Area Blaster

About the job

Job Summary An Area Blaster I is an entry-level position in the field of explosives engineering or blasting operations. Responsibilities may include assisting with the preparation, placement, and detonation of explosives in designated areas. Requires following, promoting, and making suggestions regarding company drilling and blasting standards. This role requires knowledge of safety procedures, equipment operation, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. The Area Blaster works closely with Area Managers, Plant Managers, Plant Supervisors, Drillers, and Blasting Managers as well as outside entities including vendors and regulatory agencies.

Essential Functions • Possesses knowledge of science related to geological aggregate formations as well as about various types of blasting agents. • Plan and design shots to optimize the production process while maintaining company standards for air overpressure, ground vibration and compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements. • Adjust standard patterns for optimization by addressing burden, spacing, angles, diameter, depths, etc. in a safe and appropriate design. • Direct Drillers to ensure shots are drilled according to design specifications. • Measure and audit accuracy of drilling operations and drill logs and be proficient with instruments such as laser profiler, bore track, and stemalign. • Direct the work of vendor bulk truck drivers and Vulcan shot helpers during the shot loading process. Ensure that Vulcan blasting standards are followed and the shot is loaded according to the planned design. • Complies with all Federal and State regulations and protocols for safety, blasting agent on-site inventory or storage and blasting. • Work with plant management and blasting vendor to ensure delivery of the correct and necessary amount of blasting agents according to shot design.,[. • Licensed or certified by any applicable Federal or State regulatory entity.

Critical Competencies • Communicates Effectively- Communicates in ways that provide clarity of message, projects a credible and confident image to a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders and audiences and maximizes impact. • Collaboration- Ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals by fostering teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. It involves actively listening, sharing ideas, problem-solving collectively, and leveraging diverse skills and perspectives. Strong collaboration requires adaptability, conflict resolution, and a willingness to support team members, ensuring productivity and a positive work environment. • Decision Making: Makes informed, effective, and timely decisions by evaluating available information, considering potential outcomes, and choosing the best course of action; analyzes options, weighs risks and benefits, and uses sound judgment to reach decisions that align with organizational goals and values.

Responsibilities

Education • High School Diploma or equivalent. • Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain the necessary state blasting license. • Ability to obtain and maintain ATF employee possessor status.

Experience • A combination of drilling and blasting related experience and technical training. • Prior blasting experience, preferably mining related.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to operate signature analysis computer software. • Ability to understand, interpret, and comply with all Federal, including MSHA, ATF and state regulations regarding drilling, blasting, and general safety regulations. • Able to read and understand mine maps in order to guide facility management with mine and pit planning. • Proficient with GPS instruments and the ability to calculate scale distances. • Read, analyze, and interpret seismographic results and make any necessary shot design adjustments accordingly.

Other Requirements • Performs duties to foster neighbor and community relations and responds to inquiries from such groups. • Performs administrative duties related to the blasting program such as computer generated shot reports, pre-charging survey and post-blast surveys, review and analyze all shots on video, and complete shot layout diagrams. • Travel to various assigned locations as necessary, including interstate travel.

*JD Disclaimer Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 1295
• Job Category: Single Plant Manufacturing
• Posting Date: 2026-10-09
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Locations: 6821 Knightdale Blvd, Knightdale, NC, 27545, US