1

Blaster Helper Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

... blasting activities, monitor plan execution. By combining technical expertise with operational awareness, the successful candidate will help ensure mining activities are delivered safely, efficiently ...

Plant Operator ( Salcha, AK)

AK · On-site

$21.31 - $29/hr

Every day, all around the world, our people help mobilize vital resources essential to progress. Established in 1874, we have grown to become the world leader in mining and civil blasting with a ...

Every day, all around the world, our people help mobilize vital resources essential to progress. Established in 1874, we have grown to become the world leader in mining and civil blasting with a ...

Blaster Helper information

How much does blasting pay?

Blaster helpers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the blasting work. Some positions may offer overtime pay or benefits, especially in industrial or construction environments requiring certifications like OSHA or OSHA-compliant training.

What are typical safety protocols and teamwork practices for a Blaster Helper on a worksite?

As a Blaster Helper, adhering to strict safety protocols is essential since you'll be working with explosives and heavy equipment. Common practices include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following precise instructions from the lead blaster, and participating in daily safety briefings. Teamwork is crucial—Blaster Helpers coordinate closely with other crew members to prepare sites, handle materials, and clear the area during blasting operations. Effective communication and a keen attention to detail help ensure a safe and efficient workflow on every project.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Blaster Helper typically earns less than $4,000 a week; high-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include specialized trades like commercial diving, certain construction management roles, or sales positions in high-value industries. These jobs often require experience, certifications, or skills rather than formal education and may involve physically demanding work or sales expertise.

How much do drill blasters make?

Drill blasters, as part of a blasting crew, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union status. Experienced blasters with certifications can earn higher wages, and some may receive additional benefits or overtime pay in industrial or construction settings.

What is the role of a blaster helper?

A blaster helper assists with explosive blasting operations by preparing materials, setting charges, and supporting safety procedures. They often work under the supervision of a blaster and need knowledge of safety protocols and proper handling of explosives. The role requires physical stamina and adherence to safety regulations to ensure a secure work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Blaster Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blaster Helper, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math skills, physical stamina, and experience or training in handling explosives. Familiarity with blasting equipment, safety protocols, and compliance with OSHA and MSHA regulations are typical technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow strict instructions are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring workplace safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in potentially hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Blaster Helper vs Blaster?

AspectBlaster HelperBlaster
CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly a blasting certificationOSHA safety training, blasting certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in blasting operations, works under supervisionPerforms blasting, handles explosives directly
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares sites, assists with loading explosivesExecutes blasting plans, manages explosives

Blaster Helper and Blaster roles share safety training and work in similar environments. The main difference is that the Blaster Helper assists with preparations and support, while the Blaster performs the actual blasting operations. Both roles require safety certifications, but the Blaster typically needs more specialized training and certification.

What are Blaster Helpers?

Blaster Helpers assist licensed blasters in the preparation, handling, and detonation of explosives used in construction, mining, and demolition projects. Their duties include loading explosives, setting up blast areas, preparing equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Blaster Helpers work under direct supervision to support the safe and efficient execution of blasting operations. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety regulations, and physical stamina.
What are the most commonly searched types of Blaster jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Blaster jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Blaster Helper jobs in Alaska? For Blaster Helper jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Blaster Helper jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Blaster Helper jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Blaster Helper job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Closing Date: August 1, 2026

Location: Red Dog Mine, AK, United States
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Workplace Type: On-site

About Red Dog

Red Dog Operations is both the largest critical minerals mine in the United States and one of the largest zinc mines in the world. In 1982, Red Dog was developed through a partnership between Teck and the land-owner NANA, an Alaska Native corporation owned by the Iñupiat of northwest Alaska. The partnership between Teck and NANA ensures real benefits for the local Iñupiat community, while recognizing there is still more to do as we advance our commitment to sustainable practices and meaningful engagement.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Principal Mine Engineer, the Mine Engineer will provide technical and execution support across Red Dog's Integrated Planning team. The role is responsible for developing safe, practical, and value-driven mine plans while supporting operational execution through collaboration with Mine Operations, Survey, Geology, Geotechnical, Projects and Maintenance. The Mine Engineer contributes across multiple planning horizons, supporting weekly execution plans, production forecasting, annual budgeting, mine design, and continuous improvement initiatives. Mine Engineers are expected to spend regular time in the field working alongside Operations to validate mine conditions, support blasting activities, monitor plan execution. By combining technical expertise with operational awareness, the successful candidate will help ensure mining activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Red Dog's strategic objectives. This role offers the opportunity to work on one of the world's largest zinc mining operations while contributing to the implementation of modern mine planning systems, improving operational performance, and supporting projects that create lasting value for the business.

Rotational Schedule will be 2 weeks on-site with 2 weeks off-site

Responsibilities:
  • Be a courageous safety leader, adhering to and sponsoring safety and environmental rules and procedures
  • Protect the safety and health of employees by promoting safe work practices and supporting Teck's Health, Safety and Environment standards
  • Complete assigned work in a professional manner including technical analysis, mine design, interpretation, reporting, and recommendations
  • Develop and maintain safe, practical, and executable short-, medium-term mine plans.
  • Prepare drill and blast designs that support safe, efficient, and productive mining operations
  • Monitor blast performance and work collaboratively with Operations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in fragmentation, dig ability, and downstream performance
  • Support daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual mine planning processes including production forecasts and budgeting activities
  • Prepare production schedules, haulage plans, dump plans, and supporting operational documentation
  • Spend regular time in the field validating mine conditions, supporting operational execution, inspecting active mining areas, and ensuring mine plans remain practical and achievable
  • Work closely with Mine Operations, Survey, Geology, Geotechnical, Environmental, and Projects to coordinate planning activities and respond to changing operational priorities
  • Monitor mine performance through production reconciliation, KPI tracking, and operational analysis to improve planning accuracy and mining efficiency
  • Evaluate mining sequences, equipment utilization, and operational constraints to recommend practical improvements
  • Support planning for waste rock management, dewatering, haul road development, and other operational improvement initiatives
  • Contribute to implementation and continuous improvement of mine planning systems, scheduling tools, automation initiatives, and digital workflows
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and planning documentation to communicate recommendations and project outcomes
  • Develop an understanding of the Company's organization and contribute toward both individual and team objectives
  • Other related responsibilities as required or assigned
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering or a related Engineering discipline
  • One (1) to five (5) years of mining industry experience
  • Experience in open pit mine planning and drill and blast engineering is considered an asset
  • Experience with drill design software, mine planning software (Deswik, MineSight, Vulcan or similar), and blasting practices is considered an asset
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance technical solutions with operational practicality
  • Comfortable working in both office and field environments, with a willingness to spend significant time supporting operations in the pit
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across Operations and Technical Services
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Microsoft Excel skills
  • Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, or data visualization tools is considered an asset
  • Experience in remote or Arctic mining operations is considered an asset
  • Valid driver's license

Working Conditions:

  • Access: Fly in, fly out
  • Schedule: We offer a two-weeks on / two-weeks off rotational schedule to support a healthy work-life balance.
  • Accommodation: Our modern facilities, including dedicated spaces for group and individual physical activities, weights, cardio equipment, movie rooms, theme nights, and modern accommodation complexes. All meals are provided, making it easier for you to focus on your work and well-being.
  • Culture: At Red Dog, we believe in fostering a safe and healthy environment for all our employees. We are proud to be a drug and alcohol-free workplace and will include a drug test as part of our hiring process.

Why Teck

At Teck, your work matters — to the world, to our communities and to your future.
As a leading Canadian resource company, we focus on responsibly providing the metals essential for global development and the energy transition while caring for the people, communities and land that we love. We do this guided by our values that, together, form The Teck Way. At Teck, you’ll find purpose-driven work, a culture of respect and inclusion, and the opportunity to grow your career while helping build a better world.

Apply with us 

Take the next step in your career by applying for the Mine Engineer role. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement.

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, paid sick leave, vacation days, and a 401k plan. Our two-weeks on/two-weeks off schedule is designed to provide a better work-life balance for our employees.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free hiring process. Accommodations are available upon request, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We appreciate all applicants’ interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Requisition ID: 54315 | Job Category: Engineering | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Location: Red Dog | Workplace Type: #LI - On-site