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Explosive Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carmeuse

Heavy Equipment Operator

Buchanan, VA · On-site

$23.93/hr

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 ...

Carmeuse

Heavy Equipment Operator

Buchanan, VA · On-site

$23.93/hr

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 ...

Parsons

SCA UXO Tech II (deploy to Guam)

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.68 - $71.30/hr

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 ...

BAE Systems

Process Safety Eng Sr Prin

Radford, VA · On-site

$120K - $205K/yr

... explosives and other shock/friction sensitive materials, etc. * Experience in design and/or evaluation of required practices for safely operating hazardous chemical processes. * Experience in reading ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

... 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 ...

Constellis

Driver Operator

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Army

US Army Combat Engineer (12B)

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

City of Danville

Sanitation Operator I

Danville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Collects, moves, or relocates trash, recycling, debris, yard-waste, refuse, etc. by operating ... There is occasional exposure to explosives. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and ...

City of Danville, VA

Sanitation Operator I

Danville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Collects, moves, or relocates trash, recycling, debris, yard-waste, refuse, etc. by operating ... There is occasional exposure to explosives. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and ...

City of Danville, VA

Sanitation Operator I

Danville, VA · On-site

$18.46 - $22.03/hr

Collects, moves, or relocates trash, recycling, debris, yard-waste, refuse, etc. by operating ... There is occasional exposure to explosives. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and ...

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All JobsExplosive Operator JobsExplosive Operator Jobs in Virginia

Explosive Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 are Explosive Operators?

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:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Explosive Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,519 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Carmeuse

Buchanan, VA • On-site

$23.93/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Carmeuse rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 33 rated mining

Job description


Shift: 1st
Pay: Starting at $23.93 per hour
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
General Description: As needed, operates straight or articulated rubber-tired tractor-type vehicle equipped with
front-mounted hydraulically powered bucket or scoop to lift and transport materials to and from storage or
processing areas to load trucks or rail cars and to feed hoppers, conveyors, chutes, etc. As needed, 0perates straight
or articulated rubber-tired dump truck with dump body. As needed, operates skid steer machine with fork, bucket, or
blade attachment. Starts engine, shifts gears, presses pedals and turns steering wheel or steering mechanism to
operate loader. Moves levers to lower and tilt bucket and drives front-end loader to work site and moves levers to
dump material. Works overtime and rotating shifts as required. Performs routine maintenance on loader such as
lubricating, fueling and cleaning. Replaces or assists other workers as needed. Performs other tasks as assigned by
supervision.
Duties:
  • Complete safety, health and task training.
  • Meet requirements for employment and the position.
  • Read & Use the operator's manuals and fill out simple reports such as pre-shift inspection forms.
  • Carry out simple oral & written instructions & deal with simple problems from standardized situations.
  • Have knowledge of the machine's mechanics.
  • Know safety, environmental and other federal, state and local regulations needed for the job.
  • Know quality control considerations.
  • Demonstrate safe, productive job performance.
  • Safely Load and dump materials in designated areas accurately and efficiently.
  • Safely Charge various dump hoppers at established average tons per hour rate as needed
  • Safely lubricate, service and maintain the machine.
  • Safely Perform safety inspections of the machine and work area.
  • Safely perform medium work by occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds.
  • Safely climb on and around equipment and sit for long periods while operating the machine.
  • Safely Perform scheduled maintenance on the assigned machine.
  • Safely complete other assigned training.
  • Safely meet the supervisor's standards of performance.
  • Safely Replaces or assists other workers as needed.
  • Safely performs other tasks as assigned by supervision or designated lead person.
  • PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions provided such accommodations to not create undue hardship to the company. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; walk (including on uneven surfaces); climb stairs (multiple levels/floors) and ladders; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arm; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell; and is occasionally required to stand. Additionally, the job required the employee to work on occasion at heights. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work environment
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, provided such accommodation does not create undue hardship to the company. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; in outside weather conditions; and with explosives; and is frequently exposed to wet and or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, petroleum products, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

About Us
READY TO JOIN A ROCK-SOLID FAMILY?
Carmeuse started out as a small family-run business in Belgium.
Today it's a leading global producer of lime, high calcium limestone and dolomitic stone. Its products are essential to energy producers, environmental services, construction and manufacturing.
With over 90 production facilities spread across almost every continent, and over 4,500 employees working at Carmeuse every day, the company's most treasured resources are its people.
Carmeuse is dedicated to maintaining a workplace that fosters equal opportunity and creates a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
About the Team
You will be part of Carmeuse North America, a Rock-Star team of 2500 workers and employees bringing with them their own culture and specific needs. The North American headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, PA and has over three dozen production facilities across the U.S. and Canada.

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