Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Career Snapshot
These controlled explosions may be fantastic, bringing down a structure with the click of a button or making a massive rock disappear in a flash of light and sound, but they can only take place under the watchful eye of trained explosives workers. They meticulously plan and carry out detonations to destroy structures or move rock and other materials. Explosives workers inspect a blast region to decide the amount and type of explosives to employ, as well as to set safety limitations. They prepare explosive materials, pack them into blast holes, and then detonate them in accordance with local and federal laws governing the use of explosives. Munitions and other explosive materials are moved by ordnance handlers for storage or transportation, generally by rail car or aeroplane. Construction firms, airlines and aeroplane makers, rock and gravel quarries, the oil and gas industry, and the military all have openings for these individuals. Workers with explosives often require a high school diploma or similar.