders, complete investigations, and represent the department at hearings
• Public Engagement: Meet with citizens and explosives users to explain regulations and address concerns

Skills

Lead blasting experience

Regulatory compliance

Inspection & enforcement

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences

Job description

Are you ready to take on an exciting role that oversees the safe use of explosives in mining and construction? As a Blasting and Explosives Inspector for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will play an important part in keeping blasting assignments safe. You will collaborate with various different groups as you review permits, investigate concerns, and oversee compliance. This role allows you to make a positive difference by supporting responsible mining and construction practices. If you are seeking a valuable opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute to the safety of the Commonwealth, this may be the position for you!

This position focuses on regulating the storage, handling, and use of explosives through inspections, permit reviews, investigations, and public outreach to ensure safe blasting practices. As a Blasting and Explosives Inspector, you will perform the following duties:

• Permit Review: Examine permit applications, draft letters, enter data, and verify compliance with regulations
• Site Inspection: Inspect surface sites to regulate explosive storage, sales, and use
• Damage Assessment: Survey structures, analyze blasting energy levels, and determine probable causes of damage
• Training Assistance: Support training courses and provide guidance to explosives users on safe practices
• Enforcement Procedures: Issue orders, complete investigations, and represent the department at hearings
• Public Engagement: Meet with citizens and explosives users to explain regulations and address concerns

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in New Stanton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of experience in the handling and use of explosives, including a minimum of two years as a lead blaster, blasting foreman or blasting operations supervisor; or
• A bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements

• This position requires possession of a Class A "General" blaster's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania commercial driver's license with hazardous materials (H) endorsement.

Other Requirements

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.