Blaster Apprentice

Company Overview
Aggregate Resource Industries, Inc. is a specialty subcontractor headquartered in Springfield, OR, United States, focusing on rock drilling, blasting, and crushing operations, alongside the operation of rock quarries for retail sales of construction aggregates. Our drilling operations span multiple states and cater to diverse sectors, including utility-scale renewable energy (wind and solar foundation pile pre-drilling), data center and warehouse development (foundation and utility drilling and blasting), and surface mine drilling and blasting. Additionally, our portable crushing division produces crushed quarry aggregate for use as base rock in construction projects, with our retail quarry operations offering these materials for sale to the general public. 

Position Overview
Are you drawn to hands-on trade work, excited about the prospect of outdoor exploration, and ready to dive into a dynamic team environment? Discover the world of rock blasting as a Blaster Apprentice with us! This position is responsible for assisting and learning all aspects of rock blasting. This includes the preparation, handling, loading and detonation of controlled explosives used to loosen earth and rock in construction, rock quarries, mines, development, and other specialty projects. This role offers a unique opportunity for comprehensive on-the-job training, travel to diverse project sites, and the chance to work alongside a dedicated team that utilizes controlled explosives to shape physical landscapes.

Compensation

• Typical hourly earnings: $20-$24/hr.
• Per diem: $40 per day when staying in a company paid lodging accommodations. 
• Generous benefits package including company transportation to jobs, paid travel time, per diem, insurance, 401k with matching, paid time off and more. 

• Experience working in construction preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that includes no more than 3 moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the last 3 years and no DUIIs.
• Travel away from home is a required part of this position. We provide transportation from our headquarters in Springfield. This position typically works away from home, travelling Sunday eve and returning home Friday eve.
• We submit candidates to a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to screen felony records as appropriate in compliance with federal government restrictions.
• We will administer a pre-employment drug test and physical. For safety reasons, we have a zero tolerance drug policy, including marijuana use.
• Physical stamina with the ability to lift 50 pounds and work on feet for long hours.

• Resilient with the ability to overcome challenges, adapt to change and work successfully in a dynamic and evolving work environment. 
• Ability to work well with both a team and independently. 
• Eagerness to learn and seek opportunities for ongoing training and development.

• Assists Blaster in Charge in all day-of-blast activities, ensuring that the work is executed in accordance with the Blast Plan.
• Prepares, handles, loads, and detonates controlled explosives used to loosen earth and rock in construction, rock quarries, mines, development, and other specialty projects.
• Assists with seismograph (vibration monitoring instrument) deployment and monitoring and works towards proficiency with use.
• Operates support equipment (i.e., reach lifts and skid steers) for the loading of explosives agents into drill holes.
• Assists with capturing drone footage of blasting operations.

• Views safety as paramount and continually works with team members to maintain a safe operation.
• Properly follows all company policies and OSHA / MSHA regulations to promote a safe working environment.

• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Hotel When working on jobs requiring more than 1.5 hours one-way travel time, we arrange and pay 100 percent of hotel rooms.
• Paid travel-time
• Health Insurance We offer health insurance at a cost of $54/month for the employee portion of the basic plan. We also offer buy up plan options that have lower deductibles. 
• Vision Insurance We cover 100% of vision premiums
• Dental Insurance We pay 25% of employee premiums
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employees are given the option to contribute a portion of their earnings, pre-tax, into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). They can use the funds contributed to their account to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses that are not covered by insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance We offer a voluntary insurance program for Critical Illness, Accident Protection, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) With this benefit program, employees and members of their household can receive free, confidential counseling services to help work through both personal and professional issues.
• 401k We match 100% of the first 3% of your salary that you contribute, and 50% of the amount that exceeds 3%, up to 5% of your annual earnings. In addition, ARI may make a profit-sharing contribution to your account at the end of the plan year.

Department: Drilling & Blasting
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position