Blaster Apprentice

Company Overview
Aggregate Resource Industries, Inc. (ARI) is a leading mining and construction services contractor headquartered in Springfield, Oregon. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and construction industries, including rock drilling, blasting, and crushing operations throughout the United States. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and quality has established ARI as a trusted partner for mining and construction projects nationwide — and earned us recognition as one of Oregon’s Top Workplaces for our dedication to employees and culture.

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 ARI! This entry-level 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. 

If you are eager to learn, adaptable in dynamic field environments, and want to be part of a team that values integrity, grit, teamwork, and the drive to elevate, we encourage you to apply!

Compensation

• Wage Range: $20-$24/hr.
• Benefits: Generous benefits package including per diem, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, holiday pay and more. 

• Industry Experience: Experience working in construction preferred.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certification: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction certification is strongly preferred. If not already obtained, the company will work with the employee to complete the certification prior to the start date.
• Driving Requirements: 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 Commitment: 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, typically Sunday or Monday evenings, returning home Friday evenings. 
• Background Check: Candidates are submitted to a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to screen felony records in compliance with federal regulations.
• Drug Test and Physical Requirement: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident drug testing. For safety reasons, we have a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana use.
• Physical Requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods of time.

• Values-Driven: Embodies ARI’s values of integrity, teamwork, grit, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to learn: Eager to pursue ongoing training and development.
• Communication: Strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Safety awareness: Committed to safe work practices and adhering to procedures.
• Adaptability: Flexible and reliable in changing project environments.

• Blast Preparation: Assists Blaster in Charge in all day-of-blast activities, ensuring that the work is executed in accordance with the Blast Plan.
• Explosive Handling: Prepares, handles, loads, and detonates controlled explosives used to loosen earth and rock in construction, rock quarries, mines, development, and other specialty projects.
• Stemming: Places, using a shovel or by hand, earth, aggregate, or drill cuttings (“stemming”) into blast holes after charge placement and tamps material to confine the detonation.
• Vibration Monitoring: Assists with seismograph (vibration monitoring instrument) deployment and monitoring and works towards proficiency with use.
• Equipment Operation: Operates support equipment (i.e., reach lifts and skid steers) for the loading of explosives agents into drill holes.
• Team Communication: Participates in weekly Blasting Department Teams meetings to stay informed and aligned with project scheduling and department goals. 
• Drone Operation: Assists with capturing drone footage of blasting operations.
• Operational Support: Assists with a wide range of field tasks to support safe and efficient blasting operations, including safety checks, equipment preparation, material handling, post-blast inspections, and other duties as assigned by the Blaster in Charge.
• Team Communication: Participate in weekly team meetings to align with schedule and goals

• Safety commitment: Maintains a safety-first mindset and consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and regulations to help ensure a safe work environment for self and others.

• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs that require more than 1.5 hours of one-way travel, ARI arranges and covers 100% of lodging accommodations.
• Paid travel-time
• Health Insurance We offer health insurance at a cost of $59/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 offer Dental insurance through Cigna and cover a portion of the employee premium for dental benefits.
• 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