Blaster Lead - McMurdo Station

About the role

Amentum is hiring a Blaster Lead to oversee all blasting operations in and around McMurdo Station. The role provides planning and leadership to keep blasting efficient and productive, leads small teams under the guidance of the Supervisor within Fleet Operations, and coordinates with ASC departments to meet the needs of the United States Antarctic Program. It also involves operating heavy equipment when blasting is not underway.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the safe storage, handling and use of commercial-grade explosives for science, construction and maintenance projects, and advise NSF-sponsored scientists when required.
• Maintain exclusive authority over the explosives cache, keeping it safely distanced, marked and secured, and inspect it regularly against manufacturer and government regulations.
• Keep accurate inventory records, dispose of dated explosives and provide end-of-season usage reports.
• Estimate future blast and drill needs, measure, wire and detonate explosives following IME and BATF procedures, and design blast charges.
• Act as blaster-in-charge at blast sites, supervise explosives-related work and limit access to authorized personnel.
• Lead small teams of equipment operators and others, coordinate with other HEO Leads and Foremen, and ensure safe, efficient use of equipment.
• Perform daily equipment checks, train and evaluate team members, and report issues through the Vehicle Maintenance Facility.
• Operate light vehicles and heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, cranes and snow-moving equipment.
• Comply with environmental health, safety and quality assurance requirements, and perform physical work including heavy lifting and outdoor work in extreme cold.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED; college degree preferred.
• At least 5 years' experience as a certified Explosives Handler/Blaster in construction-related blasting; evidence of a previous license or certification preferred.
• One year of experience as an equipment operator or driller.
• Ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods, with successful medical, dental, drug screening, employer and federal background checks.
• Willingness to work in austere, resource-limited conditions and to perform heavy physical work in extreme cold.

Required skills

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• General knowledge of project schedules and planning.
• Preferred: Class A CDL license, experience with permafrost and snow blasting, and prior cold-climate equipment operations.