Blasting and Explosives Inspector

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Pottsville (Schuylkill County); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Blasting and Explosives Inspector to oversee safe handling and storage of explosives, conduct site inspections, investigations, and regulatory reviews across mining and construction sectors. The role emphasizes public safety and compliance enforcement.

You will review permits, analyze incidents, and communicate findings at hearings. The job includes a standard 8:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule with potential telework opportunities and eligibility for full-time

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
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania commercial driver's license with hazardous materials endorsement is required
• Possession of a Class A General blaster's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required

Responsibilities

• Site inspections at mining, construction, and storage locations to evaluate explosive material compliance
• Complaint investigations to determine blasting standards
• Enforcement actions to address violations and implement corrective measures
• Permit reviews of applications and recommend regulatory actions
• Accident analysis of explosive-related incidents to determine causes and prevention
• Public communication during hearings and presentations regarding blasting operations and regulations

Skills

Explosives experience

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences

Job description

As a Blasting and Explosives Inspector for the Department of Environmental Protection, you will take part in meaningful work that supports safe blasting practices throughout the region. This position offers a steady and engaging mix of site inspections, investigations, and regulatory review. You will work closely with professionals across mining, construction, and public safety. Join a role where every day brings purpose and responsibility.

This position ensures safe storage, handling, and use of explosives by monitoring sites and enforcing regulations. The role supports community safety through inspections, investigations, and compliance actions across a wide range of blasting activities. As a Blasting and Explosives Inspector, you will perform the following duties:

• Site Inspections: Conduct inspections at mining, construction, and storage locations to evaluate explosive material compliance
• Complaint Investigations: Investigate citizen complaints and determine whether blasting practices meet required standards
• Enforcement Actions: Identify violations and implement corrective measures in accordance with laws and regulations
• Permit Reviews: Examine permit and storage applications and recommend appropriate regulatory actions
• Accident Analysis: Investigate explosive-related incidents to determine causes and prevention measures
• Public Communication: Provide information during hearings and presentations regarding blasting operations and regulations

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

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.