Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Explosives may be placed and detonated to bring down buildings or to move or shift large amounts of dirt, rock, or other materials. The ability to handle, store, and account for items in a variety of unique ways.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT EXPLOSIVES WORKER, ORDNANCE HANDLING EXPERT, AND BLASTER CAREERS

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.

Employment Projections

Annual projected job openings Subscribe to see

Wages


Average Wages Subscribe to see

Characteristics

Leadership
Exposure to job hazards
Comfort of the work setting
Dealing and handling conflicts
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Physical demands

Activities

Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Handling and Moving Objects Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Performing General Physical Activities Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Law and Government Know More
Mathematics Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More
Transportation Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Monitoring Know More
Operation Monitoring Know More
Operation and Control Know More
Time Management Know More