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

The Blaster Apprentice is an entry-level position that provides hands-on training and development opportunities within the drilling and blasting industry. Working alongside experienced blasting professionals, this role assists with blast preparation, explosive handling, vibration monitoring, equipment operation, and general field support activities while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in blasting.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, traveling, being part of a team, and learning specialized skills in a safety-focused environment. ARI believes in developing employees from within and provides opportunities for motivated individuals to grow their knowledge, responsibilities, and career opportunities over time.

Schedule

• Typical schedule includes 12–14 hour shifts.
• While working on projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, employees typically depart from ARI headquarters on Sunday or Monday and return on Friday.
• When assigned to projects outside the Pacific Northwest, employees may work extended travel rotations, typically consisting of 4 weeks on and 1 week off.
  
  

Work Location

• Dispatched from Springfield, OR with work performed on various remote job sites across ARI's service areas.
  
  

Compensation

• Wage Range: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour, depending on experience
• Full benefits package available for full-time employees
  
  

Job Requirements/ Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Previous construction, mining, heavy equipment, agricultural, outdoor labor, or related industry experience required.
• Minimum age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: High School Degree or equivalent
• Driver License: 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.
• ATF clearance: Must pass a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in compliance with federal explosive handling regulations.
• Drug Test and Physical Screening: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident testing. ARI maintains a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.
• Travel commitment: Travel away from home is required. Transportation is provided from ARI headquarters in Springfield. This position typically departs Sunday or Monday evenings and returns Friday evenings.
• Physical requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 75 pounds and remain on feet for long hours.
  
  

Additional Skills Required

• 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.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Blast Preparation: Assists Blaster in Charge with day-of-blast activities to ensure execution according to the Blast Plan
• Explosive Handling: Prepares, handles, loads, and detonates explosives for controlled blasting in a variety of environments
• Stemming: Places and packs stemming materials to confine detonations using a shovel or by hand.
• Vibration Monitoring: Assists with setup and monitoring of seismograph equipment, working toward proficiency
• Equipment Operation: Operates support equipment (e.g., reach lifts, skid steers) for loading explosives
• Drone Operation: Assists in capturing drone footage of blasting operations
• Housekeeping and Site Organization: Assists with maintaining clean, organized, and safe work areas, equipment, vehicles, and storage locations.
• Operational Support: Performs pre- and post-blast safety checks, equipment prep, material handling, and other field tasks as directed
• Team Communication: Participate in weekly team meetings to align with schedule and goals
  
  

Safety

• 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.
  
  

Benefits

• 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.
  
  

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or other bases prohibited by applicable law.

Department: Drilling & Blasting

This is a non-management position

This is a full time position