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Explosive Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Danville

Sanitation Operator I

Danville, VA

$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 ...

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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$10

$22

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How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Explosive operators typically earn between $3,000 and $5,000 per month, often without requiring a college degree but needing specialized training and certifications. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, and skilled trades like electricians or HVAC technicians, which rely on technical skills and apprenticeships. These roles often involve physically demanding work and on-the-job training but can provide a monthly income of around $3,000 or more.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,519 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Armorer (OBMLS Specialist II)

DMS International

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Data Management Services, Inc. (dba: DMS International) is a professional services firm headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, with work locations throughout the continental United States. We prepare managers and executives to lead their workforce through customized learning solutions that drive the standards of an ever-changing world. We build creative, unique and engaging learning experiences for commercial, civilian and defense organizations. Our high-caliber talent, delivery methodology and innovative solutions contribute to preparing a workforce that is ready for the future. You can join us on this journey to bring efficiency and creativity to our customers.
At DMS International (DMS), we are the catalyst for effective workforce transformation. To achieve this, we hire professionals who take pride in doing quality work and who are excited about contributing to the professional development of tomorrow's leaders.
DMS seeks candidates that possess and display the attributes that reflect our Core Values of:
  • Quality in delivering solutions,
  • Leadership,
  • Innovation,
  • Teamwork,
  • Integrity in conduct,
  • Responsiveness to our customer's mission

DMS International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Job Description
DMS is seeking Armorers (OBMLS Specialist II) who will perform support for classroom and field laboratory instruction for U.S. Navy high-risk training evolutions.
Armorer Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform training support duties associated with the delivery of small arms and crew served weapons training. A Armorer performs maintenance on small arms, weapons, weapon mounts, Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS), marking cartridge adapter kits, and Small Arms Weapons Simulators (SAWS). Related tasks include, but are not limited to, detailed disassembly and assembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, gaging, troubleshooting, repair, modification, and documentation of maintenance in electronic service records. The Armorer can receipt, segregate, store, issue, inventory, sub-custody transfer, and sentence ammunition and explosives (AE); conduct motor vehicle inspections; certify Hazard Class 1 materials for transportation in motor vehicles; and can handle, process, store and transport range-related debris and Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard (MPPEH). The Armorer can account for AE in the official record including the requisition, issue, receipt, expenditure, and disposition of assets via computer-based applications. The Armorer can read and understand technical manuals and drawings; identify, requisition, and manage inventories of repair parts, tools, and consumables; and develop SAWS courses of fire. The duties and attributes include:
  • Maintenance of all weapons and associated equipment, as required, for the respective learning site, including:
    • MK-19 MOD 3 40mm grenade launcher
    • M203 40mm grenade launcher
    • M2HB .50-caliber heavy machinegun
    • M240B 7.62mm medium machinegun
    • MK48 MOD 1 7.62mm lightweight machinegun
    • M4A1 5.56mm rifle
    • M500A1 12-gauge shotgun
    • M2A1 .50 Caliber machine gun
    • M18 9mm service pistol
    • M9 9mm service pistol
  • Maintenance Management of Training Unique Equipment (TUE) including (but not limited to):
    • Tactical Training Simulators (TTS)
    • Mobile Weapons Firing Trailers (MWFT)
    • Small Arms Weapons Simulators (SAWS)
    • Modular Indoor Firing Ranges (MIFR)
  • Support equipment, facilities and material maintenance and management activities, including but not limited to:
    • Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) Storage Facilities
    • Civil Engineering Support Equipment (CESE)
    • Government Owned/Leased Non-tactical Vehicles
    • Material Handling Equipment (MHE)
    • Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS)
    • Repair parts inventory
    • Tools and Consumables Items
    • Training Aids (Target stands, barricades, static vehicles, etc.)
    • Weapons Based Training Facilities
    • Weapon Mounts
  • Ammunition management including but not limited to:
    • Dispositioning
    • Handling
    • MPPEH Processing
    • Receipting, Storing, Segregating, Issuing (RSSI)
    • Reporting via Ordnance Information System-Retail (OIS-R) and or Total Ammunition Management Information System (TAMIS)
  • Development of documentation in support of ordnance-based maintenance and AA&E processes including, but not limit to:
    • AA&E Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
    • Conventional Ordnance Deficiency Reports (CODR)
    • Explosive Event Reports (EER)
    • Explosive Mishap Reports (EMR)
    • Product Quality Deficiency Reports (PQDR)
    • Supply Discrepancy Reports (SDR)
    • Technical Manual Deficiency/Evaluation Report (TMDER)
  • Transportation of weapons and ammunition from storage facilities to live ranges
  • Storage and accountability for weapons and ammunition per Navy directives
  • Attending training courses to obtain requisite certifications, as may be appropriate for the respective learning site
  • Possessing a familiarity of the duties and responsibilities associated with the AA&E Program as detailed in OPNAVINST 5530.13D
  • Possess the motivation and ability to research directives, regulations, and policies to determine solutions to problems, issues, and concerns
  • Display strong oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent presentation skills
  • Possess experience in technical writing (military manuals)
  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, with a commitment to customer service
  • Must be proactive in identifying and solving problems
  • Display the ability to manage and meet deadlines
  • Possess familiarity with computers and a working knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Office®
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand, implement, and maintain standards
  • Understanding that work is normally performed in an AE storage facility setting, and on live-fire range facilities, and in some cases, underway on small watercraft including Riverine boats. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, during inclement weather conditions, and in high humidity with extreme heat or cold, depending upon location.
  • Acknowledgement that the number of scheduled courses and/or the tempo of training may create a highly stressful work environment
  • Capable of qualifying as an AE worker, using mature and stable judgment on duty as well as off-duty. AE screening and qualifications are reviewed annually, and failure to maintain AE qualification may result in termination.
  • Perform duties related to enhanced organizational level maintenance (EOLM) on weapons and other training equipment,
  • Manage small arms, ammunition, repair parts, tools, and ancillary equipment,
  • Transport small arms and ammunition to and from training locations.

CENSECFOR Armorer/EMT must:
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Possess an Associate's degree and three (3) years of experience; or four (4) total years of military experience in lieu of a degree
  • Possess a minimum of three (3) years of preventative/corrective weapons maintenance experience (including military crew served weapons, where applicable), and a minimum of two (2) years of experience within an ammunition and weapons management environment
  • Satisfy the requirements of the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968
  • Have completed a U.S. military armorer's course, preferred are the following U.S. Navy certification courses:
    • CENSECFOR EOLM Armorers' course,
    • NSW EOLM Armorers' course,
    • NECC EOLM Armorers' course
  • Possess (preferred) the following U.S. Navy course completions and/or certifications:
    • AMMO 49
    • AMMO 51
    • AMMO Technical Specialist
    • AMMO Administration
    • Fleet Sentencing
    • Ordinance Information System - Retail (OIS-R)
    • Training Ammunition Management Information System (TAMIS)
    • Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard (MPPEH)
  • Demonstrate a familiarity with the Fire Arms Training Systems (FATS®) simulator is preferred
  • Obtain a suitable evaluation for mandatory medical, psychological, and drug screenings.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge night vision, lasers, weapons, and weapon sight technologies, capabilities, and weaknesses.
  • Possess a minimum of three (3) years' experience of preventative/ corrective small arms weapons maintenance with at least two (2) years' experience in an ammunition/weapons management environment
  • Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot complex malfunctions.
  • Demonstrate skill in the use of hand tools, test equipment, and precision measuring equipment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret technical manuals, illustrations, specifications, and diagrams.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer operations is required for inventory control and weapon maintenance record keeping.
  • Possess an active state driver's license.
  • Possess (or be able to obtain) a Class B or Class C Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as required with a HAZMAT endorsement in order to transport ammunition

Job Locations:
  • Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

Position Type:
  • Full-Time/Regular

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