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Explosive Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operator II Conversion - 2nd Shift Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in ... May include mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive and radiation hazards. Employees are ...

Under the direction of the Operations Team Lead and/or general supervision, the operator technician ... Daily work near chemicals that are hazardous and explosive. You should be proficient in: * High ...

Individuals must be appropriately licensed for the class of vehicle being operated. (f) Transport military munitions, commercial explosives, and MDEH that meets the criteria in Paragraphs 2.2.b.(1)(a ...

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... operator * Assists Blaster with monitoring the relationship between blast pattern and type of digging * Assists Blaster with accounting for explosives and drill supply usage and inventory * May ...

Read & Use the operator's manuals and fill out simple reports such as pre-shift inspection forms ... with explosives; and is frequently exposed to wet and or humid conditions, fumes or airborne ...

Read & Use the operator's manuals and fill out simple reports such as pre-shift inspection forms ... with explosives; and is frequently exposed to wet and or humid conditions, fumes or airborne ...

Basic explosive hazards * Constructing wire obstacles * Fixed bridge building * Basic urban operations * Operating heavy equipment Helpful Skills: * Ability to use hand and power tools * Perform ...

When operating a crash truck, maneuvers vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring ... explosive cargo. * Performs standby duty, when required, during aircraft and defueling, engine ...

Showing results 21-40

Explosive Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive operator in Virginia is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosive operator?

Explosive Operators are skilled workers responsible for handling, preparing, and detonating explosives used in various industries, such as mining, construction, demolition, and military applications. They follow strict safety protocols to ensure the safe storage, transportation, and use of explosive materials. Their duties often include assembling charges, setting up blasting equipment, and monitoring blasts to minimize risks to people, property, and the environment. Extensive training and adherence to legal regulations are essential requirements for this job. Explosive Operators must also be detail-oriented and capable of working in high-pressure, potentially hazardous situations.

What is the difference between Explosive Operator vs Blasting Technician?

AspectExplosive OperatorBlasting Technician
Required CertificationsExplosive License, Safety TrainingExplosive License, Safety Training
Work EnvironmentConstruction, Mining, Demolition sitesMining, Quarrying, Construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageMining companies, construction firmsMining companies, quarry operators
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Explosive Operators and Blasting Technicians both handle explosives in construction and mining environments, requiring similar certifications and safety training. While Explosive Operators often oversee the entire blasting process, Blasting Technicians typically assist with setup and monitoring. Both roles are essential for safe and effective blasting operations within the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by explosive operators and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Explosive Operators often face challenges related to maintaining strict safety protocols, managing stress in high-risk environments, and ensuring precise handling of materials. To address these challenges, workplaces provide thorough safety training, enforce rigorous procedural checklists, and encourage open communication within tightly coordinated teams. Regular drills, mental health support, and ongoing education are also common practices to help operators stay prepared and confident while minimizing risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an explosive operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Explosive Operator, you need a solid understanding of explosives handling, safety regulations, and hazardous materials protocols, often supported by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with detonation equipment, safety gear, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Keen attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, precise, and efficient handling of explosives, minimizing risks to people and property.

What are popular job titles related to Explosive Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Explosive Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Explosive Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,519 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Operator II Conversion - 2nd Shift

Mativ

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$17.43/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Mativ rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Operator II Conversion - 2nd Shift
Mativ is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Company offers a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that connect, protect, and purify our world.
Description:
Our Conversion Operator supports Mativ's machine operation. This individual will efficiently and safely perform the duties of conversion line machine operation, including identifying the correct raw materials required, start-up, set-up, and running for production. The shift schedule is 4PM-12AM. Must be able to work overtime when required.
Responsibilities:
  • Ability to read and understand the production schedule and BOM
  • Ability to perform all functions of the set-up including:
    1. Selecting proper raw materials (box, labels, and netting).
    2. Understand proper product characteristics required (length, width, etc.).
    • Ability to cycle the machine with limited assistance from maintenance.
    • Test initial product, length, bag alignment where applicable, etc.
    • Make necessary line adjustments.
    • Verify product is in spec per work orders.
    • Package product in accordance with packaging instructions.
    • Label products with lot number, serial, product type or description.
    • Adhere to Food Safety Regulations as applicable.

Qualifications:
Required
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Read & understand English (US Customary) measuring system
    • Able to read ruler measurement to the nearest ¼
  • Basic computer skills
  • Basic math skills

Preferred
  • Past packaging experience

Position Demands
Conditions are that of a manufacturing environment:
  • Air Temperatures can range from cold to hot.
  • Atmosphere may contain dust, fumes, and odors.
  • May include mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive and radiation hazards.

Employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including:
  • Safety shoes (steel toe or composite toe)
  • Safety Glasses
  • Bump Caps
  • Protective Gloves, when performing certain tasks
  • Hearing Protection, when required
  • Other personal protective equipment as required for certain tasks.
  • Respirator (include for required positions)

While performing the duties of this job the employee must meet the physical demands:
  • Be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Be able to push or pull heavy objects up to 250 pounds.
  • Be able to work 12-hour shifts.
  • Perform repetitive tasks.
  • Routinely stand, sit, hear, walk, and talk.
  • Reach, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, twist, and balance, sometimes in awkward or tight spaces.
  • Have good close vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Meet Mativ certification requirements to operate PIV's (include if applicable).

This position has an hourly base wage of $17.43 an hour and hours worked between 4pm-8am are eligible for a $1 per hours shift differential.
WHAT WE OFFER
Mativ benefits say a lot about how we care for each other. Our employees and their families have many different needs. As a result, our benefits offer choices on many levels and are high in quality, competitive in the marketplace, and affordable.
ABOUT MATIV
Mativ Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The company connects, protects, and purifies the world every day through a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that solve our customers' most complex challenges. We manufacture on three continents and generate sales in nearly 100 countries through our family of business-to-business and consumer product brands. The company's two segments, Filtration & Advanced Materials and Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions, target premium applications across diversified and growing end-markets, from filtration to healthcare to sustainable packaging and more. Our broad portfolio of technologies combines polymers, fibers, and resins to optimize the performance of our customers' products across multiple stages of the value chain. Our leading positions are a testament to our best-in-class global manufacturing, supply chain, and materials science capabilities. We drive innovation and enhance performance, finding potential in the impossible.

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