What are the responsibilities and job description for the Drill & Blast Superintendent position at Ames Construction?
Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed.
We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.
At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.
Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.
When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.
At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.
Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.
When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout all drilling and blasting operations.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily drill and blast activities to meet project schedules and production targets.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable MSHA, OSHA, ATF, DOT, and environmental regulations.
- Develop and review blast plans, patterns, loading procedures, and sequencing.
- Coordinate with engineering, survey, and project management teams to ensure proper blast design and execution.
- Monitor blast performance and implement improvements to optimize fragmentation, productivity, and cost efficiency.
- Oversee handling, transportation, storage, security, and inventory of explosives and blasting agents.
- Conduct pre-blast meetings, hazard assessments, and post-blast evaluations.
- Ensure proper documentation of blast records, vibration monitoring, seismograph reports, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage and mentor drill operators, blasters, powder crews, and support personnel.
- Coordinate equipment, manpower, and materials to maximize operational efficiency.
- Inspect drilling and blasting equipment to ensure safe operation and maintenance compliance.
- Investigate incidents, near misses, and operational issues and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain effective communication with owners, inspectors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
- Assist with project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and production reporting.
- Ensure quality control standards are maintained throughout all blasting operations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in drilling and blasting operations within heavy civil construction, mining, quarrying, or large earthwork projects.
- Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory or superintendent-level experience.
- Extensive knowledge of blasting principles, explosives, initiation systems, and blast design.
- Thorough understanding of MSHA, OSHA, ATF, DOT, and environmental regulations.
- Experience managing large-scale rock excavation, highway, dam, mining, tunneling, or infrastructure projects.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and blast designs.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with GPS machine control, survey coordination, and production tracking preferred.
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain all required blasting licenses and certifications.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and construction management software.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and travel as project needs require.
- State Blaster's License
- MSHA Surface and/or Underground Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification
- Explosives Handling and Storage Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certification
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain.
- Frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to access active construction and blasting areas safely.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirator, and high-visibility clothing.
- Competitive compensation package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- ESOP
- Career advancement opportunities
- Challenging, high-profile heavy civil projects
- Commitment to safety, innovation, and professional development
Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.