Area Blaster -Trainee

About the Role

The Area Blaster Trainee will champion safety by taking an active role in prioritizing safety for all throughout the operation, in accordance with MSHA and Vulcan standards. They will comply with all Federal and State regulations regarding drilling, blasting, and general safety. They will plan and design shots to optimize production while maintaining company standards for air overpressure, ground vibration, and compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vulcan blasting standards are followed and that the shot is loaded according to plan.
• Adjust standard patterns for optimization by addressing burden, spacing, angles, diameters, depths, etc., in a safe and appropriate design.
• Measure and audit the accuracy of drilling operations and drill logs.
• Direct vendor bulk truck drivers and Vulcan shot helpers during shot loading.
• Work with plant management and the blasting vendor to ensure delivery of the correct amount of blasting agents.
• Perform administrative duties related to the blasting program, such as completing computer-generated shot reports, managing pre-charging surveys and post-blast surveys, reviewing and analyzing all shots on video, and completing shot layout diagrams.
• Foster neighbor and community relations and respond to inquiries from such groups.
• Use GPS instrumentation to calculate scale distances and read, analyze, and interpret seismographic results, making any necessary shot design adjustments.
• Operate signature analysis computer software and use instruments such as laser profiler, bore track, and stem align.

Requirements

• Must have the ability to become licensed or certified by any applicable Federal or State regulatory entity.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain the necessary state blasting license.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain ATF employee possessor status.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in aggregate surface mining.

Qualifications

• Functional and safety knowledge, including mine drilling and blasting standards, production techniques, and equipment.
• Acceptable performance, maintenance, and safety history.
• Flexibility to work overtime and extended hours, as well as outdoors in all types of weather conditions and loud noises.
• Computer skills and proficiency with technology, including GPS instrumentation, seismographic analysis, and signature analysis software.
• Ability to read and understand mine maps for mine and pit planning.

Skills

• Communication: Clearly and effectively convey information, ideas, and messages in both written and verbal formats.
• Analytical Thinking: Break down complex problems, situations, or data into smaller parts to understand patterns, identify issues, and make informed decisions.
• Production Planning: Efficiently organize, schedule, and oversee production processes to meet business objectives and optimize resources.