Drill & Blast Supervisor

Job Title: Drill & Blast Supervisor

SOC code: 47-1011

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Department/Location: Alaska

Reports to: Project Manager

Status: Temporary, Full-Time

Schedule:

Monday through Sunday – As needed – Overtime based on seasonal workload. Estimated working hours: 6:00 am 6:30 pm.

Summary:

The Drill and Blast Supervisor is a working field leader responsible for safely performing drilling and blasting work and for directing drilling and blasting crews in support of construction, mining, and rock excavation activities. This position retains hands-on responsibility for operating drills, loading explosives, initiating blasts, maintaining equipment, and enforcing jobsite safety requirements. In periods of increased workload, the role also includes planning crew size, coordinating multiple drillers, and determining when a second blaster or additional support personnel are needed to complete production efficiently and safely.

Essential Functions:

• Operate drilling equipment such as jackhammers, rotary drills, and hammer drills, and accurately position equipment to achieve required depth and angle for production drilling.
• Load explosives into drilled holes in a safe and controlled manner while following company procedures and applicable safety requirements.
• Perform blast hookup, timing, and firing activities to ensure safe and effective blasting operations.
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and assist with repair of drills, blasting machines, and related equipment used in drilling and blasting operations.
• Enforce safe work practices, including use of proper PPE, work area control, barricading, and blast area clearance prior to firing.
• Lead and direct daily work of assigned drillers, blasters, and helpers to meet project production goals, quality standards, and schedule demands.
• Plan drilling and shooting activities based on project scope, production targets, and site conditions, and assign personnel and equipment accordingly.
• Determine when workload warrants additional manpower, including hiring or requesting multiple drillers and a second blaster when drill-and-shoot quantities justify expanded crew coverage.
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring new drillers, blasters, and support personnel to build a capable and safe crew.
• Monitor crew performance, provide direction and correction in the field, and communicate staffing, performance, or safety concerns to management.
• Coordinate drilling and blasting activities with superintendents, project managers, mechanics, trucking, and other field crews to avoid delays and maintain efficient flow.
• Complete required field documentation, blast records, equipment inspections, safety paperwork, and production reporting accurately and on time.
• Verify crew compliance with company policy, site-specific requirements, and applicable explosives handling and blasting procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead person over drilling and blasting operations on assigned projects or work areas.
• Direct day-to-day activities of one or more drillers and, when required, one or more blasters.
• Adjust crew structure based on production needs, job complexity, schedule pressure, weather, and site access.
• Train employees on drilling patterns, loading procedures, blast area control, equipment care, and field safety expectations.
• Assist management with hiring recommendations, work evaluations, disciplinary input, and crew development.
• Ensure all crew members understand their assigned tasks, hazards, and expectations before work begins.

Physical Abilities:

• Standing and kneeling for extended periods: Driller blasters may need to stand or kneel for long periods of time while operating drilling equipment or loading explosives.
• Lifting heavy objects: The job requires lifting heavy equipment 50+ pounds, such as drills, sand bags or explosives and carrying them to different locations on the jobsite.
• Climbing and working at heights: Driller blasters will need to climb ladders or work at heights to access drilling locations or to place explosives.
• Working in confined spaces: This job may require working in tight or cramped spaces.
• Enduring loud noises and vibrations: Drilling and blasting activities can product loud noises and vibrations that can be physically taxing and potentially harmful.
• Working in extreme weather conditions: the job may require working in extreme weather conditions such as snow, rain and freezing temperatures.

Other Tasks:

• Load and unload various equipment and machines from or to truck.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and preferably can also perform other tasks satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum:

• Four years of experience in skilled building trades. 6 months of prior experience as a laborer.
• Basic skills in carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work.

Preferred:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Specific trade certifications/licenses.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic carpentry, mechanical and basic electrical and plumbing work.
• Knowledge of operations and safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively with fellow workers and clients.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform physical labor in harsh winter conditions.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in small group situations.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all unites of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, and to interpret miscellaneous drawings and schematics.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs and manipulate up to 100lbs.
• Ability to work comfortably at heights and in small spaces.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Skilled in problem solving everyday work-related challenges.

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Frequency is defined as follows:

• NP = Not Present
• Rare = 1–10% of the workday
• Occasional = 11–33% of the workday
• Frequent = 34–66% of the workday
• Constant = 67–100% of the workday

Activity Requirements

• Sitting – Frequent
• Standing – Frequent
• Walking – Frequent
• Reaching (Overhead, Straight Ahead, Downward) – Frequent
• Bending/Stooping – Frequent
• Crouching – Frequent
• Kneeling – Frequent
• Crawling – Frequent
• Climbing (onto equipment) – Frequent
• Twisting (including wrist) – Frequent
• Handling – Frequent
• Finger Dexterity – Constant
• Feeling – Occasional
• Talking – Occasional
• Hearing – Occasional
• Balancing – Occasional
• Operating Foot Controls – Occasional

Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Requirements

• Frequent: Up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional: Up to 100 lbs.

Working Conditions:

Environmental Conditions & Inherent Hazards:

• Weather Exposure: Work will involve exposure to inclement weather, including rain, snow, ice, and arctic temperatures ranging from 0°F to -50°F.
• Heat: Extreme heat is not typically present.
• Noise: Frequent exposure to noise from equipment.
• Vibration: Occasional exposure to normal equipment vibration.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Possible exposure to diesel fumes, dust, and other airborne particles.

Hazards:

• Moving Mechanical Parts: May not experience.
• Electrical: Potential exposure to electric shock from generator sets and other site equipment.
• Work at Heights: May require situations which require fall protection.
• Fuel & Chemicals: May occasionally be exposed.
• General Construction Hazards: Must remain aware of potential risks associated with heavy equipment and construction environments.

EEO Statement:

Cruz Construction, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, other protected activities, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. **This employer participates in E-Verify. Este Empleador Participa en E-Verify.**

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.