Driller/Blaster Assistant

Job Description

Driller / Blaster Assistant
Job Description

Department: Quarry
Reports to: Plant Manager
Effective Date: 01/21/2025

Job Summary:
The Driller/Blaster Assistant is responsible for assisting with the operation of a rock drill in a safe and environmentally proficient manner, also assists laying out drilling patterns, loading, and initiating explosives as trained.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Does not have any direct reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform the physical duties of the work in all types of weather conditions.
• Safely and efficiently operate other equipment such as skid steer.
• Following instructions or diagrams, lay out drill pattern and determine depth and diameter of blast holes.
• Drive and operate tracked or truck-mounted rotary drilling, air-track or other drilling machines to bore large blast holes to specified depths at staked positions in agreed locations.
• Measure location and stake out pattern of holes to be drilled.
• Ensure that all equipment, rigs and associated products (couplings/rods etc) are used to their maximum potential, while ensuring their sustainability.
• Conduct field tests to determine type and quantity of explosives required.
• Assemble primer charges using appropriately selected detonators, fuses, detonating cords and other materials.
• Load explosives in blast holes as required using equipment or by hand.
• Connect electrical wires, detonating cords or fuses into series and connect series to blasting machines; control and activate detonator mechanisms.
• Handle, store and transport explosives and accessories in accordance with industry procedures, criteria and regulations, ensuring maximum safety.
• Perform minor servicing and maintenance on drill as needed, using ladders to access platforms and landings.
• Able to work longer hours in the summer + - 11 hrs. day including some Saturdays.

Required Skills/Abilities:
• High attention to detail.
• Good work attendance.
• Display good communication skills including the ability to understand and follow verbal and written direction and instructions.
• Learn a variety of work skills associated with drill maintenance and repairs.
• Learn the drilling and blasting process.
• Safely and efficiently use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Read, understand and follow safety rules and regulations and procedures.
• Display a professional and courteous attitude to co-workers, supervisors, and the general public at all times.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Education and Experience:
• High School diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver's license required.
• Past experience in this field a plus.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to stand, squat, bend, walk for long durations.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders.
• Ability to tolerate working outdoors in all environmental temperatures and weather conditions.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.